The debate about why ‘Smite’, a visually appealing 3rd person MOBA, does not seem to enjoy the same level of popularity as competitors such as League of Legends (LOL) and DOTA 2 is a prevalent topic among gamers. While some might attribute the difference in popularity to personal preferences, others point out factors that hint at something far more complex
Summary
- Smite’s lack of presence in Asia could be a contributing factor to its lesser popularity
- Tencent, owner of League of Legends, reportedly suppressed Smite’s growth in Asia
- Smite’s unique 3rd person point of view does not appeal to everyone
- Finally, LOL and Dota were the pioneers in the MOBA genre and hence, managed to gain popularity first
On Smite’s Absence in Asia
Several users including HmongOGSmite and Outso187, point to Smite’s near absence in the Asian market, particularly China, as the major factor behind its lesser popularity.
Looking to Tencent
User capc2000 reveals a theory about Tencent, stunting Smite’s growth in Asia. They believe Tencent maintains a stronghold over the Asian gaming market, thereby controlling competition
The Perspective Debate
The third person viewpoint of Smite, which r_fernandes argues might appeal to first-person shooter and fighting game enthusiasts, is not appealing to everyone. This is where the appeal of the familiarity of top view point and click games comes in
Game Legacy
Finally, Godz_Bane argues that the order of arrival matters. LOL and Dota were the first to rise to fame in the MOBA genre, implying that they had an inherent first-mover advantage.
Smite has faced various challenges from lack of Asian market presence to personal preference to astounding competition. Given these factors, it becomes clearer why the 3rd person MOBA doesn’t reign supreme. However, Smite holds its own unique charm, indicating it’s here to stay, thriving in its own niche.
