Hey friend! If you‘re interested in gaming, you‘ve probably heard of League of Legends (aka LoL). As one of the most popular competitive games over the last decade, LoL has made a name for itself by skillfully blending elements of real-time strategy (RTS), role-playing game (RPG), and multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genres.
But is it more accurate to categorize League of Legends as an RTS or RPG? Let‘s dig deeper into the gameplay and break it down.
RTS, RPG, and MOBA Genres
First, a quick primer on these game genres if you aren‘t familiar:
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RTS (real-time strategy) – Focuses on building armies, managing resources, controlling units simultaneously in real-time to defeat opponents. Examples: Starcraft, Command & Conquer, Age of Empires.
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RPG (roleplaying game) – Players control a character and improve their abilities/gear over time. Often story-driven open worlds. Examples: Final Fantasy, Elder Scrolls, Fallout.
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MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) – Two teams compete in arena-style battles controlling single characters with unique abilities. Examples: League of Legends, Dota 2, Heroes of the Storm.
So how does League of Legends fit in?
How LoL Incorporates RTS Gameplay
Let‘s look at some RTS elements first. Like classic RTS games, LoL provides:
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Real-time unit control – Players directly control a character on a map in real-time, not turn-based. Need fast reaction speed and precision.
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Resource management – Earning gold to buy items/gear by killing enemies, destroying objectives, farming minions. Requires economic strategy.
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Map control – Moving around the map to gain vision, take objectives, and coordinate attacks. Good mini-map awareness is key.
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Multi-tasking – Managing your hero‘s abilities and items while monitoring the map, tracking opponents, and achieving goals simultaneously.
These mechanics will feel familiar to veterans of games like Warcraft 3 or Starcraft. LoL requires the same strategic thinking and quick fingers!
How LoL Incorporates RPG Gameplay
Now let‘s examine the RPG-like elements. In LoL, each player controls a "champion" with these characteristics:
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Unique abilities – Over 160 champions with diverse skillsets to master. Their 4 abilities shape playstyle.
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Progression – Gain XP to level up abilities and become stronger during a match, like an RPG.
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Gear – Earn gold to buy items that buff stats and enhance gameplay. Customize builds each match.
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Distinct roles – Champions fit archetypes like tank, fighter, mage, etc. Teams combine them strategically.
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Evolving playstyle – Adapt build/tactics based on matchup, allied champions, and flow of the game.
So while not as deep as some RPGs, you still get that gameplay loop of leveling up your champion, acquiring new gear, and customizing your playstyle each match.
LoL as a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena
Even with these RTS and RPG elements, League of Legends is considered a MOBA first and foremost. Why?
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5v5 team battles – The entire game is structured around two 5-player teams battling on an arena-style map. Not army vs army like RTS.
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Hero-focused combat – You only control a single champion, not managing multiple units/buildings. The focus is on controlling your hero in teamfights.
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Quick matches – Matches are 20-60 minutes typically, faster paced than traditional RTS games which can go over an hour.
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Flatten skill curve – Easy to learn abilities for each champion but takes practice to master them and work as a team.
By keeping the focus on arena-style 5v5 multiplayer battles, LoL successfully created an approachable and exciting competitive format. The MOBA framework is key.
LoL By the Numbers
Let‘s look at some stats that demonstrate League of Legends‘ popularity and success in blending these genres:
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10+ million concurrent daily players globally as of 2019.
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$1.75 billion in revenue in 2020, making it one of the top-earning esports titles.
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Over 800 million registered LoL accounts over the game‘s lifetime.
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Esports viewership records – The 2019 World Championship finals drew over 100 million live unique viewers.
These metrics showcase that Riot clearly did something right in crafting LoL‘s gameplay formula and melding RTS, RPG, and MOBA components.
Blending Genres Successfully
In my opinion, here‘s why League of Legends stands out in smoothly integrating these genres:
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Approachable for newcomers with its intuitive MOBA framework but high skill ceiling for veterans.
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Matches feel fresh and different each time due to champion diversity and evolving metagame.
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Fun team-based battles with tense back-and-forth action and memorable plays.
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Enough depth from RPG/RTS elements to sink hundreds of hours mastering gameplay.
Riot Games struck the perfect balance between accessibility, depth, and just pure fun factor. And that‘s why I believe LoL has etched itself as an iconic title in gaming history.
Let me know if you have any other thoughts on LoL‘s genre blend! I could geek out about this game‘s design forever. Whether you want to call it a MOBA, RTS, or RPG, there‘s no denying League of Legends‘ massive appeal.
