DOTA 2

What is DOTA 2? DOTA 2 is an action fantasy strategy video game currently under development by Valve Corporation as a sequel to the Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne custom scenario Defense of the Ancients. The title was formally announced last October 13, 2010, in an article on Game Informer's website.

Much like the original Defense of the Ancients title, Dota 2 combines the real-time strategy element of traditional perspective projection, while also incorporating the leveling and itemization system of a role playing game. Players assume the role of a unit categorized as a "hero", which can be leveled up 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.

The overall objective of each game 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" will be spawned. Creeps will 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 feature free-camera spectating. 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 new players.

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As the sequel to Defense of the Ancients, the development cycle of Dota 2 has been concentrated primarily upon fully transferring the aspects of its predecessor to the Source engine, as well as building upon the core gameplay. In the debut Q&A, IceFrog stated that Dota 2 will serve as the long-term continuation of the game, building upon the original gameplay without making too many significant core changes that might change the overall experience. Dota 2 will also 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.