How Dota 2 impacts players lives: research findings

Dota 2 is a MOBA game by Valve that has an immense effect on much of its gaming population, and this effect is mainly witnessed in the emotional aspect. More than fifty percent of interviewed players admitted that Dota 2 has greatly changed their lives both emotionally and in terms of time management and financial investments.

Data from a recent study conducted by University of Kuala Lumpur and published on ResearchGate show the same thing. This study was aimed at investigating how Dota 2 affected emotions as well as social interactions among players. The findings obtained through player surveys reveal how gaming experience has impacted on people participating in this research.

Influence of Dota 2 on Game Players Life

According to data from the study, while 72.3% respondents agreed with various reasons for which DotA affects them personally, the remaining (27.7%) stated having no significant impacts or being indifferent to this issue. It is mentioned that Dota 2 has the greatest influence when it comes to emotional aspects, especially negative emotions caused by losses in matches or AFK teammates as well as toxic behavior by other players.

Even among the thirty five per cent who confirmed that Dota 2 did affect their life meaningfully just about thirty five percent came out openly to say that they had experienced bad things only. Majority, precisely sixty five percent expressed positive feelings towards games, spending good time on matches and admitting an affirmative change brought about by this game.

Based on our analysis, many respondents belonging to these 35% do not perceive gaming merely as entertainment but rather approach it seriously enough for it to affect their close emotional perception of defeats.

Social Interaction Among Dota 2 Players

Regarding social interactions, most players (62.71%) reported some encounters with friendly users in Dota 2 every now and then; however, some participants (10.7% respondents) claimed never coming across any friendly ones.

However, some twenty six per cent pointed out that they constantly run into such positive players, which casts doubt on a lot of complaints about toxicity within the Dota 2 community if we look at the data from this study.

Time Spent by Players in Dota 2

Further, respondents were requested to indicate how much time per week they spend playing Dota 2. The most unexpected results occurred since it was shown that one third of them spends up to fifty hours weekly for this entertainment that is indicative of its importance in their lives and seventeen percent more than fifty hours. Thus, many participants of MOBA gaming society cannot imagine their lives without Dota 2.

However, as said in the author’s conclusions, moderate gaming does not affect academic performance; some even noted an improvement in their university achievements because of it. Therefore, sensible engagement in DotA 2 may sometimes influence positively on certain aspects of life. This applies to about half of the interviewed who dedicate less than fourteen hours each week on MOBA games.

Money Spent by Players on Dota 2

On the other hand, despite being free-to-play and with financial investments mainly cosmetic rather than gameplay-related effects, users still buy things for money. For instance, 56.6% claimed spending over $10 for cosmetics or event items purchased from shops while playing DotA.

Scientists believe that this arises from the desire to be unique, using attractive skins and visual effects to fulfill their feelings. In Dota 2, it is this reason that makes people invest in it. It is interesting that almost fifty percent of the respondents admitted to spending more than $20 on a free game.

Playing Dota 2 as Part of Everyday Life

It should be noted however, that according to research results, for many players of Dota 2 it is not just a game. As soon as they wake up they start playing Dota 2 before doing any work or study tasks. Work or study takes precedence over playing Dota 2 with more than half of the players but after completing important tasks they can play their favorite Dota 2. There are 5% respondents who played the game strictly following some schedule. Another five percent would neglect important things in order to play several matches.

This kind of attitude towards Dota 2 says about strong emotional attachment and importance of the game for its users. Thus, already here one can say that Dota 2 is no longer a Valve game category anymore but a full hobby or even serious occupation which occupies an important place in life of players. Besides emotions, MOBA can also act as a catalyst for time and monetary management changes: this is evident from gamers’ readiness to invest money into a free product.

If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of esports, check out our other research, where we explore tournaments, strategies, and the overall growth of the industry.