Why MOBAs don't have Randomized Maps?

Rhlax·Jul 25, 2014·1 votes·560 views

I am really curious. I'm going to put my opinion in the comment section.

7 Comments

RhlaxJul 25, 20142 votes

In MOBAs there are 2 fixed factors (map, items) and 1 variable (the champions we choose). Logically speaking, if there is only 1 variable, in an optimization problem, the answer will always be static. In other words, if the map is fixed and items are fixed, there is always going to be some champions more powerful than others. This is my concern with static maps.

Having randomized maps put the pressure on players to react during the game, rather than planning prior to the game. Randomized maps would make spectator eSport more exciting as there is more unpredictability. A predictable movie is boring and a predictable sports game is boring. We love to watch things where ‘anything can happen’.

Angry MonsterJul 26, 20142 votes

You want random maps like a cycle of 3? Or do you want random placement of terrain.

The problem with the cycle idea is that its hard to make balanced maps that are similar. Hell the one SR map has so many bush flaws. Think of how mad it could be trouble shooting multiple maps.

With random terrain the map could just be advantageous to one side. Nothing would guarantee a fair match. Plus the tech for that does not exist in game. Plus making that kind of tech is hard, you might as well make a brand new game.

Some champs could be better at some maps(like rengar) if there was extra bushes and stuff. Making champ select a guessing game since you do not know if you going to the right map.

RhlaxJul 26, 20141 votes

Hey Kchaosrei,

Thanks commenting. You made really good points as to the dangerous of a random map. By random map I meant random placement of terrains like RTS maps. However a rotation of x different maps could absolutely work as well. Balance and tech wise, I guess it would be a nightmare. This would be what Google call a 'moonshot' project. There is a significant chance of failure as well as a slight chance to move the MOBA genre forward.

For your rengar example, setting smart limits and design to bushes could help. For wall jumps(like Riven), we can use visual distinctions to mark the x tiers of jumpable walls. I know you didn't mention this one but I feel this would be a common concern. The worst fear of all is picking team comp that is poorly suited for the map. However I would have to question how big of a role does the map actually plays in victories?

For the tech side, I have no idea, I'm not knowledgeable enough to say. Maybe starting over is easier too. Although I do wonder why new MOBA games dont have random maps. I feel that this the next jump that moba games need to make to avoid stagnation.

Angry MonsterJul 26, 20141 votes

Well I cant say the map currently plays into victories. Its the same map and everyone knows what they are getting into. At the pro level everyone knows how to play the map to a certain existent.

Lets pretend that certain features have to stay the same. 3 lanes, towers, distance, reverse mirror, dragon, baron. We have left major objectives fair in the sense that both sides should have equal placement. Problem is part of the defense of towers are the walls and terrain. You can make some gap close champs a non factor with wider walls. Bush placements ect are key to visions and vision limits. Just these 2 features(walls and brush) can make or break certain champs(especially jungle). Riot has put a lot of work into SR. Every season they are refining the map.

Also if you use those rules that i made to make the map fair how much can you change in the actual jungle. The current jungle does not have any dead ends. It is meant to be a hidden path to lane or to move your team into enemy territory undetected and make plays.

Now to your spectator enjoying it more. No major IRL team sport changes the field every game. People watch basketball, football. ect and the playing field is always the same. Single player sports are the only time course variation happens. I do not thin the spectators will really care about map variations. After all it is not like you get to look at the map your self. Your view is controlled by another person.