DotA 2, a massively popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, boasts a global player base, a thriving esports scene, an animated adaptation, and more. The titan that is DotA 2 is now owned by Valve.
Originally, DotA 2’s roots trace back to a custom map created by a fan of Blizzard’s 1998 game, StarCraft: Blood War. This map gained immense popularity and was eventually ported to Blizzard’s Warcraft 3, laying the foundation for the competitive genre we know today.
The development of DotA Allstars, the original mod that inspired DotA 2, was a collaborative effort by modders including Kyle “Eul” Sommer, Steve “Guinsoo” Feak, and Neichus, with IceFrog taking over as the lead developer later on.
There was controversy surrounding the official community site, dota-allstars.com, which was sold to Riot Games, causing backlash from the DotA community. Pendragon, a controversial figure in the community, faced criticism for various actions, including trademarking the name Defence of the Ancients and the subsequent legal disputes with Blizzard.
Despite the turmoil, Valve, along with IceFrog, took over the development of Dota 2, continuing to shape and enhance the game to this day. The dedication of IceFrog and the DotA community has played a pivotal role in maintaining the legacy of Dota 2.
