GameHoof.com

Developer Valve Corporation
Publisher Valve Corporation
Distributor Steam (online)
Designer “IceFrog”
Platform Mac OS X, Windows
Release date Q4 2011
Genre Action RTS

Dota 2 is an upcoming action fantasy real-time strategy video game, developed by Valve Corporation. It is the sequel to the highly-popular Defense of the Ancients mod independently developed for Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne. The title was formally announced on October 13, 2010, in an article on the Game Informer website. The game’s lead designer is the longest-serving and current developer of Defense of the Ancients, known as “IceFrog”, who continues to maintain his public anonymity, while leading a development team at Valve. The game will be released by Valve, through both retail and Steam, for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. Dota 2 marks Valve’s first fantasy video game and first Action RTS game.

Gameplay

Much like the original Defense of the Ancients title, Dota 2 combines the real-time strategy element of traditional top-down perspective, while also incorporating the leveling and itemization system of a role playing game. Players assume the role of a unit categorized as a “hero”, who through hostile interactions, may progress to a maximum level of 25. The basic setup of Dota 2 places two strongholds with “ancients” at opposing ends of an evenly-balanced map with multiple connecting regions identified as “lanes”, in which enemy units primarily traverse, while also combating powerful defensive towers along the way. Players are split into two teams, ideally in a five-on-five format, to compete as the primary defenders for each ancient.

The overall objective of each match is to battle through the opposing force’s defenses, in order to arrive at and destroy the opponents’ ancient. The towers and stronghold defenses are invulnerable to attacks so long as the farther distanced towers still stand. Periodically, groups of weaker infantry units commonly called “creeps” are spawned, which move along their lane until they reach an enemy unit or structure, which they will then attack.

Defeating enemy forces grants a distributed amount of currency of gold to the offending team, with the greater portion being retained by the player who made the final blow. While also gaining gold, the players will gain experience as well, which accumulates to gain higher levels. The greatest proportion of gold and experience comes from destroying higher priority forces, such as enemy heroes and towers.

Dota 2 will utilize Valve’s Steam software in order to provide social and community functionality for the game. Steam accounts will save personal files and settings on the online accounts using the Steam Cloud. Dota 2 will also feature free-camera live spectating, in tradition of competitive Valve titles. The game host has the option to fill open slots with AI bots. Another option allows the host to determine if AI bots or other human players will be used to fill the vacated slot of a disconnected player. Valve is introducing a coaching system to allow for more experienced players to tutor newer players. The game will also feature tutorial sessions for further assisting players to mount the steep learning curve before competitive play.

Dota 2 will remain completely based around instant action multiplayer activity, excluding a single-player campaign, but retaining a strong lore tied into the gameplay, including individual hero back-stories and vocal interactions in-game.