As you can probably tell from the title, the answer is yes. There are things that I’ve learned by playing DOTA 2 that I have been able to apply in real-life scenarios.
What is MOBA anyway?
Before we dive into the life lessons, it’s best if we establish what MOBA is. Multiplayer Online Battle Arena is a strategy video game sub-genre that pits two teams against one another in a predetermined arena. A player assumes the role of a single character and is then grouped up with other online players to form a team. The winner of a match is determined when a team captures the other team’s base or if the main objective of the game has been achieved. Popular MOBA games include League of Legends and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.
That said, here are the life skills I’ve picked up from MOBA:
From DOTA 2 Official Website
Life Skill #1: Thinking On Your Feet
MOBA games are widely considered a derivative of the real-time strategy (RTS) genre. As such, adaptability and quick decision-making are just some of the skills that one needs to develop over time to “git gud” at the game.
Life Skill #2: CCnC (Cool, Calm, and Collected)
I cannot think of a better way to test your patience than playing a complex game while being verbally harassed by a bunch of fellow players. If you somehow managed to achieve composure despite the toxicity of online gaming, then I can assure you that staying calm while dealing with real-life issues would be second nature.
Life Skill #3: Resilience
Try as you might, things will not always go your way in DOTA 2. Thus, having the ability to recover from bad team fights or unforced errors will help you develop resilience–a skill that will really come in handy in dealing with issues outside of the game.
Life Skill #4: Thinking Outside The Box
Going with the meta and following suggested item builds are always good. However, every once in a while, you need to go against the grain to be able to strike your opponents when they least expect it.
Life Skill #5: There Is No “I” in Team
No matter how skillful you are individually, MOBA games are a team game. A crucial component of a successful team is effective communication, whether it be verbal or non-verbal. This is something that high-ranking MOBA players develop over time because it just makes the game a lot more fun to play.
Playing MOBA games is not a means to an end in terms of developing the set of skills mentioned above. However, it’s good to know that you can passively acquire these traits just by doing what you love to do.
The whole concept behind MOBA games is to be able to test your skills against other online players. DOTA 2 and other similar titles are best enjoyed with a fiber-fast Internet connection from PLDT Fiber Plus Plans. Subscribe today to the Philippines’ undisputed fastest Internet for five years straight!