Valve’s DOTA 2, the official sequel to a community mod for a Blizzard RTS, was already a peculiar development in the gaming world. However, Blizzard’s announcement of its very own official DOTA Starcraft 2 mod, featuring famous Blizzard characters, has just sent the weird factor into the stratosphere. This unexpected twist has left many in the gaming community both excited and puzzled. Enter Blizzard’s Mike Morhaime, who clarified the relationship between the two gaming giants by stating that Blizzard is “very friendly with Valve. So yeah, we do talk to Valve.”
The Origins of DOTA
The story of DOTA (Defense of the Ancients) is a fascinating one. It began as a custom map for Blizzard’s Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, created by a community of modders. This map became incredibly popular, leading to the development of a dedicated fanbase and the birth of the MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) genre. The success of DOTA inspired Valve to create DOTA 2, an official sequel that has since become one of the most popular games in the world.
Blizzard, recognizing the impact of DOTA on the gaming landscape, decided to create their own version within the Starcraft 2 engine. This mod features iconic characters from Blizzard’s extensive library of games, including heroes from Warcraft, Starcraft, and Diablo. The announcement of this mod has generated significant interest, as it brings together beloved characters in a new and exciting way.
Blizzard’s Stance on the DOTA Trademark
Mike Morhaime went on to detail Blizzard’s position on Valve’s attempt to trademark the DOTA name. “I can share that our opinion about the situation is that the DOTA name really should belong to the community. I think that it’s been part of the Warcraft 3 community for a very long time, and we would like to see the community continue being able to use that name, and having an exclusive mark owned by a competitor doesn’t feel right to us.”
This statement highlights Blizzard’s commitment to the gaming community and their belief in the importance of preserving the legacy of DOTA. By advocating for the community’s right to use the DOTA name, Blizzard is positioning itself as a champion of the players who helped create and popularize the game.
The debate over the DOTA trademark is a complex one, with valid arguments on both sides. Valve’s desire to protect their investment in DOTA 2 is understandable, as they have poured significant resources into developing and promoting the game. However, Blizzard’s argument that the name should remain in the public domain resonates with many fans who feel a deep connection to the original mod and its community-driven origins.
The relationship between Blizzard and Valve is a unique and multifaceted one. While they are competitors in the gaming industry, they also share a mutual respect and a common goal of creating engaging and innovative games. The development of Blizzard’s DOTA Starcraft 2 mod and the ongoing discussions about the DOTA trademark are just two examples of how these companies navigate their complex relationship.
Source Eurogamer
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