Industry: MMO Market in Decline as MOBAs Skyrocket; PC Gaming Grows

GamersNexus: "DFC Intelligence reports global PC gaming software market growth from $22 billion to $25 billion in 2014, while Gartner predicts PC gaming software sales to increase to $20B from $17.7B. Either way, we're seeing nearly $3B in growth over last year. Combined console hardware and software sales are expected to reach $49B in 2014 (PS4, XB1, and respective games sales). This is a $5B growth over last year."

[GraveLord]

MOBAs are pretty much MMOs though....just instance based.

[JsonHenry]

Not.Even.Close.

[Eldyraen]

True but for those that just want to pvp its a solid alternative. It still isn't on the same level though as limited skill sets but they are usually more balanced as well (compared to MMO level/gear/etc differences).

I wouldn't really compare it to a MMO by any means but for some it can fill the same void so to speak (pvpers anyways).

[Dehnus]

Oh boy, now you did it. you angered the 12 year olds (of all ages as it is just a state of mind) that are jerks in MOBA games, be in for a shitstorm ;).

BTW, I do semi agree with you, as I used to love RTS games before DOTA became far to popular and everybody just had to go "ME TOO!" with it.

I miss games like Supreme Commander (not 2, man what tripe was that) and even Red Alert 3 (sorry for the haterz, but it was enjoyable to play :)).

[JsonHenry]

I remember buying and playing the first CnC the day it hit the shelves. I've been an RTS fan ever since.

If you like Total Annihilation/Supreme Commander 1 (2 was pure crap, you're right) then go to steam and check out a game called Planetary Annihilation. It is basically Supreme Commander in Space/across planets. It is still in early access but its a lot of fun even at this stage.

[Dehnus]

@Jsonhenry
Jup there are still some games out there that make great RTS games not just designed for Esports alone.

It just is far slimmer picking these days. But do you know the reason why they wend with that SupCom 2 style? I mean really who liked it that way?

Oh and thanks for your tips.

[Magicite]

no, MMO means that massive amount of players can interact on massive scale world.
MOBAs are joke type of a game.

[webeblazing]

LMAO WHAT??

[starchild]

So PC gaming SOFTWARE alone generates nearly half the revenue that all console HARDWARE and SOFTWARE combined generates.

Back in 2012 when PC software generated 20 billion and the entire gaming industry was worth about 70 billion I pointed out how massive PC gaming really is. These new figures show that PC gaming is continuing to grow.

[Maxor]

League of Legends made over 500 million last year. Incredible.

[Hello_World]

I built a gaming PC about 6 months ago and I still have Day Z, Dota 2, SC2, D3, Dawgate, Hearthstone, Smite and I spend 80% of my gaming time on League. Very competitive and takes a lot of teamwork.

[yellowgerbil]

What are MOBAs?

[TheEnigma313]

Multiplayer online battle areas.

[Eldyraen]

Basically they are pvp arena games. Most revolve around defending/attacking bases with AI controlled allies while players control heroes with a lot more power and versatility. You level up, buy gear, etc each game while assaulting the bases, killing enemy players/AI, etc.

It all basically started off as mods and then grew into a genre of its own with millions and millions of players around the world. Its actually one of the most commonly played genres of today but 99% of it is PC exclusive.

Guardians of Middle Earth is one of the only ones on consoles (well most common sort of moba). DotA (free Warcraft 3 mod) was the most successful of them all and is what spurred people to make them into marketable and profitable ventures.

[yellowgerbil]

ok, so is that warframe game on PS4 moba? still not completely sure what what they are. Always been a console gamer and prefer single player

[ThePope]

Thank you for explaining. Bubble up!

That said, I get my A** kicked in those games!!!!!! I want to be good. but am not lol.

[Eldyraen]

@yellowgerbil:

Not really as Warframe is more like a standard TPS given MMO/loot grinding treatment. For console gamers it is a hard thing to describe as other than Guardians there really is no direct comparison. Basically either playing one or watching a game is best way to understand what a MOBA really is.

I would actually enjoy it if we got a few more of them on console though. Most can't compete with the big ones but if priced right and balanced think there is a market for them especially as an indie/f2p option.

[Roccetarius]

Not surprising that the MMO market is in decline, because that has been true for quite a while now.