:Dota 2

{{Infobox video game

| title = Dota 2

| image = Dota 2 Steam artwork.jpg

| alt = Three characters, one masked, one in gladiator armor, and one riding a cat-like mount, are shown with a tower in the background and the game's logo in the foreground.

| developer = Valve

| publisher = Valve

| designer = IceFrog

| writer = {{Unbulleted list|Marc Laidlaw|Ted Kosmatka}}

| composer = {{Unbulleted list|Jason Hayes|Tim Larkin}}

| engine = Source 2{{efn|Source prior to September 2015}}

| platforms = {{Unbulleted list|Windows|Linux|OS X}}

| released = {{Unbulleted list|Windows|July 9, 2013|Linux, OS X|July 18, 2013}}

| genre = MOBA

| modes = Multiplayer

| series = Dota

}}

Dota 2 is a 2013 multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) video game by Valve. The game is a sequel to Defense of the Ancients (DotA), a community-created mod for Blizzard Entertainment's Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos. Dota 2 is played in matches between two teams of five players, with each team occupying and defending their own separate base on the map. Each of the ten players independently controls a character known as a hero that has unique abilities and differing styles of play. During a match, players collect experience points (XP) and items for their heroes to defeat the opposing team's heroes in player versus player (PvP) combat. A team wins by being the first to destroy the other team's Ancient, a large durable structure located in the center of each base.

Development of Dota 2 began in 2009 when IceFrog, lead designer of Defense of the Ancients, was hired by Valve to design a modernized remake in the Source game engine. It was released for Windows, OS X, and Linux via the digital distribution platform Steam in July 2013, following a Windows-only open beta phase that began two years prior. The game is fully free-to-play with no heroes or any other gameplay element needing to be bought or otherwise unlocked. To maintain it, Valve supports the game as a service, selling loot boxes and a battle pass subscription system called Dota Plus that offer non-gameplay altering virtual goods in return, such as hero cosmetics and audio replacement packs. The game was ported to the Source 2 engine in 2015, making it the first game to use it.

Dota 2 has a large esports scene, with teams from around the world playing in various professional leagues and tournaments. Valve organizes the Dota Pro Circuit, which are a series of tournaments that award qualification points for earning direct invitations to The International, the game's premier tournament held annually. Internationals feature a crowdfunded prize money system that has seen amounts in upwards of {{USD}}40 million, making Dota 2 one of the most lucrative esports. Media coverage of most tournaments is done by a selection of on-site staff who provide commentary and analysis for the ongoing matches similar to traditional sporting events. In addition to playing live to audiences in arenas and stadiums, broadcasts of them are also streamed over the internet and sometimes simulcast on television, with several million in viewership numbers.

Despite criticism going towards its steep learning curve and overall complexity, Dota 2 was praised for its rewarding gameplay, production quality, and faithfulness to its predecessor, with many considering it to be one of the greatest video games of all time. It has been one of the most played games on Steam since its release, with over a million concurrent players at its peak. The popularity of the game has led to merchandise and media adaptations, including comic books and an anime series, as well as promotional tie-ins to other games and media. The game allows for the community to create their own gamemodes, maps, and cosmetics, which are uploaded to the Steam Workshop. Two spinoff games, Artifact and Dota Underlords, were released by Valve. Dota 2 has been used in machine learning experiments, with a team of bots known as the OpenAI Five showing the capability to defeat professional players.

Gameplay

{{see also|Multiplayer online battle arena#Gameplay|label 1=Mechanics of multiplayer online battle arena games}}

Dota 2 is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) video game in which two teams of five players compete to destroy a large structure defended by the opposing team known as the "Ancient" whilst defending their own.{{cite web |last1=McDonald |first1=Tim |title=A Beginner's Guide to Dota 2: Part One – The Basics |url=http://www.pcinvasion.com/a-beginners-guide-to-dota-2-part-one-the-basics |website=PC Invasion |access-date=August 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811042437/http://www.pcinvasion.com/a-beginners-guide-to-dota-2-part-one-the-basics |archive-date=August 11, 2016 |date=July 25, 2013 }}{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp8neRiF9-k |title=This Is Dota |date=August 4, 2015 |access-date=July 13, 2017 |website=YouTube |format=Video |publisher=dota2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304220850/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp8neRiF9-k |archive-date=March 4, 2018 }} As in Defense of the Ancients, the game is controlled using standard real-time strategy controls, and is presented on a single map in a three-dimensional isometric perspective.{{cite web |last1=Kim |first1=Ben |title=A comprehensive comparison of Dota 2 and League of Legends |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/a-comprehensive-comparison-of-dota-2-and-league-of-legends/ |website=PC Gamer |access-date=August 3, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801041929/http://www.pcgamer.com/a-comprehensive-comparison-of-dota-2-and-league-of-legends/ |archive-date=August 1, 2016 |date=July 9, 2013 }} Ten players each control one of the game's 126 playable characters, known as "heroes", with each having their own design, strengths, and weaknesses.{{cite web |url=http://www.dota2.com/heroes/?l=english |title=Heroes |access-date=November 8, 2024 |publisher=Valve |website=dota2.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803132317/http://www.dota2.com/heroes/?l=english |archive-date=August 3, 2017 }} Heroes are divided into two primary roles, known as the core and support.{{cite web |last1=Gies |first1=Arthur |title=The Normal Person's Guide to Watching Competitive Dota 2 (2017 Edition) |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/2/16073588/the-normal-persons-guide-to-watching-competitive-dota-2-2017-edition |website=Polygon |access-date=August 3, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803171002/https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/2/16073588/the-normal-persons-guide-to-watching-competitive-dota-2-2017-edition |archive-date=August 3, 2017 |date=August 2, 2017 }}{{cite web |last1=Rose |first1=Victoria |title=The Flying Courier's newcomer guide to watching Dota 2 |url=https://www.theflyingcourier.com/2018/8/21/17723390/how-to-watch-dota-2-newbie-first-time |website=The Flying Courier |publisher=Polygon |access-date=August 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827210053/https://www.theflyingcourier.com/2018/8/21/17723390/how-to-watch-dota-2-newbie-first-time |archive-date=August 27, 2018 |url-status=live |date=August 22, 2018 }}

File:Dota 2 Gameplay Aug 2017.jpg

Cores, which are also called carries, begin each match as weak and vulnerable, but are able to become more powerful later in the game, thus becoming able to "carry" their team to victory.{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKE72pDhLfc |title=Dota Roles - Hard Carry |date=August 6, 2015 |access-date=July 13, 2017 |website=YouTube |format=Video |publisher=dota2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304220850/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKE72pDhLfc |archive-date=March 4, 2018 }} Supports generally lack abilities that deal heavy damage, instead having ones with more functionality and utility that provide assistance for their cores, such as providing healing and other buffs.{{cite web |last1=McDonald |first1=Tim |title=A Beginner's Guide to Dota 2: Part Two – The Heroes |url=http://www.pcinvasion.com/a-beginners-guide-to-dota-2-part-two-the-heroes |website=PC Invasion |access-date=August 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812230632/http://www.pcinvasion.com/a-beginners-guide-to-dota-2-part-two-the-heroes |archive-date=August 12, 2016 |date=August 3, 2013 }} Players select their hero during a pre-game drafting phase, where they can discuss potential strategies and hero matchups with their teammates. Heroes are removed from the drafting pool and become unavailable for all other players once one is selected, and can not be changed once the drafting phase is over. All heroes have a basic attack in addition to powerful abilities, which are the primary method of fighting. Each hero has at least four of them, all of which are unique. Heroes begin each game with an experience level of one, only having access to one of their abilities, but are able to level up and become more powerful during the course of the game, up to a maximum level of 30. Whenever a hero gains an experience level, the player is able to unlock another of their abilities or improve one already learned. The most powerful ability for each hero is known as their "ultimate", which requires them to have an experience level of six in order to use.

In order to prevent abilities from being overused, a magic system is featured in the game. Activating an ability costs a hero some of their "mana points", which slowly regenerates over time.{{cite web |last1=McDonald |first1=Tim |title=A Beginner's Guide to Dota 2: Part 2.5 – The Heroes (Continued) |url=http://www.pcinvasion.com/a-beginners-guide-to-dota-2-part-2-5-the-heroes-continued |website=PC Invasion |access-date=August 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160720021233/http://www.pcinvasion.com/a-beginners-guide-to-dota-2-part-2-5-the-heroes-continued |archive-date=July 20, 2016 |date=August 4, 2013 }} Using an ability will also cause it to enter a cooldown period, in which the ability can not be used again until a timer resets. All heroes have three attributes: strength, intelligence, and agility, which affect health points, mana points, and attack speed, respectively. Each hero has a primary attribute which adds to their basic non-ability damage output and other minor buffs—with four attributes including Universal, which rewards extra damage for attribute points.{{cite web |last=Kolan |first=Nick |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/09/16/the-heroes-of-dota-2 |title=The Heroes of Dota 2 |date=September 16, 2011 |website=IGN |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023034254/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/09/16/the-heroes-of-dota-2}}{{cite magazine | last = Lakin | first = Samuel | url = https://www.gamereactor.eu/dota-2-receives-a-huge-update-in-new-frontiers-1260443/ | title = Dota 2 receives a huge update in New Frontiers | date = April 21, 2023 | magazine = Gamereactor | access-date = April 21, 2023 }} Heroes have an ability augmentation system known as the "Talent Tree", which allow players more choices on how to develop their hero. If a hero runs out of health points and dies, they are removed from active play until a timer counts down to zero, where they are respawned in their base with only some gold lost.{{cite web |last1=Bartel |first1=Joe |title=The unique strategy of Dota 2 |url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/14558522/dota-2-requires-strategy-skill-luck |website=ESPN |access-date=July 12, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160711142052/http://espn.go.com/esports/story/_/id/14558522/dota-2-requires-strategy-skill-luck |archive-date=July 11, 2016 |date=January 14, 2016 }}

The two teams—known as the Radiant and Dire—occupy fortified bases in opposite corners of the map, which is divided in half by a crossable river and connected by three paths, which are referred to as "lanes". The lanes are guarded by defensive towers that attack any opposing unit who gets within its line of sight. A small group of weak computer-controlled creatures called "creeps" travel predefined paths along the lanes and attempt to attack any opposing heroes, creeps, and buildings in their way. Creeps periodically spawn throughout the game in groups from two buildings, called the "barracks", that exist in each lane and are located within the team's bases.{{cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-08-19-dota-2-preview |title=Dota 2 – Preview |date=August 19, 2011 |website=Eurogamer |archive-date=November 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113080915/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-08-19-dota-2-preview}} The map is permanently covered for both teams in fog of war, which prevents a team from seeing the opposing team's heroes and creeps if they are not directly in sight of themselves or an allied unit. The map features a day-night cycle, with some hero abilities and other game mechanics being altered depending on the time of the cycle. Present on the map are "neutral creeps" that are hostile to both teams, and reside in marked locations on the map known as "camps". Camps are located in the area between the lanes known as the "jungle", which both sides of the map have.{{cite web |last1=Dator |first1=James |title=What are The International Dota 2 Championships? |url=https://www.sbnation.com/2014/7/19/5917073/dota-2-the-international-gameplay-heroes-tournament-format-esports |website=SB Nation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806062021/https://www.sbnation.com/2014/7/19/5917073/dota-2-the-international-gameplay-heroes-tournament-format-esports |archive-date=August 6, 2017 |date=July 19, 2014 }}

Neutral creeps do not attack unless provoked, and respawn over time if killed. The most powerful neutral creep is named "Roshan", who is a unique boss that may be defeated by either team to obtain special items, such as one that allows a one-time resurrection if the hero that holds it is killed.{{cite web |last=Leahy |first=Brian |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/surviving-the-basics-of-dota-2/ |title=Surviving the basics of DOTA 2 |date=November 8, 2012 |publisher=Joystiq |access-date=July 25, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730081337/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/08/surviving-the-basics-of-dota-2 |archive-date=July 30, 2013 }} Roshan will respawn around ten minutes after being killed, and becomes progressively harder to kill as the match progresses over time. Runes, which are special items that spawn in set positions on the map every few minutes, offer heroes temporary, but powerful power-ups when collected, such as double damage and invisibility.

In addition to having abilities becoming stronger during the game, players are able to buy items from set locations on the map called shops that provide their own special abilities.{{cite web |title=Items |url=http://www.dota2.com/items/ |website=dota2.com |access-date=August 13, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706060952/http://www.dota2.com/items/ |archive-date=July 6, 2017 }} Items are not limited to specific heroes, and can be bought by anyone. In order to obtain an item, players must be able to afford it with gold at shops located on the map, which is primarily obtained by killing enemy heroes, destroying enemy structures, and killing creeps, with the latter being an act called "farming". Only the hero that lands the killing blow on a creep obtains gold from it, an act called "last hitting", but all allies receive a share of gold when an enemy hero dies close to them. Players are able to "deny" allied units and structures by last hitting them, which then prevents their opponents from getting full experience from them. Gold can not be shared between teammates, with each player having their own independent stash. Players receive a continuous, but small stream of gold over the course of a match.{{cite magazine |last=Biessener |first=Adam |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/dota_2/b/pc/archive/2013/07/16/dota-2-review.aspx |title=Dota 2 |date=July 16, 2013 |magazine=Game Informer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718164421/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/dota_2/b/pc/archive/2013/07/16/dota-2-review.aspx |archive-date=July 18, 2013 }}

Dota 2 features multiple game types which mainly alter the way hero selection is handled; examples include "All Pick", which offer no restrictions on hero selection, "All Random", which randomly assigns a hero for each player, "Captain's Mode", where a single player on each team selects heroes for their entire team and is primarily used for professional play, and "Turbo", an expedited version of All Pick featuring increased gold and experience gain, weaker towers, and faster respawn times.{{cite web |title=Game Modes |url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/dota-2/Game_Modes |website=IGN |date=December 13, 2011 |access-date=May 31, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519175655/http://www.ign.com/wikis/dota-2/Game_Modes |archive-date=May 19, 2017 }}{{cite web |last1=Thursten |first1=Chris |title=Why Dota 2's All Random mode is good for the soul |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/why-dota-2s-all-random-mode-is-good-for-the-soul/ |website=PC Gamer |access-date=May 31, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803130734/http://www.pcgamer.com/why-dota-2s-all-random-mode-is-good-for-the-soul/ |archive-date=August 3, 2017 |date=October 22, 2015 }}{{cite web|last1=Warr|first1=Philippa|title=Dota 2 Turbo mode is the best thing Valve has added to the game in years|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/dota-2-turbo-mode-is-the-best-thing-valve-has-added-to-the-game-in-years/|website=PC Gamer|access-date=March 2, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302225313/https://www.pcgamer.com/dota-2-turbo-mode-is-the-best-thing-valve-has-added-to-the-game-in-years/|archive-date=March 2, 2018|date=November 6, 2017}} Matches usually last around 30 minutes to an hour, although they can last forever as long as both Ancients remain standing.{{cite web |last1=Van Allen |first1=Eric |title=Dota Match Turns Into Five-Hour Melodrama |url=https://compete.kotaku.com/dota-match-turns-into-five-hour-melodrama-1794116543 |website=Kotaku |date=April 7, 2017 |access-date=July 13, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803131344/https://compete.kotaku.com/dota-match-turns-into-five-hour-melodrama-1794116543 |archive-date=August 3, 2017 }} In Captain's Mode games, an additional "GG" forfeit feature is available to end games early.{{cite web|last1=Gies|first1=Arthur|title=The Normal Person's Guide to Watching Competitive Dota 2 (2017 Edition)|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/2/16073588/the-normal-persons-guide-to-watching-competitive-dota-2-2017-edition|website=Polygon|access-date=February 28, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171212074851/https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/2/16073588/the-normal-persons-guide-to-watching-competitive-dota-2-2017-edition|archive-date=December 12, 2017|date=August 2, 2017}} Dota 2 occasionally features limited-time events that present players with alternative game modes that do not follow the game's standard rules.{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2014/01/27/dota-2s-new-bloom-heralds-the-arrival-of-the-year-beast/ |title=Dota 2's New Bloom heralds the arrival of the Year Beast, also Terrorblade |date=January 27, 2014 |access-date=March 21, 2014 |first=Phil |last=Savage |work=PC Gamer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322001347/http://www.pcgamer.com/2014/01/27/dota-2s-new-bloom-heralds-the-arrival-of-the-year-beast/ |archive-date=March 22, 2014 }} Some of these included the Halloween-themed Diretide event,{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/11/09/dota-2-diretide-event-coming-in-next-update |title=Dota 2 'Diretide' Event Coming in Next Update |date=November 8, 2013 |access-date=March 21, 2014 |first=Brian |last=Albert |work=IGN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322132651/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/11/09/dota-2-diretide-event-coming-in-next-update |archive-date=March 22, 2014 }} the Christmas-themed Frostivus event,{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dota-2-s-frostivus-2013-event-unveiled-for-the-holidays/1100-6416630/ |title=Dota 2's Frostivus 2013 event unveiled for the holidays |date=December 10, 2013 |access-date=March 21, 2014 |website=GameSpot |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320205547/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dota-2-s-frostivus-2013-event-unveiled-for-the-holidays/1100-6416630/ |archive-date=March 20, 2014 }} and the New Bloom Festival, which celebrated the coming of spring.{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/12/20/dota-2s-next-update-will-be-the-year-of-the-horse-valve-request-workshop-submissions/ |title=Dota 2's next update will be the Year of the Horse, Valve request Workshop submissions |date=December 20, 2013 |access-date=March 21, 2014 |first=Phil |last=Savage |work=PC Gamer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322030151/http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/12/20/dota-2s-next-update-will-be-the-year-of-the-horse-valve-request-workshop-submissions/ |archive-date=March 22, 2014 }} Other special game modes have been created by Valve, including a ten-versus-ten mode,{{cite web|last1=Dyer|first1=Mitch|title=20-Player Dota 2 Mode Revealed|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/08/07/20-player-dota-2-mode-revealed|website=IGN|date=August 7, 2015 |access-date=February 9, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210062342/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/08/07/20-player-dota-2-mode-revealed|archive-date=February 10, 2018}} a Halloween-themed capture point mode "Colosseum",{{cite web |title=Enter the Haunted Colosseum |url=http://blog.dota2.com/2015/10/enter-the-haunted-colosseum/ |publisher=Dota 2 Blog |access-date=November 12, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110021556/http://blog.dota2.com/2015/10/enter-the-haunted-colosseum/ |archive-date=November 10, 2015 }} a combat arena mode "Overthrow",{{cite web|title=The best Dota 2 custom games|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/dota-2/the-best-dota-2-custom-games|website=PCGamesN|date=August 5, 2016 |access-date=February 9, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171220090622/https://www.pcgamesn.com/dota-2/the-best-dota-2-custom-games|archive-date=December 20, 2017}} "Siltbreaker", a story-driven cooperative campaign mode,{{cite web |last1=Plunkett |first1=Luke |title=DOTA 2 Is Getting A Co-op Campaign With A Story |url=https://kotaku.com/dota-2-is-getting-a-co-op-campaign-with-a-story-1794943129 |website=Kotaku |date=May 5, 2017 |access-date=May 24, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530161336/http://kotaku.com/dota-2-is-getting-a-co-op-campaign-with-a-story-1794943129 |archive-date=May 30, 2017 }} and "The Underhollow", a battle royale mode.{{cite web|last1=Stewart|first1=Sam|title=Dota 2 Is Getting a Battle Royale Game Mode|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/05/08/dota-2-is-getting-a-battle-royale-game-mode|website=IGN|date=May 8, 2018 |access-date=May 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509023603/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/05/08/dota-2-is-getting-a-battle-royale-game-mode|archive-date=May 9, 2018|url-status=live}}

The move to the Source 2 engine in 2015 added the "Arcade" feature, which allows for community-created game modes, with the more popular ones having dedicated server hosting by Valve.{{cite web |title=Dota 2 - Reborn: Custom Games |url=http://www.dota2.com/reborn/part2/ |publisher=Dota 2 |access-date=November 12, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110160555/http://www.dota2.com/reborn/part2/ |archive-date=November 10, 2015 }}{{cite web |title=The best Dota 2 custom games |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/dota-2/the-best-dota-2-custom-games |website=PCGamesN |date=August 5, 2016 |access-date=November 17, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202053010/https://www.pcgamesn.com/dota-2/the-best-dota-2-custom-games |archive-date=December 2, 2017 }} One popular example, known as Dota Auto Chess, had over seven million in-game subscribers by April 2019.{{cite web |last1=Bolding |first1=Jonathan |title=A Dota 2 custom mode may be 2019's most popular new game |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/a-dota-2-custom-mode-may-be-2019s-most-popular-new-game/ |website=PC Gamer |access-date=January 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122195616/https://www.pcgamer.com/a-dota-2-custom-mode-may-be-2019s-most-popular-new-game/ |archive-date=January 22, 2019 |url-status=live |date=January 13, 2019 }}{{cite web |last1=Warr |first1=Philippa |title=Dota Auto Chess: The joyful deck-based Dota 2 game that Artifact isn't |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/dota-auto-chess-the-joyful-deck-based-dota-2-game-that-artifact-isnt/ |website=PC Gamer |access-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190208131821/https://www.pcgamer.com/dota-auto-chess-the-joyful-deck-based-dota-2-game-that-artifact-isnt/ |archive-date=February 8, 2019 |url-status=live |date=February 8, 2019 }}{{cite web |last1=Sullivan |first1=Lucas |title=The skyrocketing rise of Auto Chess, a Dota 2 custom map that became one of the year's biggest games |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/dota-auto-chess/ |website=GamesRadar+ |date=April 12, 2019 |access-date=April 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412164930/https://www.gamesradar.com/dota-auto-chess/ |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |url-status=live }} Owing to its popularity, Valve met with the mod's developers, the Chinese-based Drodo Studio, to discuss directly collaborating on a standalone version. However, the two companies were unable to come to an agreement, with them both stating that it was in their best interest to develop their own separate games.{{cite web | last = Grayson | first = Nathan | title = Valve Is Making Its Own Version Of Dota Auto Chess | date = May 20, 2019 | url = https://kotaku.com/valve-is-making-its-own-version-of-dota-auto-chess-1834934135 | website = Kotaku | access-date = May 21, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190522173226/https://kotaku.com/valve-is-making-its-own-version-of-dota-auto-chess-1834934135 | archive-date = May 22, 2019 | url-status = live }} Valve's version, Dota Underlords, was released in February 2020 and continued to use the Dota setting,{{cite web |last1=O'Connor |first1=Alice |title=Dota Underlords rises out of early access today |url=https://venturebeat.com/2020/02/25/dota-underlords-season-one-kicks-off-with-battle-pass-and-more/ |website=Rock, Paper, Shotgun |date=February 25, 2020 |access-date=February 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225204429/https://venturebeat.com/2020/02/25/dota-underlords-season-one-kicks-off-with-battle-pass-and-more/ |archive-date=February 25, 2020 |url-status=live }} while Drodo's game, Auto Chess, was developed using no Dota 2 assets.{{cite web |last1=Gilliam |first1=Ryan |title=Auto Chess creators bringing stand-alone game to PC later this year |url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/2019/6/10/18660080/auto-chess-pc-epic-game-store-pc-gaming-show-e3-2019 |website=Polygon |access-date=June 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611121202/https://www.polygon.com/e3/2019/6/10/18660080/auto-chess-pc-epic-game-store-pc-gaming-show-e3-2019 |archive-date=June 11, 2019 |url-status=live |date=June 10, 2019 }}{{cite web |last1=McWhertor |first1=Michael |title=Valve's Auto Chess competitor is Dota Underlords |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/6/13/18678182/dota-underlords-valve-auto-chess-open-beta-platforms |website=Polygon |access-date=June 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613222336/https://www.polygon.com/2019/6/13/18678182/dota-underlords-valve-auto-chess-open-beta-platforms |archive-date=June 13, 2019 |url-status=live |date=June 13, 2019 }}

Development

File:Dota allstars game.jpg

The Dota series began in 2003 with Defense of the Ancients (DotA)—a mod for Blizzard Entertainment's Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos—created by the pseudonymous designer "Eul".{{cite web |last=Tok |first=Kevin |date=January 25, 2006 |url=http://www.gotfrag.com/war/story/31052/ |title=Defense of the Ancients 101 |publisher=GotFrag |access-date=January 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090624132302/http://www.gotfrag.com/war/story/31052/ |archive-date=June 24, 2009}} An expansion pack for Warcraft III, The Frozen Throne, was released later that year; a series of Defense of the Ancients clone mods for the new game competed for popularity. DotA: Allstars by Steve Feak was the most successful,{{cite web |language=es |date=February 18, 2008 |url=http://archivo.eluniverso.com/2008/02/18/0001/1064/6A3DF09D9C2C4E69B5283998D4AE2B29.aspx |title=Vida: El top 5 |work=El Universo |access-date=January 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614022541/http://archivo.eluniverso.com/2008/02/18/0001/1064/6A3DF09D9C2C4E69B5283998D4AE2B29.aspx |archive-date=June 14, 2009}} and Feak, with his friend Steve Mescon, created the official Defense of the Ancients community website and the holding company DotA-Allstars, LLC.{{cite magazine |last=Augustine |first=Josh |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/08/17/riot-games-dev-counter-files-dota-trademark/ |title=Riot Games' dev counter-files "DotA" trademark |date=August 17, 2010 |magazine=PC Gamer |archive-date=February 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130203103306/http://www.pcgamer.com/2010/08/17/riot-games-dev-counter-files-dota-trademark/}} When Feak retired from DotA: Allstars in 2005, a fellow website user under the pseudonym IceFrog, became its lead designer.{{cite web |last1=Feak |first1=Steve |last2=Mescon |first2=Steve |date=March 19, 2009 |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3966/postmortem_defense_of_the_ancients.php |title=Postmortem: Defense of the Ancients |website=Gamasutra |pages=1–5 |access-date=January 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101207055840/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3966/postmortem_defense_of_the_ancients.php |archive-date=December 7, 2010}} By the late 2000s, Defense of the Ancients became one of the most popular mods worldwide, as well as a prominent esports game.{{cite web |last=Walbridge |first=Michael |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=18863#.UTN861fohYQ |title=Analysis: Defense of the Ancients – An Underground Revolution |date=June 12, 2008 |website=Gamasutra |archive-date=October 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013125257/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=18863#.UTN871fohYQ}} IceFrog and Mescon later had a falling out in May 2009, which prompted the former to establish a new community website at playdota.com.{{cite web |author=IceFrog |date=May 14, 2009 |url=http://www.playdota.com/forums/blog.php?b=73 |title=IceFrog.com: DotA Website News |publisher=PlayDotA.com |access-date=January 8, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108043615/http://www.playdota.com/forums/blog.php?b=73 |archive-date=January 8, 2014 }} Rob Pardo, the executive vice president of Blizzard Entertainment at the time, stated that the company had discussed with IceFrog in person the possibility of developing a MOBA but that they felt they were not ready to commit to such an endeavor.{{cite podcast |url=https://www.idlethumbs.net/designernotes/episodes/rob-pardo-part-2 |title=Designer Notes Episode 2 |publisher=Idle Thumbs |host=Johnson, Soren |date=December 11, 2014 |time=1:35:35 |access-date=September 18, 2024}} Valve's interest in the Dota intellectual property began when several veteran employees, including Team Fortress 2 designer Robin Walker and executive Erik Johnson, became fans of the mod and wanted to build a modern sequel.{{cite web |last1=Nutt |first1=Christian |title=The Valve Way: Gabe Newell And Erik Johnson Speak |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/6471/the_valve_way_gabe_newell_and_.php |website=Gamasutra |access-date=October 27, 2016 |date=August 29, 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026180847/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/6471/the_valve_way_gabe_newell_and_.php |archive-date=October 26, 2016 }} The company corresponded with IceFrog by email about his long-term plans for the project,{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbLim542yWw |title=DOTA 2 – Gamescom 2011 Interview (PC) |date=August 19, 2011 |access-date=September 16, 2013 |website=YouTube |format=Video |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921060305/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbLim542yWw |archive-date=September 21, 2013 }} and he was subsequently hired to design a sequel.{{cite web |last=Onyett |first=Charles |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/01/07/valves-next-game |title=Valve's Next Game |date=January 8, 2011 |website=IGN |archive-date=November 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109072424/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/01/07/valves-next-game}} IceFrog announced his new position through his blog in October 2009,{{cite web |url=http://www.playdota.com/forums/blog.php?b=264 |title=Great News For DotA Fans |author=IceFrog |publisher=PlayDotA.com |date=October 5, 2009 |archive-date=July 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723161030/http://www.playdota.com/forums/blog.php?b=264}} with Dota 2 being announced a year later.{{cite magazine |last=Biessener |first=Adam |url=https://gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/10/13/dota-2-announced-details.aspx |title=Valve's New Game Announced, Detailed: Dota 2 |date=October 13, 2010 |magazine=Game Informer |archive-date=August 19, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819120623/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/10/13/dota-2-announced-details.aspx}}

Valve adopted the word "Dota", derived from the original mod's acronym, as the name for its newly acquired franchise. Johnson argued that the word referred to a concept, and was not an acronym. Shortly after the announcement of Dota 2, Valve filed a trademark claim to the Dota name.{{cite magazine |title=Valve Files Trademark for ... DotA? |last=Funk |first=John |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/102727-Valve-Files-Trademark-for-DotA |magazine=The Escapist |date=October 13, 2010 |archive-date=October 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010222605/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/102727-Valve-Files-Trademark-for-DotA}} At Gamescom 2011, company president Gabe Newell explained that the trademark was needed to develop a sequel with the already-identifiable brand.{{cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-08-22-dota-trademark-blizzard-valve-respond |title=Dota trademark: Blizzard, Valve respond |date=August 22, 2011 |website=Eurogamer |archive-date=October 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024025815/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-08-22-dota-trademark-blizzard-valve-respond}} Holding the Dota name to be a community asset, Feak and Mescon filed an opposing trademark for Dota on behalf of DotA-Allstars, LLC (then a subsidiary of Riot Games) in August 2010. Rob Pardo similarly stated that the Dota name belonged to the mod's community. Blizzard acquired DotA-Allstars, LLC from Riot Games and filed an opposition against Valve in November 2011, citing Blizzard's ownership of both the Warcraft III World Editor and DotA-Allstars, LLC as proper claims to the franchise name.{{cite web |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |url=http://kotaku.com/5883938/blizzard-and-valve-go-to-war-over-dota-name |title=Blizzard and Valve go to War Over DOTA Name |date=February 10, 2012 |publisher=Kotaku |archive-date=June 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604075718/http://kotaku.com/5883938/blizzard-and-valve-go-to-war-over-dota-name}} The dispute was settled in May 2012, with Valve retaining commercial rights to the Dota trademark, while allowing non-commercial use of the name by third-parties.{{cite magazine |last=Reilly |first=Jim |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2012/05/11/valve-blizzard-reach-dota-trademark-agreement.aspx |title=Valve, Blizzard Reach DOTA Trademark Agreement |date=May 11, 2012 |magazine=Game Informer |archive-date=July 24, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724090129/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2012/05/11/valve-blizzard-reach-dota-trademark-agreement.aspx}} In 2017, Valve's ownership of the franchise was again challenged, after a 2004 internet forum post from Eul was brought to light by a Chinese company known as {{Proper name|uCool}}, who had released a mobile game in 2014 that used characters from the Dota universe.{{cite web |last1=McAloon |first1=Alissa |title=Valve's ownership of Dota 2 is set to be decided by a jury |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/298542/Valves_ownership_of_Dota_2_is_set_to_be_decided_by_a_jury.php |website=Gamasutra |date=May 22, 2017 |access-date=May 31, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603145224/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/298542/Valves_ownership_of_Dota_2_is_set_to_be_decided_by_a_jury.php |archive-date=June 3, 2017 }} {{Proper name|uCool}}, who was previously involved in a lawsuit with Blizzard in 2015 for similar reasons,{{cite web |last1=Nutt |first1=Christian |title=Blizzard sues a studio that's suing a studio |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/239626/Blizzard_sues_a_studio_thats_suing_a_studio.php |website=Gamasutra |date=March 24, 2015 |access-date=May 31, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170601194734/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/239626/Blizzard_sues_a_studio_thats_suing_a_studio.php |archive-date=June 1, 2017 }} along with another Chinese company, Lilith Games, argued that the forum post invalidated any ownership claims of the intellectual property, stating that the Dota property was an open-source, collective work that could not be copyrighted by anyone in particular.{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/05/does-valve-really-own-dota-a-jury-will-decide/ |title=Does Valve really own Dota? A jury will decide |first=Kyle |last=Orland |date=May 17, 2017 |access-date=May 22, 2017 |website=Ars Technica |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170521165016/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/05/does-valve-really-own-dota-a-jury-will-decide/ |archive-date=May 21, 2017}} Judge Charles R. Breyer denied {{Proper name|uCool}}'s motion for summary dismissal, with Blizzard filing motions to dismiss all claims against {{Proper name|uCool}} and Lilith with prejudice.{{cite web |last1=Kelly |first1=Jennifer Lloyd |last2=Plassaras |first2=Nicholas A. |last3=Tung |first3=Chieh |title=Crowdsourced Content in Video Games: How Ownership Issues Almost "Ganked" a Copyright Case {{!}} Lexology |url=https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=38de7c41-c297-4803-98dc-7b7bc1091bdd |website=lexology.com |date=January 4, 2018 |access-date=July 9, 2018 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710010244/https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=38de7c41-c297-4803-98dc-7b7bc1091bdd |archive-date=July 10, 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Witcoff |first1=Banner |title=Heroes Charge into Copyright Battle |url=https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=e949c28a-652c-4ce8-80fb-f8591a111a84 |website=Lexology |date=July 30, 2019 |access-date=August 5, 2019 |archive-date=December 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201235922/https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=e949c28a-652c-4ce8-80fb-f8591a111a84 |url-status=live }}

An early goal of the Dota 2 team was the adaptation of Defense of the Ancients{{'}} aesthetic style for the Source engine. The Radiant and Dire factions replaced the Sentinel and Scourge from the mod, respectively. Character names, abilities, items and map design from the mod were largely retained, with some changes due to trademarks owned by Blizzard. In the first Q&A session regarding Dota 2, IceFrog explained that the game would build upon the mod without making significant changes to its core. Valve hired Eul and contracted major contributors from the Defense of the Ancients community, including artist Kendrick Lim, to assist with the sequel.{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/previews/dota-2-valve-fanboys-developers |title=DOTA 2: How Valve Turned From Fanboys Into Developers For This Game |last=Dagostino |first=Francesco |date=August 31, 2011 |access-date=March 3, 2013 |website=1UP.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130303161821/http://www.1up.com/previews/dota-2-valve-fanboys-developers |archive-date=March 3, 2013 }} Additional contributions from sources outside of Valve were also sought regularly for Dota 2, as to continue Defense of the Ancients{{'}} tradition of community-sourced development.{{cite web |url=http://blog.dota2.com/2010/11/dota-2-qa/ |title=Dota 2 Q&A |author=IceFrog |date=November 1, 2010 |publisher=Valve |work=Dota 2 Official Blog |archive-date=October 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010203245/http://blog.dota2.com/2010/11/dota-2-qa/}} One of the composers of Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, Jason Hayes, was hired to collaborate with Tim Larkin to write the original score for the game, which was conducted by Timothy Williams and performed and recorded by the Northwest Sinfonia at Bastyr University.{{cite web |last=Napolitano |first=Jayson |url=http://www.destructoid.com/composer-jason-hayes-joins-audio-team-at-valve-209673.phtml |title=Composer Jason Hayes joins audio team at Valve |date=August 23, 2011 |website=Destructoid |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120710131208/http://www.destructoid.com/composer-jason-hayes-joins-audio-team-at-valve-209673.phtml |archive-date=July 10, 2012}}{{cite AV media |title=Dota 2 recording session |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9n8ZKZwO_I |website=YouTube |access-date=December 9, 2016 |format=Video |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321083413/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9n8ZKZwO_I |archive-date=March 21, 2017 }} Valve had Half-Life series writer Marc Laidlaw, science fiction author Ted Kosmatka, and other employees contributed hero dialog and lore.{{cite web |title=Interview: Marc Laidlaw, writer of Half-Life and DOTA2 |url=http://www.showmethegames.com/2014/10/31/interview-marc-laidlaw-writer-of-half-life-and-dota2/ |website=showmethegames.com |access-date=June 29, 2016 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729200246/http://www.showmethegames.com/2014/10/31/interview-marc-laidlaw-writer-of-half-life-and-dota2/ |archive-date=July 29, 2016 }}{{cite web |last1=England |first1=Jason |title=Interview With Marc Laidlaw: The Writer Of Half-Life |url=http://www.newrisingmedia.com/all/2012/11/23/interview-with-marc-laidlaw-the-writer-of-half-life.html |website=New Rising Media |date=November 23, 2012 |access-date=June 29, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160710143340/http://www.newrisingmedia.com/all/2012/11/23/interview-with-marc-laidlaw-the-writer-of-half-life.html |archive-date=July 10, 2016 }} Notable voice actors for heroes include Nolan North, Dave Fennoy, Jon St. John, Ellen McLain, Fred Tatasciore, Merle Dandridge, Jen Taylor, and John Patrick Lowrie, among others.{{cite video game |title=Dota 2 |developer=Valve |publisher=Valve |date=July 9, 2013 |platform=Windows |scene=Acknowledgements |language=en}}

The Source engine was updated with new features to accommodate Dota 2, such as high-end cloth modeling and improved global lighting. The game features Steam integration, which provides its social component and cloud storage for personal settings. In November 2013, Valve introduced a coaching system that allows experienced players to tutor newer players with in-game tools. As with previous Valve multiplayer games, players are able to spectate live matches of Dota 2 played by others,{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/huge-dota-2-patch-brings-two-new-heroes-and-diretide/1100-6416173/ |title=Huge Dota 2 patch brings two new heroes and Diretide |last=Gaston |first=Martin |date=November 14, 2013 |access-date=November 15, 2013 |website=GameSpot |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131115193408/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/huge-dota-2-patch-brings-two-new-heroes-and-diretide/1100-6416173/ |archive-date=November 15, 2013 }} and local area network (LAN) multiplayer support allows for local competitions.{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/09/20/dota-2-first-blood-update-adds-local-network-play-and-new-game-mode-goes-live-sept-23/ |title=Dota 2 First Blood update adds local network play and new mode, goes live September 23 |date=September 20, 2013 |access-date=September 20, 2013 |first=Patrick |last=Carlson |work=PC Gamer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921060542/http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/09/20/dota-2-first-blood-update-adds-local-network-play-and-new-game-mode-goes-live-sept-23/ |archive-date=September 21, 2013 }}{{cite magazine |last=Senior |first=Tom |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/02/15/dota-2-will-support-lan-play-next-international-tournament-prize-pool-to-be-at-least-1-6m/ |title=Dota 2 will support LAN play, next International tournament prize pool to be "at least" $1.6m |date=February 15, 2012 |magazine=PC Gamer |archive-date=December 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121210193351/http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/02/15/dota-2-will-support-lan-play-next-international-tournament-prize-pool-to-be-at-least-1-6m/}} Some of these events may be spectated via the purchase of tickets from the "Dota Store", which give players in-game access to matches. Ticket fees are apportioned in part to tournament organizers.{{cite magazine |last=Wilkinson |first=Jeremy |url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/118004-Valve-Extends-DotA-2-Tournament-Support |title=Valve to reinforce competitive play |date=June 21, 2012 |access-date=March 3, 2013 |magazine=The Escapist |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130303162651/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/118004-Valve-Extends-DotA-2-Tournament-Support |archive-date=March 3, 2013 }} The game features an in-game fantasy sports system, which is modeled after traditional fantasy sports and feature professional Dota 2 players and teams.{{cite web |title=The International Compendium Evolves |url=http://blog.dota2.com/2013/07/the-international-compendium-evolves/ |website=Dota 2 |access-date=July 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308113054/http://blog.dota2.com/2013/07/the-international-compendium-evolves/ |archive-date=March 8, 2016 }} Players are able to spectate games in virtual reality (VR) with up to 15 others, which was added in an update in July 2016.{{cite news |title=Dota 2 fans now able to watch games via VR |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-36923791 |access-date=July 29, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801062856/http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-36923791 |archive-date=August 1, 2016 |work=BBC News |date=July 29, 2016 }} The update added a hero showcase mode, which allows players to see all of the heroes and their cosmetics full-size in virtual reality.{{cite web |last1=Kuchera |first1=Ben |title=Spectating Dota 2 in VR is amazing, watch it in action |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/29/12325418/dota-2-vr-valve-vive |website=Polygon |access-date=July 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729180116/http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/29/12325418/dota-2-vr-valve-vive |archive-date=July 29, 2016 |date=July 29, 2016 }}

As part of a plan to develop Dota 2 into a social network, Newell announced in April 2012 that the game would be free-to-play, and that community contributions would be a cornerstone feature.{{cite web |last=Sharkey |first=Mike |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/dota-2010/1223419p1.html |title=Valve Confirms Dota 2 Will Be Free, With Twists |date=April 20, 2012 |publisher=GameSpy |archive-date=May 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530235418/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/dota-2010/1223419p1.html}} Instead, revenue is generated through the "Dota Store", which offers for-purchase cosmetic virtual goods, such as custom armor and weapons for their heroes.{{cite web |last=Stapleton |first=Dan |url=http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/dota-2010/1224922p1.html |title=Valve: We Won't Charge for Dota 2 Heroes |date=June 1, 2012 |publisher=GameSpy |archive-date=October 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030172013/http://pc.gamespy.com/pc/dota-2010/1224922p1.html}} It was announced that the full roster of heroes would be available at launch for free.{{cite web |author=Dota Team |url=http://blog.dota2.com/2012/06/introducing-the-dota-store/ |title=Introducing the Dota Store |date=June 1, 2012 |publisher=Valve |work=Dota 2 Official Blog |archive-date=February 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130210171308/http://blog.dota2.com/2012/06/introducing-the-dota-store/}} Until the game's release in 2013, players were able to purchase an early access bundle, which included a digital copy of Dota 2 and several cosmetic items.{{cite magazine |last=Senior |first=Tom |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/06/01/get-dota-2-now-using-paid-for-early-access-pass/ |title=Get Dota 2 now using paid-for Early Access Pass |date=June 1, 2012 |magazine=PC Gamer |archive-date=December 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121207211817/http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/06/01/get-dota-2-now-using-paid-for-early-access-pass/}} Included as optional downloadable content (DLC), the Dota 2 Workshop Tools are a set of Source 2 software development kit (SDK) tools that allow content creators to create new hero cosmetics, as well as custom game modes, maps, and bot scripts.{{cite web |last1=Sykes |first1=Tom |title=Dota 2 modding tools now in alpha, upload custom maps/modes to Steam Workshop |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/dota-2-modding-tools-now-in-alpha-upload-custom-mapsmodes-to-steam-workshop/ |website=PC Gamer |access-date=July 12, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716030229/http://www.pcgamer.com/dota-2-modding-tools-now-in-alpha-upload-custom-mapsmodes-to-steam-workshop/ |archive-date=July 16, 2016 |date=August 7, 2014 }}{{cite web |title=Dota 2 items - the best from the Steam workshop |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/dota/best-and-worst-dota-2s-workshop |website=PCGamesN |date=April 25, 2016 |access-date=November 17, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202052830/https://www.pcgamesn.com/dota/best-and-worst-dota-2s-workshop |archive-date=December 2, 2017 }}{{cite web |last1=Benson |first1=Julian |title=Dota 2 Players Can Now Code Their Own AI |url=http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2016/12/12/dota-2-players-can-now-code-their-own-ai |website=Kotaku |access-date=December 13, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161215192933/http://www.kotaku.co.uk/2016/12/12/dota-2-players-can-now-code-their-own-ai |archive-date=December 15, 2016 }} Highly rated cosmetics, through the Steam Workshop, are available in the in-game store if they are accepted by Valve. This model was fashioned after Valve's Team Fortress 2, which had earned Workshop designers of cosmetic items of that game over $3.5 million by June 2011. Newell revealed that the average Steam Workshop contributor for Dota 2 and Team Fortress 2 made approximately $15,000 from their creations in 2013.{{cite web |last=Hollister |first=Sean |url=https://www.theverge.com/gaming/2014/1/16/5316248/on-average-team-fortress-2-and-dota-2-item-creators-made-15000-last |title=On average, 'Team Fortress 2' and 'DOTA 2' item creators made $15,000 last year |date=January 16, 2014 |website=The Verge |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811143848/https://www.theverge.com/gaming/2014/1/16/5316248/on-average-team-fortress-2-and-dota-2-item-creators-made-15000-last |archive-date=August 11, 2017 }} By 2015, sales of Dota 2 virtual goods had earned Valve over $238 million in revenue, according to the digital game market research group SuperData.{{cite web |last1=Walker |first1=Alex |title=League Of Legends Made More Revenue In 2015 Than CSGO, Dota 2 And World Of Warcraft Combined |url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2016/01/league-of-legends-made-more-revenue-in-2015-than-csgo-dota-2-and-world-of-warcraft-combined/ |website=Kotaku |access-date=July 15, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727210955/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2016/01/league-of-legends-made-more-revenue-in-2015-than-csgo-dota-2-and-world-of-warcraft-combined/ |archive-date=July 27, 2016 |date=January 28, 2016 }} In 2016, Valve introduced the "Custom Game Pass" option for creators of custom game modes, which allows them to be funded by way of microtransactions by adding exclusive features, content, and other changes to their game mode for players who buy it.{{cite web |title=Valve to add paid Custom Game Pass to Dota 2 |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/valve-custom-game-pass-interview/ |website=PCGamer |access-date=March 15, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316033420/http://www.pcgamer.com/valve-custom-game-pass-interview/ |archive-date=March 16, 2016 |date=March 15, 2016 }}

Dota 2 includes a seasonal Elo rating-based matchmaking system, which is measured by a numerical value known as "matchmaking rating" (MMR) that is tracked separately for core and support roles, and ranked into different tiers.{{cite web |last1=Çakır |first1=Gökhan |title=Dota 2 MMR and ranking system explained |url=https://dotesports.com/dota-2/news/dota-2-mmr-and-ranking-system-explained |website=Dot Esports |date=December 15, 2021 |access-date=2 January 2022}} MMR is updated based on if a player won or lost, which will then increase or decrease respectively.{{cite web |title=Matchmaking |url=http://blog.dota2.com/2013/12/matchmaking/ |website=Dota 2 |access-date=July 12, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630162005/http://blog.dota2.com/2013/12/matchmaking/ |archive-date=June 30, 2016 }} The game's servers, known as the "Game Coordinator",{{cite web |title=Transitioning Into Launch Mode |url=http://blog.dota2.com/2013/06/transitioning-into-launch-mode/ |website=Dota 2 |access-date=July 12, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810042727/http://blog.dota2.com/2013/06/transitioning-into-launch-mode/ |archive-date=August 10, 2016 }}{{cite web |author1=Dota Team |title=Matchmaking Update |url=http://blog.dota2.com/2019/08/matchmaking-update-2/ |website=Dota 2 Blog |access-date=August 6, 2019 |date=August 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806213616/http://blog.dota2.com/2019/08/matchmaking-update-2/ |archive-date=August 6, 2019 |url-status=live }} attempts to balance both teams based on each player's MMR, with each team having roughly a 50% chance to win in any given game. Ranked game modes with a separately tracked MMR are also available, which primarily differ from unranked games by making MMR publicly visible, as well as requiring the registration of a phone number to their accounts, which help foster a more competitive environment.{{cite web |last1=Bratt |first1=Chris |title=Dota 2 players must now register a phone number to play ranked matches |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-04-21-dota-2-players-must-now-register-a-phone-number-to-play-ranked-matches |website=Eurogamer |access-date=April 21, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424020812/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-04-21-dota-2-players-must-now-register-a-phone-number-to-play-ranked-matches |archive-date=April 24, 2017 |date=April 21, 2017 }} To ensure that each player's ranking is up to date and accurate, MMR is recalibrated around every six months.{{cite web |last1=Rose |first1=Victoria |title=Dota 2's Dueling Fates patch notes forecast avalanche of massive changes |url=https://www.theflyingcourier.com/2017/10/30/16572796/dota-2-patch-notes-707-dueling-fates-released |website=The Flying Courier |publisher=Polygon |access-date=October 30, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031040802/https://www.theflyingcourier.com/2017/10/30/16572796/dota-2-patch-notes-707-dueling-fates-released |archive-date=October 31, 2017 |date=October 30, 2017 }}{{cite web |last1=Stewart |first1=Sam |title=Dota 2: The Dueling Fates Patch Notes Released |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/10/30/dota-2-the-dueling-fates-patch-notes-released |website=IGN |date=October 30, 2017 |access-date=October 30, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031010910/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/10/30/dota-2-the-dueling-fates-patch-notes-released |archive-date=October 31, 2017 }} Players with the highest possible medal rank are listed by Valve on an online leaderboard, separated into North American, European, Southeast Asian, and Chinese regions.{{cite web |title=World Leaderboards |url=http://www.dota2.com/leaderboards/ |website=Dota 2 |access-date=November 29, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127234428/http://www.dota2.com/leaderboards |archive-date=November 27, 2016 }} The game includes a report system, which allows players to punish player behavior that intentionally provides a negative experience.{{cite web |title=Communication Reports |url=http://blog.dota2.com/2013/05/communication-reports/ |website=Dota 2 |access-date=July 12, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719144915/http://blog.dota2.com/2013/05/communication-reports/ |archive-date=July 19, 2016 }} Players who get reported enough or leave several games before they conclude, a practice known as "abandoning", are placed into low priority matchmaking, which remains on a player's account until they win a specific number of games, and only groups them with other players who have the same punishment.{{cite web|title=Dota - Low Priority Matchmaking|url=https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9585-EOSN-3800|website=support.steampowered.com|access-date=December 4, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205093126/https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=9585-EOSN-3800|archive-date=December 5, 2017}}{{cite web |last1=Michael |first1=Cale |title=At least one player leaves in 11.7 percent of all Dota 2 matches |url=https://dotesports.com/dota-2/news/at-least-one-player-leaves-in-11-7-percent-of-all-dota-2-matches |website=Dot Esports |access-date=July 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717192106/https://dotesports.com/dota-2/news/at-least-one-player-leaves-in-11-7-percent-of-all-dota-2-matches |archive-date=July 17, 2019 |url-status=live |date=July 17, 2019 }} Other features include an improved replay system from Defense of the Ancients, in which a completed game can be downloaded in-client and viewed by anyone at a later time, and the "hero builds" feature, which provide integrated guides created by the community that highlight to the player on how to play their hero.{{cite web |title=Hero Builds |url=http://blog.dota2.com/2013/02/hero-builds/ |website=Dota 2 |access-date=July 12, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723135446/http://blog.dota2.com/2013/02/hero-builds/ |archive-date=July 23, 2016 }}

= ''Dota 2 Reborn'' =

In June 2015, Valve announced that Dota 2 would be ported over to their Source 2 game engine in an update called Dota 2 Reborn.{{cite web |last1=Martin |first1=Michael |title=Valve Announces Dota 2 Reborn |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/06/13/valve-announces-dota-2-reborn-open-beta-coming-next-week |website=IGN |date=June 13, 2015 |access-date=July 10, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629144536/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/06/13/valve-announces-dota-2-reborn-open-beta-coming-next-week |archive-date=June 29, 2016 }} Reborn was released as an opt-in beta update that same month,{{cite magazine |last=Livingston |first=Christopher |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/valve-announces-dota-2-reborn-new-engine-coming/ |title=Valve announces Dota 2 Reborn, new engine coming |date=June 12, 2015 |magazine=PC Gamer |access-date=June 13, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615040444/http://www.pcgamer.com/valve-announces-dota-2-reborn-new-engine-coming/ |archive-date=June 15, 2015 }} and replaced the original client in September 2015, making it the first game to use the engine.{{cite web |last1=Macy |first1=Seth |title=Dota 2 Now Valve's First Ever Source 2 Game |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/09/09/dota-2-now-valves-first-ever-source-2-game |website=IGN |date=September 9, 2015 |access-date=September 9, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910075128/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/09/09/dota-2-now-valves-first-ever-source-2-game |archive-date=September 10, 2015 }} Reborn included a new user interface framework design, ability for custom game modes created by the community, and the full replacement of the original Source engine with Source 2.{{cite web |last1=Hussain |first1=Tamoor |title=Dota 2 Officially Reborn on Source 2, Numerous Changes Introduced |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dota-2-officially-reborn-on-source-2-numerous-chan/1100-6430477/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=August 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715220102/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dota-2-officially-reborn-on-source-2-numerous-chan/1100-6430477/ |archive-date=July 15, 2016 }} Largely attributed to technical difficulties players experienced with the update, the global player base experienced a sharp drop of approximately sixteen percent the month following its release.{{cite web |last=LeJacq |first=Yannick |url=http://kotaku.com/dota-2-lost-a-ton-of-players-in-september-1733840917 |title=Dota 2 Lost A Ton Of Players In September |date=September 30, 2015 |access-date=October 12, 2015 |publisher=Kotaku |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151013072422/http://kotaku.com/dota-2-lost-a-ton-of-players-in-september-1733840917 |archive-date=October 13, 2015 }} However, after various updates and patches, over a million concurrent players were playing again by the beginning of 2016, with that number being the largest in nearly a year.{{cite web |last1=Whittaker |first1=Matt |title=Dota 2 Hits One Million Concurrent Users on New Engine |url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/01/09/dota-2-hits-one-million-concurrent-users-on-new-engine/186454/ |publisher=Hardcore Gamer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160714063853/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2016/01/09/dota-2-hits-one-million-concurrent-users-on-new-engine/186454/ |archive-date=July 14, 2016 |date=January 10, 2016 }} The move to Source 2 allowed the use of the Vulkan graphics API, released as an optional feature in May 2016, making Dota 2 one of the first games to use it.{{cite web |last1=Paul |first1=Ian |title=Steam's most popular game just added support for Vulkan, DirectX 12's more open rival |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/3074906/software/steams-most-popular-game-just-added-support-for-vulkan-directx-12s-more-open-rival.html |website=PC World |access-date=July 10, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629222319/http://www.pcworld.com/article/3074906/software/steams-most-popular-game-just-added-support-for-vulkan-directx-12s-more-open-rival.html |archive-date=June 29, 2016 |date=May 25, 2016 }}

Release

File:The International Dota 2 video game tournament.jpg 2011 in Cologne, where the game was first made playable to the public]]

Dota 2 was made available to the public at Gamescom in 2011, coinciding with the inaugural International championship, the game's premier esport tournament event. At the event, Valve began sending out closed beta invitations to DotA players and attendees.{{cite web |last=Onyett |first=Charles |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/08/17/gamescom-when-do-we-get-to-play-dota-2 |title=Gamescom: When Do We Get to Play Dota 2? |date=August 17, 2011 |website=IGN |archive-date=November 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109072438/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/08/17/gamescom-when-do-we-get-to-play-dota-2}} Although the game was originally meant to publicly release in 2012, Valve later scrapped that plan as it would have kept the game in its closed beta state for over a year. Owing to that, Valve lifted the non-disclosure agreement and transitioned the game into open beta in September 2011, allowing players to discuss the game and their experiences publicly.{{cite web |last=Yin-Poole |first=Wesley |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-08-18-newell-dota-2-wont-ship-until-2012 |title=Newell: Dota 2 won't ship until 2012 |date=August 18, 2011 |website=Eurogamer |archive-date=December 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225071540/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-08-18-newell-dota-2-wont-ship-until-2012}}{{cite web |last=Devore |first=Jordan |url=http://www.destructoid.com/a-change-of-plans-at-valve-means-we-ll-get-dota-2-sooner-212040.phtml |title=A change of plans at Valve means we'll get Dota 2 sooner |date=September 22, 2011 |website=Destructoid |archive-date=May 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120520183437/http://www.destructoid.com/a-change-of-plans-at-valve-means-we-ll-get-dota-2-sooner-212040.phtml}}

Following nearly two years of beta testing, Dota 2 was released on Steam for Windows on July 9, 2013, and for OS X and Linux on July 18, 2013.{{cite web |url=http://kotaku.com/valve-finally-releases-dota-2-725489527 |title=Valve Finally "Releases" DOTA 2 |date=July 9, 2013 |access-date=July 9, 2013 |last=Hernandez |first=Patricia |work=Kotaku |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130715013444/http://kotaku.com/valve-finally-releases-dota-2-725489527 |archive-date=July 15, 2013 }}{{cite web |last=McDonald |first=Tim |title=Dota 2 patch adds Linux and Mac support, plus customisable chat wheel |url=http://www.incgamers.com/2013/07/dota-2-patch-adds-linux-and-mac-support-plus-customisable-chat-wheel |work=incgamers.com |publisher=IncGamers |access-date=July 19, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721142313/http://www.incgamers.com/2013/07/dota-2-patch-adds-linux-and-mac-support-plus-customisable-chat-wheel |archive-date=July 21, 2013 |date=July 19, 2013 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/10/dota-2-launching-now-officially/ |title=Dota 2 launching now, officially |last=Sliwinski |first=Alexander |publisher=Joystiq |date=July 10, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150209055202/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/07/10/dota-2-launching-now-officially/ |archive-date=February 9, 2015 }} The game did not launch with every hero from Defense of the Ancients. Instead, the missing ones were added in various post-release updates, with the final one, as well as the first Dota 2 original hero, being added in 2016.{{cite web |last1=Thursten |first1=Chris |title=New Dota 2 hero Underlord revealed at The International |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/new-dota-2-hero-underlord-revealed-at-the-international/ |website=PC Gamer |access-date=August 12, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812045248/http://www.pcgamer.com/new-dota-2-hero-underlord-revealed-at-the-international/ |archive-date=August 12, 2016 |date=August 12, 2016 }}{{cite web |last1=Thursten |first1=Chris |title=Valve announce Monkey King, the first Dota 2 hero that isn't a port from DotA |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/valve-announce-monkey-king-the-first-dota-2-hero-that-isnt-a-port-from-dota/ |website=PC Gamer |access-date=August 16, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815191646/http://www.pcgamer.com/valve-announce-monkey-king-the-first-dota-2-hero-that-isnt-a-port-from-dota/ |archive-date=August 15, 2016 |date=August 13, 2016 }} Two months following the game's release, Newell claimed that updates to Dota 2 generated up to three percent of global internet traffic.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-09/17/steam-box-linux-future |title=Gabe Newell: Dota 2 updates generate three percent of global internet traffic |last=Warr |first=Philippa |magazine=Wired UK |date=September 17, 2013 |archive-date=February 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226170656/http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-09/17/steam-box-linux-future |url-status=dead |url-access=limited}} In December 2013, the final restrictions against unlimited global access to Dota 2 were lifted after the game's infrastructure and servers were substantially bolstered.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/12/17/dota-2-scraps-sign-ups-boasts-6-5-million-active-monthly-users/ |title=Dota 2 scraps sign-ups, boasts 6.5 million active monthly users |last=Savage |first=Phil |magazine=PC Gamer |date=December 17, 2013 |access-date=December 18, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218141946/http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/12/17/dota-2-scraps-sign-ups-boasts-6-5-million-active-monthly-users/ |archive-date=December 18, 2013 }} In order to abide by the standards set by the economic legislation of specific countries, Valve opted to contract with nationally based developers for publishing. In October 2012, Chinese game publisher Perfect World announced they had received distribution rights for the game in the country.{{cite web |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/perfect-world-and-valve-announce-exclusive-rights-for-perfect-world-to-operate-dota-2-in-mainland-china-174868441.html |title=Perfect World and Valve Announce Exclusive Rights for Perfect World to Operate Dota 2 in Mainland China |date=October 18, 2012 |publisher=PR Newswire |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601000509/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/perfect-world-and-valve-announce-exclusive-rights-for-perfect-world-to-operate-dota-2-in-mainland-china-174868441.html |archive-date=June 1, 2014 }} The Chinese client has a region-specific "Low Violence" mode, which removes most depictions of blood, gore, and skulls in order for the game to follow censorship policies of the country.{{cite web |last1=Strom |first1=Steven |title='Low Violence' Mode Highlights Dota's Smart Design |url=http://www.redbull.com/us/en/esports/stories/1331686979659/low-violence-mode-highlights-dota-s-smart-design |website=Red Bull |access-date=July 11, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603152856/http://www.redbull.com/us/en/esports/stories/1331686979659/low-violence-mode-highlights-dota-s-smart-design |archive-date=June 3, 2016 }}{{cite web |title=Weekend time-waster: original Dota 2 icons vs. censored Chinese versions |url=https://www.techinasia.com/weekend-time-waster-original-dota-2-icons-vs-censored-chinese-versions |website=Techinasia |access-date=July 11, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820154058/https://www.techinasia.com/weekend-time-waster-original-dota-2-icons-vs-censored-chinese-versions |archive-date=August 20, 2016 }} In November 2012, a similar publishing deal was made with the South Korea-based game company Nexon to distribute and market the game in the country, as well as in Japan.{{cite press release |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20121107006915/en/Nexon-Valve-Partner-Launch-Dota-2-Korea |title=Nexon and Valve Partner to Launch Dota 2 in Korea and Japan |date=November 8, 2012 |access-date=November 9, 2012 |publisher=Business Wire |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113092348/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20121107006915/en/Nexon-Valve-Partner-Launch-Dota-2-Korea |archive-date=November 13, 2012 }} Three years later, Nexon announced they would no longer be operating servers for Dota 2, with Valve taking over direct distribution and marketing of the game in those regions.{{cite web |last1=Walker |first1=Alex |title=Nexon Shutting Down South Korean Dota 2 Servers, Steam Taking Over |url=http://www.kotaku.com.au/2015/11/nexon-shutting-down-south-korean-dota-2-servers-steam-taking-over/ |publisher=Kotaku |access-date=November 12, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151112131008/http://www.kotaku.com.au/2015/11/nexon-shutting-down-south-korean-dota-2-servers-steam-taking-over/ |archive-date=November 12, 2015 |date=November 11, 2015 }}

In December 2016, Dota 2 was updated to gameplay version 7.00, also known as "The New Journey" update.{{cite web |title=7.00 Update – The New Journey Begins |url=http://blog.dota2.com/2016/12/7-00-update-the-new-journey-begins/ |website=Dota 2 Blog |access-date=December 13, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213083431/http://blog.dota2.com/2016/12/7-00-update-the-new-journey-begins/ |archive-date=December 13, 2016 }}{{cite web |last1=Pereira |first1=Chris |title=Massive Dota 2 Patch Revamps the Game and Adds New Character |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/massive-dota-2-patch-revamps-the-game-and-adds-new/1100-6446186/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=December 13, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161216155215/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/massive-dota-2-patch-revamps-the-game-and-adds-new/1100-6446186/ |archive-date=December 16, 2016 }}{{cite web |last1=Thursten |first1=Chris |title=Why Dota 2's 7.00 update is such a big deal |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/why-dota-2s-700-update-is-such-a-big-deal/ |website=PC Gamer |access-date=December 13, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210093250/http://www.pcgamer.com/why-dota-2s-700-update-is-such-a-big-deal/ |archive-date=February 10, 2017 |date=December 12, 2016 }} Prior to the update, the Dota series had been in version 6.xx for over a decade, marking the first major revision since IceFrog originally took over development of the original mod in the mid-2000s. The New Journey update added and changed numerous features and mechanics of the game, including adding the first original hero not ported over from Defense of the Ancients, a reworked map, a redesigned HUD, a pre-game phase that allows for players to discuss their team strategy, and a "Talent Tree" ability augmentation system. In April 2017, Valve announced changes to the game's ranked matchmaking system, with the main one requiring the registration of a unique phone number to a player's account in order to play them, an anti-griefing and smurfing practice they had previously implemented in their first-person shooter game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.{{cite web |last1=Orland |first1=Kyle |title=Valve asks for phone numbers to confirm Dota 2 player identities |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/04/valve-asks-for-phone-numbers-to-confirm-dota-2-player-identities/ |website=Ars Technica |access-date=April 21, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422000343/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/04/valve-asks-for-phone-numbers-to-confirm-dota-2-player-identities/ |archive-date=April 22, 2017 |date=April 21, 2017 }} Further changes to the game's matchmaking were brought in an update in November 2017, where the old numerical MMR system was replaced by a seasonal one based on eight ranked tiers that are recalibrated around every six months, a move that brought the game's ranked system closer to ones used in other competitive games such as Global Offensive, StarCraft, and League of Legends.{{cite web |last1=Donnelly |first1=Joe |title=Dota 2 gets multi-tiered Rank Medal system |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/dota-2-gets-multi-tiered-rank-medal-system/ |website=PC Gamer |access-date=November 25, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201041928/http://www.pcgamer.com/dota-2-gets-multi-tiered-rank-medal-system/ |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |date=November 24, 2017 }}{{cite web |last1=Rose |first1=Victoria |title=Dota 2's new Ranked MMR system released for all players |url=https://www.theflyingcourier.com/2017/11/22/16692088/dota-2-medal-ranked-mmr-system-new-dueling-fates |website=The Flying Courier |publisher=Polygon |access-date=November 25, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201032535/https://www.theflyingcourier.com/2017/11/22/16692088/dota-2-medal-ranked-mmr-system-new-dueling-fates |archive-date=December 1, 2017 }}

For most of 2018, Valve decided to handle gameplay balance updates for the game in a different way. Instead of releasing larger updates irregularly throughout the year, smaller ones would be released on a set schedule of every two weeks.{{cite web|last1=Rose|first1=Victoria|title=Icefrog: Minor Dota 2 gameplay patches to occur every two weeks|url=https://www.theflyingcourier.com/2018/1/31/16958392/dota-2-small-patches-every-2-weeks-valve-icefrog-tweets|website=The Flying Courier|publisher=Polygon|access-date=February 1, 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201185351/https://www.theflyingcourier.com/2018/1/31/16958392/dota-2-small-patches-every-2-weeks-valve-icefrog-tweets|archive-date=February 1, 2018}}{{cite web|last1=Chalk|first1=Andy|title=Dota 2 is moving to a bi-weekly update schedule|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/dota-2-is-moving-to-a-bi-weekly-update-schedule/|website=PC Gamer|access-date=February 7, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208064245/https://www.pcgamer.com/dota-2-is-moving-to-a-bi-weekly-update-schedule/|archive-date=February 8, 2018|date=February 2018}} {{anchor|Dota Plus}}Around the same time, the game introduced the "Dota Plus" monthly subscription system that replaced the seasonal battle passes that were released to coincide with a Major tournament. In addition to offering everything battle passes previously did, Dota Plus added features such as a hero-specific achievement system that reward players who complete them with exclusive cosmetics, as well as providing hero and game analytics and statistics gathered from thousands of recent games.{{cite web|last1=Pereira|first1=Chris|title=Valve Overhauls Dota 2 Battle Pass With Subscription-Based Dota Plus|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/valve-overhauls-dota-2-battle-pass-with-subscripti/1100-6457332/|website=GameSpot|access-date=March 12, 2018}}

Esports

File:The International 2018 (43467814784).jpg, a $25 million tournament hosted at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver.]]

To ensure that enough Defense of the Ancients players would take up Dota 2 and to promote the game to a new audience, Valve invited sixteen accomplished Defense of the Ancients esports teams to compete at a Dota 2-specific tournament at Gamescom in August 2011, which later became an annually held event known as The International.{{cite web |last=Reilly |first=Jim |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/08/01/valve-goes-big-with-dota-2-tournament |title=Valve Goes Big with Dota 2 Tournament |date=August 1, 2011 |website=IGN |archive-date=November 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109072431/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/08/01/valve-goes-big-with-dota-2-tournament}} From The International 2013 onward, its prize pool began to be crowdfunded through a type of in-game battle pass called the "Compendium", which raises money from players buying them and connected lootboxes to get exclusive in-game cosmetics and other bonuses offered through them.{{cite web |title=Introducing the Interactive Compendium |url=http://blog.dota2.com/2013/05/introducing-the-interactive-compendium/ |website=Dota 2 |access-date=July 7, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811043833/http://blog.dota2.com/2013/05/introducing-the-interactive-compendium/ |archive-date=August 11, 2016 }}{{cite web |last1=Van Allen |first1=Eric |title=How Exactly Does Dota 2 Come Up With Over $20 Million In Prizes For Its Biggest Event? |url=https://compete.kotaku.com/how-exactly-does-dota-2-come-up-with-over-20-million-i-1796879005 |website=Kotaku |date=July 13, 2017 |access-date=July 14, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170714010129/http://compete.kotaku.com/how-exactly-does-dota-2-come-up-with-over-20-million-i-1796879005 |archive-date=July 14, 2017 }} 25% of all the revenue made from Compendiums go directly to the prize pool, with sales from the 2013 battle pass raising over {{USD}}2.8 million, which made it the largest prize pool in esports history at the time.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dota-2s-the-international-3-reaches-2m-prize-pool/1100-6408442/ |title=Dota 2's The International 3 reaches $2m prize pool |last=Gaston |first=Martin |website=GameSpot |date=May 16, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131118055918/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dota-2s-the-international-3-reaches-2m-prize-pool/1100-6408442/ |archive-date=November 18, 2013 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/04/dota-2-international-begins-prize-pool-over-2-8-million/ |title=The International 3 begins, Prize pool of over $2.8 million |date=August 4, 2013 |first=Thomas |last=Schulenberg |work=Joystiq |access-date=August 15, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130807002328/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/08/04/dota-2-international-begins-prize-pool-over-2-8-million |archive-date=August 7, 2013 }} From 2015 until 2021, each iteration of the International surpassed the previous one's prize pool, with The International 2021 peaking at $40 million.{{cite web |last1=Kharpal |first1=Arjun |last2=Roy Choudhury |first2=Saheli |title=Pro video gamers are making millions by age 30 in the booming world of 'esports' |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/03/esports-pro-video-gamers-are-making-millions-by-age-30-and-retiring.html |website=CNBC |date=October 3, 2018 |access-date=October 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004103904/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/10/03/esports-pro-video-gamers-are-making-millions-by-age-30-and-retiring.html |archive-date=October 4, 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Shaw |first1=Luke |title='Dota 2' tournament to be held in Bucharest with £29million prize pool |url=https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/dota-2-tournament-to-be-held-in-bucharest-with-29million-prize-pool-2988555 |website=NME |date=July 8, 2021 |access-date=2 October 2021}}

During its beta phase in the early 2010s several other esport events would begin hosting Dota 2 events, including the Electronic Sports World Cup,{{cite web |last=Strisland |first=Jonas |url=http://www.cadred.org/News/Article/160351/ |title=ESWC: DotA 2 Final |date=October 25, 2011 |publisher=Cadred |archive-date=June 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120605071206/http://www.cadred.org/News/Article/160351/}} DreamHack,{{cite web |url=http://www.dreamhack.se/dhw11/2011/11/01/dreamhack-corsair-vengeance-dota-2-championship/ |title=DreamHack Corsair Vengeance Dota 2 Championship |date=November 2, 2011 |publisher=DreamHack |archive-date=July 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725153038/http://www.dreamhack.se/dhw11/2011/11/01/dreamhack-corsair-vengeance-dota-2-championship/}} World Cyber Games,{{cite web |first=Ulrich |last=Hanten |url=http://www.gosugamers.net/dota/news/21851-wcg-2012-dota-and-dota-2-groups-drawn |title=WCG 2012: DotA and Dota 2 groups drawn |publisher=Gosu Gamers |date=December 2012 |access-date=March 3, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130303165120/http://www.gosugamers.net/dota/news/21851-wcg-2012-dota-and-dota-2-groups-drawn |archive-date=March 3, 2013 }} and ESL.{{cite magazine |last=Savage |first=Phil |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/01/28/esl-announce-the-largest-independent-dota-2-competition-so-far/ |title=ESL announce the largest independent Dota 2 competition so far |date=January 28, 2013 |magazine=PC Gamer |access-date=March 3, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130303165411/http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/01/28/esl-announce-the-largest-independent-dota-2-competition-so-far/ |archive-date=March 3, 2013 }} By the end of 2011, Dota 2 was already one of the highest-paying esport games, second to StarCraft II.{{cite web |last=Macdonald |first=Stuart |url=http://www.sk-gaming.com/content/36218-PGT_outlines_best_paying_games_of_2011 |title=PGT outlines best paying games of 2011 |date=January 7, 2012 |publisher=SK Gaming |archive-date=May 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120528033009/http://www.sk-gaming.com/content/36218-PGT_outlines_best_paying_games_of_2011}} At E3 2013, South Korean company Nexon announced the investment of {{KRW|link=yes}}2 billion (approximately {{USD}}1.7 million) into local leagues in the country, which coincided with their distribution partnership with Valve for the game.{{cite web |last=Horton |first=Samuel |url=http://www.sk-gaming.com/content/318043-Nexon_to_invest_17_million_in_Dota_2 |title=Nexon to invest $1.7 million in Dota 2 |date=June 13, 2012 |publisher=SK Gaming |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130916133523/http://www.sk-gaming.com/content/318043-Nexon_to_invest_17_million_in_Dota_2 |archive-date=September 16, 2013 }} In February 2015, Valve sponsored and held the Dota 2 Asia Championships in Shanghai, with a prize pool of over $3 million raised through compendium sales.{{cite web |last1=Strom |first1=Steven |title=The Eastern International |url=http://www.redbull.com/us/en/esports/stories/1331698729388/the-dota-2-asia-championships |website=Red Bull |access-date=July 12, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216043813/http://www.redbull.com/us/en/esports/stories/1331698729388/the-dota-2-asia-championships |archive-date=February 16, 2016 }}{{cite web |last1=Bester |first1=Alan |title=The Great Chinese Collapse of the Shanghai Major |url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/14897064/the-great-chinese-collapse-shanghai-major |website=ESPN |date=March 3, 2016 |access-date=July 12, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703225038/http://espn.go.com/esports/story/_/id/14897064/the-great-chinese-collapse-shanghai-major |archive-date=July 3, 2016 }} In total, professional Dota 2 tournaments had earned teams and players over $100 million by June 2017, with over half of that being awarded at Internationals, making it the highest earning esport game by a margin of nearly $60 million at the time.{{cite web |last1=Stubbs |first1=Mike |title=Dota 2's $100 million milestone, visualised |url=https://www.redbull.com/se-en/dota-2-100-million-milestone-visualised |access-date=June 27, 2017 |website=redbull.com |date=June 23, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202052556/https://www.redbull.com/se-en/dota-2-100-million-milestone-visualised |archive-date=December 2, 2017 }}

{{multiple image|image1=The International 2018 (30302304258).jpg|image2=The International 2018 (30302303908).jpg|footer=As with traditional sporting events, most major Dota 2 events feature pre- and post-game discussion by a panel of analysts (left), with in-match casting being done by play-by-play and color commentators (right).|width=250|align=right}}

From late 2015 until early 2017, Valve sponsored a series of smaller-scale, seasonally held tournaments known as the Dota Major Championships, which all had fixed prize pools of {{USD}}3 million.{{cite web |last1=Sykes |first1=Tom |title=Dota 2 Major Championships announced |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/dota-2-major-championships-announced/ |website=PC Gamer |date=April 25, 2015 |access-date=June 14, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402081538/http://www.pcgamer.com/dota-2-major-championships-announced/ |archive-date=April 2, 2016 }}{{cite web |url=http://ign.com/articles/2015/04/25/valve-announces-the-dota-2-major-championships |title=Valve Announces The Dota 2 Major Championships |first=Mitch |last=Dyer |website=IGN |date=April 24, 2015 |access-date=November 15, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118053735/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/04/25/valve-announces-the-dota-2-major-championships |archive-date=November 18, 2015 }} Their format was based on the tournament series of the same name that Valve also sponsored for their first-person shooter game Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Including The International 2016 and 2017, which were considered to be the cumulative Major of their respective seasons,{{cite web |last1=Sutterlin |first1=Alan |title=The {{sic|pos|tive|nolink=y}} impact of Valve's Majors format on the Dota 2 esports scene |url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/14668735/the-positive-impact-valve-majors-format-dota-2-esports-scene |website=ESPN |date=January 28, 2016 |access-date=June 27, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421001024/http://espn.go.com/esports/story/_/id/14668735/the-positive-impact-valve-majors-format-dota-2-esports-scene |archive-date=April 21, 2016 }} the series had five other events, which were the Frankfurt Major,{{cite web |last1=Porter |first1=Matt |title=Dota 2 Major Announced for Frankfurt |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/09/24/dota-2-major-announced-for-frankfurt |website=IGN |date=September 24, 2015 |access-date=October 13, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160906000505/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/09/24/dota-2-major-announced-for-frankfurt |archive-date=September 6, 2016 }} Shanghai Major,{{cite web |last1=Thursten |first1=Chris |title=Valve have announced the Dota 2 Shanghai Major |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/valve-have-announced-the-dota-2-shanghai-major/ |website=PC Gamer |date=November 21, 2015 |access-date=December 1, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125012638/http://www.pcgamer.com/valve-have-announced-the-dota-2-shanghai-major/ |archive-date=November 25, 2015 }} Manila Major,{{cite web |last1=Campbell |first1=Evan |title=Dota 2: Manila Major Announced for June 2016 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/01/12/dota-2-manila-major-announced-for-june-2016 |website=IGN.com |date=January 12, 2016 |access-date=January 19, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117052754/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/01/12/dota-2-manila-major-announced-for-june-2016 |archive-date=January 17, 2016 }} Boston Major,{{cite web |last1=Good |first1=Owen |title=Dota 2's second championship season begins with The Boston Major |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/10/4/13160996/dota-2s-second-championship-season-begins-with-the-boston-major |website=Polygon |date=October 4, 2016 |access-date=October 5, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005123421/http://www.polygon.com/2016/10/4/13160996/dota-2s-second-championship-season-begins-with-the-boston-major |archive-date=October 5, 2016 }} and Kiev Major.{{cite web |last1=Van Allen |first1=Eric |title=Valve announces dates for 2017 Dota 2 season |url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/17954047/valve-dota-2-majors-announcement-spring-major |website=ESPN |date=November 2, 2016 |access-date=November 10, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111061350/http://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/17954047/valve-dota-2-majors-announcement-spring-major |archive-date=November 11, 2016 }} Following the International 2017, the Majors were replaced with the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) format due to criticism by teams and fans for Valve's non-transparent and unpredictable nature for handing out International invitations.{{cite web |last1=Savov |first1=Vlad |title=Valve is rebooting its Dota 2 tournaments for a more democratic and 'organic' approach |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/4/15918696/valve-dota-2-majors-minors-tournaments-2018 |website=The Verge |date=July 4, 2017 |access-date=July 4, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805015528/https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/4/15918696/valve-dota-2-majors-minors-tournaments-2018 |archive-date=August 5, 2017 }}{{cite web |last1=Chalk |first1=Andy |title=Valve is eliminating the Dota 2 Majors for the 2017-18 season |website=PC Gamer |date=July 3, 2017 |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/valve-is-eliminating-the-dota-2-majors-for-the-2017-18-season/ |access-date=July 4, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705202609/http://www.pcgamer.com/valve-is-eliminating-the-dota-2-majors-for-the-2017-18-season/ |archive-date=July 5, 2017 }}{{cite web |last1=Gach |first1=Ethan |title=Valve Announces Big Changes To Dota 2's Tournament Structure Going Forward |url=https://compete.kotaku.com/valve-announces-big-changes-to-dota-2s-tournament-struc-1796611517 |website=Kotaku |date=July 3, 2017 |access-date=July 4, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170710190345/http://compete.kotaku.com/valve-announces-big-changes-to-dota-2s-tournament-struc-1796611517 |archive-date=July 10, 2017 }} In the DPC, teams are awarded qualification points for their performance in sponsored tournaments, with the top twelve earning direct invites to that season's International.{{cite web |title=Dota Pro Circuit |url=http://www.dota2.com/procircuit |website=dota2.com |access-date=November 22, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019035459/http://www.dota2.com/procircuit |archive-date=October 19, 2017 }} To avoid conflicting dates with other tournaments, Valve directly manages the scheduling of them.

{{anchor|Media coverage}}The primary medium for professional Dota 2 coverage is the live streaming platform Twitch. For most major events, tournament coverage is done by a selection of dedicated esports organizations and personnel who provide on-site commentary, analysis, and player interviews, similar to traditional sporting events.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-international-hits-1-million-concurrent-viewers/1100-6412911/ |title=The International hits 1 million concurrent viewers |date=August 13, 2013 |first=Eddie |last=Makuch |website=GameSpot |access-date=April 1, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160904040707/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-international-hits-1-million-concurrent-viewers/1100-6412911/ |archive-date=September 4, 2016 }}{{cite web |last1=Van Allen |first1=Eric |title=TobiWan: The voice of Dota 2 |url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/17227728/voice-dota-2 |website=ESPN |date=August 5, 2016 |access-date=August 6, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806133102/http://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/17227728/voice-dota-2 |archive-date=August 6, 2016 }} Coverage of Dota 2 tournaments have been simulcast on television networks, such as ESPN in the United States,{{cite web |last1=Schwartz |first1=Nick |title=ESPN embraces esports, broadcasts Dota 2 championship 'The International' |url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/07/espn-dota-2-international-esports |website=ESPN |date=July 21, 2014 |access-date=June 29, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716150653/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/07/espn-dota-2-international-esports |archive-date=July 16, 2016 }}{{cite web |last1=Lewis |first1=Richard |title=ESPN 'delighted' with 'Dota 2' numbers, looking to expand deeper into esports |url=http://www.dailydot.com/esports/espn-dota-2-the-international/ |website=Daily Dot |access-date=June 29, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729155455/http://www.dailydot.com/esports/espn-dota-2-the-international/ |archive-date=July 29, 2016 }} BBC Three in the United Kingdom,{{cite web |last1=Ridsdale |first1=Jack |title=BBC Three will broadcast Dota 2 matches this weekend |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/dota-2/dota-2-bbc-three |website=PCGamesN |date=May 25, 2018 |access-date=November 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129072845/https://www.pcgamesn.com/dota-2/dota-2-bbc-three |archive-date=November 29, 2018 |url-status=live }} Sport1 in Germany,{{cite web |last1=Lund-Hansen |first1=Rasmus |title=German TV to broadcast ESL One Dota tournament |url=http://www.gamereactor.eu/esports/429953/German+TV+to+broadcast+ESL+One+Dota+tournament/ |website=gamereactor.eu |date=June 16, 2016 |access-date=June 29, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160620221004/http://www.gamereactor.eu/esports/429953/German+TV+to+broadcast+ESL+One+Dota+tournament |archive-date=June 20, 2016 }} TV 2 Zulu in Denmark,{{cite web |title=The Defense: joinDOTA's Flagship Dota 2 Tournament Returns and Hits Danish Television |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/253090/The_Defense_joinDOTArsquos_Flagship_Dota_2_TournamentReturns_and_Hits_Danish_Television.php |website=Gamasutra |access-date=July 10, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924052357/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/253090/The_Defense_joinDOTArsquos_Flagship_Dota_2_TournamentReturns_and_Hits_Danish_Television.php |archive-date=September 24, 2016 }} Xinwen Lianbo in China,{{cite web |title=电竞产业或迎春天 DOTA2上今日新闻联播 |url=http://fight.pcgames.com.cn/285/2850402.html |website=fight.pcgames.com.cn |access-date=July 10, 2016 |language=zh |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011031102/http://fight.pcgames.com.cn/285/2850402.html |archive-date=October 11, 2016 }} Astro in Malaysia,{{cite web |title=Astro offers The International 2015 DOTA 2 Championships LIVE |url=http://www.astro.com.my/mediaroom/articledetails.aspx?id=305&title=astro-offers-the-international-2015-dota-2-championships-live |website=astro.com.my |access-date=June 29, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819132121/http://www.astro.com.my/mediaroom/articledetails.aspx?id=305&title=astro-offers-the-international-2015-dota-2-championships-live |archive-date=August 19, 2016 }} and TV5 in the Philippines.{{cite web |last1=Banusing |first1=Justin |title=Catch The Manila Major Finals Live Philippine Coverage on TV |url=http://esports.inquirer.net/15522/manila-major-will-broadcasted-tv5-nationwide |website=esports.inquirer.net |access-date=June 29, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160713085621/http://esports.inquirer.net/15522/manila-major-will-broadcasted-tv5-nationwide |archive-date=July 13, 2016 }}

Reception

{{Video game reviews

| MC = 90/100{{cite Metacritic |id=dota-2 |type=game |vgtype=pc |title=Dota 2 |access-date=February 14, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130807212538/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/dota-2 |archive-date=August 7, 2013 }}

| Destruct = 9.5/10{{cite web |last=Patrick |first=Hancock |url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-dota-2-258506.phtml |title=Dota 2 |date=July 24, 2013 |website=Destructoid |access-date=July 25, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727112757/http://www.destructoid.com/review-dota-2-258506.phtml |archive-date=July 27, 2013 }}

| Edge = 9/10{{cite web |last=Edge Staff |title=Dota 2 review |url=http://www.edge-online.com/review/dota-2-review/ |work=Edge Magazine UK |access-date=August 2, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130804135809/http://www.edge-online.com/review/dota-2-review/ |archive-date=August 4, 2013 }}

| EuroG = 9/10{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Quintin |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-07-16-dota-2-review |title=Dota 2 review |date=July 16, 2013 |website=Eurogamer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130718061726/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-07-16-dota-2-review |archive-date=July 18, 2013 }}

| GI = 9/10

| GSpot = 9/10{{cite web |last=Gaston |first=Martin |url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/dota-2-review/1900-6411615/ |title=Dota 2 Review |date=July 19, 2013 |website=GameSpot |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725083457/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/dota-2-review/1900-6411615/ |archive-date=July 25, 2016 }}

| IGN = 9.4/10{{cite web |last=Cameron |first=Phill |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/07/24/dota-2-review |title=Dota 2 Review |date=July 24, 2013 |website=IGN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130806054001/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/07/24/dota-2-review |archive-date=August 6, 2013 }}

| Poly = 8.5/10{{cite web |last1=Gies |first1=Arthur |title=Dota 2 review |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/15/16151674/dota-2-review |website=Polygon |date=August 15, 2017 |access-date=August 15, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815220143/https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/15/16151674/dota-2-review |archive-date=August 15, 2017 }}

| PCGUS = 92/100{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/dota-2-review/ |title=Dota 2 review |date=May 24, 2018 |access-date=May 25, 2018 |first=Chris |last=Thursten |website=PC Gamer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524165917/https://www.pcgamer.com/dota-2-review/ |archive-date=May 24, 2018 |url-status=live }}

| USG = {{rating|5|5}}{{cite web |last1=Rignall |first1=Jaz |title=DOTA 2 Review |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/dota-2-review |website=USgamer |date=August 8, 2013 |access-date=September 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930194637/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/dota-2-review |archive-date=September 30, 2018 |url-status=live }}

| VG = 9/10{{cite web |last=McCormick |first=Rich |url=http://www.videogamer.com/reviews/defence_of_the_ancients_2_review.html |title=Dota 2 Review |date=July 26, 2013 |website=VideoGamer.com |access-date=July 29, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130805151621/http://videogamer.com/reviews/defence_of_the_ancients_2_review.html |archive-date=August 5, 2013 }}

}}

Dota 2 received "universal acclaim" according to review aggregator Metacritic, and has been cited as one of the greatest video games of all time.{{cite magazine |last1=Peckham |first1=Matt |last2=Eadicicco |first2=Lisa |last3=Fitzpatrick |first3=Alex |last4=Vella |first4=Matt |last5=Patrick Pullen |first5=John |last6=Raab |first6=Josh |last7=Grossman |first7=Lev |url=https://time.com/4458554/best-video-games-all-time/ |title=The 50 Best Video Games of All Time |date=August 23, 2016 |magazine=Time |access-date=August 23, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826010703/http://time.com/4458554/best-video-games-all-time/ |archive-date=August 26, 2016 }}{{cite magazine |author=Edge staff |title=Edge Presents: The 100 Greatest Video Games of All Time |magazine=Edge |issue=308 |date=August 2017}}{{cite web |author=Polygon staff |url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/12/1/16707720/the-500-best-games-of-all-time-100-1 |title=The 500 best games of all time: 100-1 |date=December 1, 2017 |work=Polygon |access-date=December 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201191206/https://www.polygon.com/features/2017/12/1/16707720/the-500-best-games-of-all-time-100-1 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 }}{{cite magazine|magazine=Game Informer|title=The Top 300 Games of All Time|date=April 2018|issue=300}} In a preview of the game in 2012, Rich McCormick of PC Gamer thought that Dota 2 was "an unbelievably deep and complex game that offers the purest sequel to the original Defense of the Ancients. Rewarding like few others, but tough."{{cite web |last=McCormick |first=Rich |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/review/dota-2-review/ |title=Dota 2 Review |date=September 22, 2012 |website=PC Gamer |archive-date=November 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127235225/http://www.pcgamer.com/review/dota-2-review/3/}} Adam Biessener, the editor who authored the announcement article for Dota 2 for Game Informer in 2010, praised Valve for maintaining the same mechanics and game balance that made Defense of the Ancients successful nearly a decade prior and Quintin Smith of Eurogamer described Dota 2 as the "supreme form of the MOBA which everyone else working in the genre is trying to capture like lightning in a bottle". The most frequently praised aspects of the game were its depth, delivery, and overall balance. Chris Thursten of PC Gamer described the gameplay as being "deep and rewarding".

Martin Gaston of GameSpot complimented Valve for the artistic design and delivery of Dota 2, citing the execution of the user interface design, voice acting, and characterization as exceeding those of the game's competitors. Phill Cameron of IGN and James Kozanitis of Hardcore Gamer both praised Dota 2 for its free-to-play business model including only cosmetic items in contrast to other games such as League of Legends, which charges to unlock better "heroes" to play as, with Kozanitis stating that Dota 2 was "the only game to do free-to-play right".{{cite web |last1=Kozanitis |first1=James |title=Why Dota 2 is the Only Game that Does Free-To-Play Right |url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/09/07/why-dota-2-is-the-only-game-that-does-free-to-play-right/99773/ |website=Hardcore Gamer |date=September 7, 2014 |access-date=August 8, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724123656/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/09/07/why-dota-2-is-the-only-game-that-does-free-to-play-right/99773/ |archive-date=July 24, 2016 }} Nick Kolan of IGN agreed, comparing the game's business model to Valve's Team Fortress 2, which uses a nearly identical system.{{cite web |last1=Kolan |first1=Nick |title=League of Legends Versus Dota 2 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/11/12/league-of-legends-versus-dota-2 |website=IGN |date=November 12, 2012 |access-date=July 28, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820113600/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/11/12/league-of-legends-versus-dota-2 |archive-date=August 20, 2016 }} Post-release additions to the game were praised, such as the addition of virtual reality (VR) support in 2016. Ben Kuchera of Polygon thought that spectating games in VR was "amazing", comparing it to being able to watch an American football game on television with the ability to jump onto the field at any time to see the quarterback's point of view.{{cite web |last1=Kuchera |first1=Ben |title=Spectating Dota 2 in VR is amazing, watch it in action |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/29/12325418/dota-2-vr-valve-vive |website=Polygon |date=July 29, 2016 |access-date=August 9, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808153642/http://www.polygon.com/2016/7/29/12325418/dota-2-vr-valve-vive |archive-date=August 8, 2016 }} Chris Thursten of PC Gamer agreed, calling the experience "incredible" and unlike any other esports spectating system that existed prior to it.{{cite web |last1=Thursten |first1=Chris |title=Dota 2 Battle Pass update adds crazy new VR spectator mode |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/dota-2-battle-pass-update-adds-crazy-new-vr-spectator-mode/ |website=PC Gamer |date=July 28, 2016 |access-date=August 9, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812022545/http://www.pcgamer.com/dota-2-battle-pass-update-adds-crazy-new-vr-spectator-mode/ |archive-date=August 12, 2016 }} Sam Machkovech of Ars Technica also praised the addition, believing that the functionality could "attract serious attention from gamers and non-gamers alike".{{cite web |last1=Machkovech |first1=Sam |title=Dota 2 releases full VR spectator suite—just in time for the International |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/07/dota-2-releases-full-vr-spectator-suite-just-in-time-for-the-international/ |website=Ars Technica |date=July 28, 2016 |access-date=August 9, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807232742/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/07/dota-2-releases-full-vr-spectator-suite-just-in-time-for-the-international/ |archive-date=August 7, 2016 }}

While the majority of reviewers gave Dota 2 highly positive reviews, a common criticism was that the game maintains a steep learning curve that requires exceptional commitment to overcome. While providing a moderately positive review that praised Valve's product stability, Fredrik Åslund from the Swedish division of Gamereactor described his first match of Dota 2 as one of the most humiliating and inhospitable experiences of his gaming career, citing the learning curve and players' attitudes as unwelcoming.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamereactor.se/recensioner/114504/Dota+2/ |title=Dota 2 Recension |last=Åslund |first=Fredrik |website=Gamereactor |date=July 18, 2013 |access-date=August 16, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102075531/http://www.gamereactor.se/recensioner/114504/Dota+2/ |archive-date=November 2, 2013 }} Benjamin Danneberg of GameStar alluded to the learning curve as a "learning cliff", calling the newcomer's experience painful, with the tutorial feature new to the Dota franchise only being partially successful.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gamestar.de/spiele/dota-2/test/dota_2,46371,3025780.html |title=Dota 2 im Test |last=Danneberg |first=Benjamin |magazine=GameStar |date=July 18, 2013 |access-date=August 16, 2013 |language=de |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130821192836/http://www.gamestar.de/spiele/dota-2/test/dota_2,46371,3025780.html |archive-date=August 21, 2013 }} In a review for Metro, Dota 2 was criticized for not compensating for the flaws with the learning curve from Defense of the Ancients, as well as the often hostile community.{{cite news |url=http://metro.co.uk/2013/07/19/dota-2-review-esport-of-kings-3889373/ |title=Dota 2 review – eSport of kings |newspaper=Metro |date=July 19, 2013 |access-date=December 7, 2013 |quote=Nowadays games like Dota and League Of Legends are described as MOBAs, which stands for multiplayer online battle arena – a laughably unhelpful term which is strangely fitting given how infamously difficult the games are to get into. And how notoriously unpleasant and elitist their online community tends to be. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131125174421/http://metro.co.uk/2013/07/19/dota-2-review-esport-of-kings-3889373/ |archive-date=November 25, 2013 }} Peter Bright of Ars Technica also directed criticism at the ability for third-party websites to allow skin gambling and betting on match results, similar to controversies that also existed with Valve's Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.{{cite web |last1=Bright |first1=Peter |title=Valve can't pass buck to third parties for teaching CS:GO kids to gamble |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/07/valve-cant-pass-buck-to-third-parties-for-teaching-csgo-kids-to-gamble/ |website=Ars Technica |date=July 12, 2016 |access-date=July 13, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160712171917/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2016/07/valve-cant-pass-buck-to-third-parties-for-teaching-csgo-kids-to-gamble/ |archive-date=July 12, 2016 }} Using Dota 2 as an example, Bright thought that Valve had built gambling elements directly into their games, and had issues with the unregulated practice, which he said was often used by underage players and regions where gambling is illegal. Australian senator Nick Xenophon had similar sentiment, stating that he wanted to introduce legislation in his country to minimize underage access to gambling within video games, including Dota 2.{{cite web |last1=Armitage |first1=Catherine |title=Nick Xenophon calls for curbs on teen gambling in esports video games |url=http://www.smh.com.au/technology/games/just-when-we-got-used-to-kids-dying-or-killing-on-screen-something-worse-came-along-20160728-gqfp5x.html |website=smh.com.au |date=July 30, 2016 |publisher=The Sydney Morning Herald |access-date=August 5, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802175538/http://www.smh.com.au/technology/games/just-when-we-got-used-to-kids-dying-or-killing-on-screen-something-worse-came-along-20160728-gqfp5x.html |archive-date=August 2, 2016 }} In response to the controversy, Valve and Dota 2 project manager Erik Johnson stated that they would be taking action against the third-party sites as the practice was not allowed by their user agreements or API.{{cite web |last1=Wolf |first1=Jacob |title=Valve prohibits online gambling through Steam for Counter-Strike and Dota 2 |url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/17058219/valve-prohibits-online-gambling-steam-counter-strike-dota-2 |website=ESPN |date=July 13, 2016 |access-date=July 14, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715194630/http://espn.go.com/esports/story/_/id/17058219/valve-prohibits-online-gambling-steam-counter-strike-dota-2 |archive-date=July 15, 2016 }}

Comparisons of Dota 2 to other MOBA games are commonplace, with the mechanics and business model compared to League of Legends and Heroes of the Storm.{{cite web |last1=LeJacq |first1=Yannick |title=League And Dota 2 Are Both Becoming A Bit More Like Heroes Of The Storm |url=http://kotaku.com/league-and-dota-2-are-both-becoming-a-bit-more-like-her-1712596174 |website=Kotaku |date=June 19, 2015 |access-date=July 28, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160725021128/http://kotaku.com/league-and-dota-2-are-both-becoming-a-bit-more-like-her-1712596174 |archive-date=July 25, 2016 }}{{cite web |last1=Chalk |first1=Andy |title=League of Legends set to dominate MOBA market in 2016 |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/league-of-legends-set-to-dominate-moba-market-in-2016/ |website=PC Gamer |date=April 21, 2015 |access-date=July 28, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715071813/http://www.pcgamer.com/league-of-legends-set-to-dominate-moba-market-in-2016/ |archive-date=July 15, 2016 }}{{cite web |last1=Gaston |first1=Martin |title=How Heroes of the Storm Is Different From--and the Same as--League of Legends and Dota 2 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/how-heroes-of-the-storm-is-different-from-and-the-same-as-league-of-legends-and-dota-2/1100-6418405/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=July 28, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815185438/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/how-heroes-of-the-storm-is-different-from-and-the-same-as-league-of-legends-and-dota-2/1100-6418405/ |archive-date=August 15, 2016 }} Contrasting it with League of Legends, T. J. Hafer of PC Gamer called Dota 2 the "superior experience", stating that he thought the game was "all about counterplay", with most of the heroes being designed to directly counter another.{{cite web |title=Face Off: Is League of Legends a better game than Dota 2? |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/face-off-league-of-legends-vs-dota-2/ |website=PC Gamer |date=February 27, 2013 |access-date=August 3, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807063654/http://www.pcgamer.com/face-off-league-of-legends-vs-dota-2/ |archive-date=August 7, 2016 }} Hafer also preferred the way the game handled its hero selection pool, with all of them being unlocked right from the start, unlike in League of Legends. Comparing Dota 2 to Heroes of the Storm, Jason Parker of CNET said that while Heroes of the Storm was easier to get into, the complexities and depth of Dota 2 would be appreciated more by those who put in the time to master it.{{cite web |last1=Parker |first1=Jason |title=Dota 2 vs. Heroes of the Storm: Which MOBA is right for you? |url=http://www.cnet.com/news/dota-2-vs-heroes-of-the-storm-which-moba-is-right-for-you/ |website=CNET |access-date=August 4, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724120357/http://www.cnet.com/news/dota-2-vs-heroes-of-the-storm-which-moba-is-right-for-you/ |archive-date=July 24, 2016 }} Further comparing it to Heroes of Newerth, players from the professional Dota 2 team OG said that most Heroes of Newerth players were able to transition over easily to the game, due to the strong similarities that both games share.{{cite web |last1=Sillis |first1=Ben |last2=Partridge |first2=Joe |title=How Heroes of Newerth led OG to Dota 2 |url=http://www.redbull.com/us/en/esports/stories/1331777537101/og-dota-2-interview-heroes-of-newerth |website=Red Bull |access-date=August 4, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822153023/http://www.redbull.com/us/en/esports/stories/1331777537101/og-dota-2-interview-heroes-of-newerth |archive-date=August 22, 2016 }} Similar to other highly competitive online games, Dota 2 is often considered to have a hostile and "toxic" community.{{cite web |last1=Sottek |first1=T.C. |title=Valve is making Dota 2 players pay to avoid toxic gamers |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/18/18630598/valve-is-making-dota-2-players-pay-to-avoid-toxic-gamers |website=The Verge |date=May 18, 2019 |access-date=August 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804141258/https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/18/18630598/valve-is-making-dota-2-players-pay-to-avoid-toxic-gamers |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Stubbs |first1=Mike |title=Inside Dota 2's racism storm |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-06-12-inside-dota-2s-racism-storm |website=Eurogamer |date=June 13, 2019 |access-date=August 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190628121242/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-06-12-inside-dota-2s-racism-storm |archive-date=June 28, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Rose |first1=Victoria |title=What is the solution to Dota 2's abusive trolling problem? |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/what-is-the-solution-to-dota-2s-abusive-trolling-problem/ |website=PC Gamer |date=March 21, 2017 |access-date=August 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804141259/https://www.pcgamer.com/what-is-the-solution-to-dota-2s-abusive-trolling-problem/ |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=live }} In 2019, a report by the Anti-Defamation League found that up to 79% of the game's playerbase had reported being harassed in some way while playing it, which topped their list.{{cite web |last1=Talbot |first1=Carrie |title=According to a new study Dota 2 has the most toxic online community |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/dota-2/toxic-online-community |website=PCGamesN |date=July 26, 2019 |access-date=August 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804142338/https://www.pcgamesn.com/dota-2/toxic-online-community |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}

= Awards =

Following its reveal in 2011, Dota 2 won IGN's People's Choice Award.{{cite web |last=MacDonald |first=Keza |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/08/23/ign-peoples-choice-award-and-the-winner-is |title=IGN People's Choice Award: And The Winner Is... |date=August 23, 2011 |work=IGN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105091234/http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/08/23/ign-peoples-choice-award-and-the-winner-is |archive-date=November 5, 2012}} In December 2012, PC Gamer listed Dota 2 as a nominee for their Game of the Year award, as well as the best esports game of the year.{{cite web |author=PC Gamer staff |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/2012/12/11/pc-gamers-game-of-the-year-nominees/ |title=The PC Gamer 2012 Game of the Year nominees |date=December 11, 2011 |work=PC Gamer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115174439/http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/12/11/pc-gamers-game-of-the-year-nominees/ |archive-date=January 15, 2013}} In 2013, Dota 2 won the esport game of the year award from PC Gamer{{cite web |author=PC Gamer staff |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/2013/12/29/e-sport-of-the-year-dota-2/ |title=E-Sport of the year: Dota 2 |date=December 29, 2013 |work=PC Gamer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140731015113/http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/12/29/e-sport-of-the-year-dota-2/ |archive-date=July 31, 2014}} and onGamers.{{cite web |last1=Connors |first1=Cody |last2=Rom |first2=Kim |url=http://www.ongamers.com/articles/2013-ongamers-esports-industry-awards/1100-554/ |title=2013 onGamers esports Industry Awards |date=January 5, 2014 |work=onGamers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106040507/http://www.ongamers.com/articles/2013-ongamers-esports-industry-awards/1100-554/ |archive-date=January 6, 2014}} GameTrailers also awarded the game the award for Best PC Game of 2013,{{cite web |author=GameTrailers |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IN-wuagx-4 |title=Game of the Year Awards 2013 - Best PC Game |date=January 8, 2014 |work=YouTube |access-date=February 17, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140615023727/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IN-wuagx-4 |archive-date=June 15, 2014}} with IGN also awarding it the Best PC Strategy & Tactics Game, Best PC Multiplayer Game, and People's Choice Award.{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2013/Best_PC_Strategy_%26_Tactics_Game |title=Best of 2013 Awards: Best PC Strategy & Tactics Game |date=January 9, 2014 |work=IGN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421024855/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2013/Best_PC_Strategy_%26_Tactics_Game |archive-date=April 21, 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2013/Best_PC_Multiplayer_Game |title=Best of 2013 Awards: Best PC Multiplayer Game |date=January 9, 2014 |work=IGN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309105638/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2013/Best_PC_Multiplayer_Game |archive-date=March 9, 2014 }} Similarly, Game Informer recognized Dota 2 for the categories of Best PC Exclusive, Best Competitive Multiplayer and Best Strategy of 2013.{{cite magazine |last=Bertz |first=Matt |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2014/01/07/game-informer-best-of-2013-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=1 |title=Game Informer Best Of 2013 Awards |date=January 7, 2014 |magazine=Game Informer |access-date=January 25, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140120143603/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2014/01/07/game-informer-best-of-2013-awards.aspx?PostPageIndex=1 |archive-date=January 20, 2014}} The same year, Dota 2 was nominated for several awards by Destructoid. While the staff selected StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm, Dota 2 received the majority of the votes distributed between the nine nominees.{{cite web |last=Carter |first=Chris |url=https://www.destructoid.com/the-winner-of-destructoid-s-best-of-2013-competitive-game-267954.phtml |title=The winner of Destructoid's best of 2013 competitive game |date=December 24, 2013 |work=Destructoid |access-date=January 3, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103121648/http://www.destructoid.com/the-winner-of-destructoid-s-best-of-2013-competitive-game-267954.phtml |archive-date=January 3, 2014}} During the 17th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences nominated Dota 2 for "Role-Playing/Massively Multiplayer Game of the Year".{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2014&idGame=1315 |title=D.I.C.E. Awards By Video Game Details Dota 2 |publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |website=interactive.org |access-date=27 November 2023}} Dota 2 was later nominated for the best multiplayer game at the 10th British Academy Games Awards in 2014, but lost to Grand Theft Auto V,{{cite web |last=Karmali |first=Luke |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/13/bafta-games-awards-2014-winners-announced |title=BAFTA Games Awards 2014 Winners Announced |date=March 13, 2014 |work=IGN |access-date=March 21, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150105013026/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/13/bafta-games-awards-2014-winners-announced |archive-date=January 5, 2015}} and was nominated for Esports Game of the Year at The Game Awards at its events from 2015 to 2019,{{cite web |title=Nominees |url=http://thegameawards.com/nominees/ |website=The Game Awards |access-date=November 30, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114024126/http://thegameawards.com/nominees/ |archive-date=November 14, 2015}}{{cite web |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/11/16/13652228/the-game-awards-2016-nominees |title=Here are the nominees for The Game Awards 2016 |date=November 16, 2016 |work=Polygon |access-date=November 16, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116201915/http://www.polygon.com/2016/11/16/13652228/the-game-awards-2016-nominees |archive-date=November 16, 2016}}{{cite magazine |last=Hester |first=Blake |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/news/horizon-zelda-mario-tie-for-most-game-award-noms-w511742 |title='Horizon Zero Dawn,' 'Zelda,' 'Mario' Top List of Game Award Nominees |date=November 14, 2017 |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=November 14, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114185939/http://www.rollingstone.com/glixel/news/horizon-zelda-mario-tie-for-most-game-award-noms-w511742 |archive-date=November 14, 2017}}{{cite web |last=Winslow |first=Jeremy |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-game-awards-2019-nominees-full-list/1100-6471564/ |title=The Game Awards 2019 Nominees Full List |date=November 19, 2019 |work=GameSpot |access-date=November 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191123042344/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-game-awards-2019-nominees-full-list/1100-6471564/ |archive-date=November 23, 2019 |url-status=live }} while winning the award for best MOBA at the 2015 Global Game Awards.{{cite web |url=http://www.game-debate.com/awards/2015/nominee/dota-2 |title=DOTA 2 Global Game Awards Nominee 2015 |work=Game Debate |access-date=November 30, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151202040042/http://www.game-debate.com/awards/2015/nominee/dota-2 |archive-date=December 2, 2015}} The game was also nominated for the community created "Love/Hate Relationship" award at the inaugural Steam Awards in 2016.{{cite web |last=Good |first=Owen S. |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/12/20/14027538/steam-awards-2016-finalists-voting |title=2016 Steam Awards finalists go all the way back to 2006 |date=December 20, 2016 |work=Polygon |access-date=January 7, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221133243/http://www.polygon.com/2016/12/20/14027538/steam-awards-2016-finalists-voting |archive-date=December 21, 2016}} In the late 2010s, the game was nominated for Choice Video Game at the 2017 Teen Choice Awards,{{cite web |last1=Rubin |first1=Rebecca |last2=Knapp |first2=JD |url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/awards/teen-choice-awards-2017-tcas-fox-winners-list-riverdale-fifth-harmony-1202526197/ |title=Teen Choice Awards 2017: 'Riverdale,' Fifth Harmony Shut Out Competition |date=August 13, 2017 |work=Variety |access-date=March 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816144937/http://variety.com/2017/tv/awards/teen-choice-awards-2017-tcas-fox-winners-list-riverdale-fifth-harmony-1202526197/ |archive-date=August 16, 2017 |url-status=live}} for Esports Game of the Year at the Golden Joystick Awards,{{cite web |last=Gaito |first=Eri |url=https://www.bestinslot.co/golden-joystick-awards-2017-nominees/ |title=Golden Joystick Awards 2017 Nominees |date=November 13, 2017 |work=Best in Slot |access-date=February 17, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180110003232/https://www.bestinslot.co/golden-joystick-awards-2017-nominees/ |archive-date=January 10, 2018}}{{cite news |last=Hoggins |first=Tom |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/news/golden-joysticks-2018-nominees-announced-voting-open-now/ |title=Golden Joysticks 2018 nominees announced, voting open now |date=September 24, 2018 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |access-date=October 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181008021037/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gaming/news/golden-joysticks-2018-nominees-announced-voting-open-now/ |archive-date=October 8, 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Sheridan |first=Connor |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/golden-joystick-awards-2018-winners/ |title=Golden Joystick Awards 2018 winners: God of War wins big but Fortnite gets Victory Royale |date=November 16, 2018 |work=GamesRadar+ |access-date=November 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116215904/https://www.gamesradar.com/golden-joystick-awards-2018-winners/ |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Tailby |first=Stephen |url=http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2019/09/days_gone_rides_off_with_three_nominations_in_this_years_golden_joystick_awards |title=Days Gone Rides Off with Three Nominations in This Year's Golden Joystick Awards |date=September 20, 2019 |work=Push Square |access-date=September 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920222955/http://www.pushsquare.com/news/2019/09/days_gone_rides_off_with_three_nominations_in_this_years_golden_joystick_awards |archive-date=September 20, 2019 |url-status=live}} and as IGN{{'s}} best spectator game.{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Spectator_Game |title=Best of 2017 Awards: Best Spectator Game |date=December 20, 2017 |work=IGN |access-date=February 17, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226091058/http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Spectator_Game |archive-date=December 26, 2017}}

Legacy

File:Dota 2 Juggernaut cosplay.jpging as Juggernaut, one of the game's 126 playable characters]]

A month prior to its launch, Dota 2 was already the most played game on Steam with a concurrent player count of nearly 330,000, which outweighed the number of players for the rest of platform's top ten most-played games combined.{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/05/20/dota-2-breaks-concurrent-steam-players-record-again/ |title=Dota 2 breaks concurrent Steam players record (again) |date=May 20, 2013 |access-date=May 21, 2013 |first=Evan |last=Lahti |website=PC Gamer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607222859/http://www.pcgamer.com/2013/05/20/dota-2-breaks-concurrent-steam-players-record-again/ |archive-date=June 7, 2013 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/5/21/4350866/dota-2-breaks-own-record-for-most-concurrent-users-on-steam |title=Dota 2 breaks own record for most concurrent users on Steam |first=Jenna |last=Pitcher |website=Polygon |date=May 21, 2013 |access-date=May 21, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609142216/http://www.polygon.com/2013/5/21/4350866/dota-2-breaks-own-record-for-most-concurrent-users-on-steam |archive-date=June 9, 2013 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.pcgamesn.com/dota/dota-2-had-more-players-yesterday-rest-steam-top-ten-put-together |title=Dota 2 had more players yesterday than the rest of the Steam top ten put together |last=Peel |first=Jeremy |website=PCGamesN |date=May 24, 2013 |access-date=June 12, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607071354/http://www.pcgamesn.com/dota/dota-2-had-more-players-yesterday-rest-steam-top-ten-put-together |archive-date=June 7, 2013 }} It remained as the most played game by concurrent players on the platform for four years,{{cite web |last1=McCormick |first1=Rich |title=Steam rises to 65 million active users, eclipsing Xbox Live |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/10/30/5045830/steam-65-million-active-accounts-6-million-concurrent-users |website=The Verge |date=October 30, 2013 |access-date=January 12, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103181844/http://www.theverge.com/2013/10/30/5045830/steam-65-million-active-accounts-6-million-concurrent-users |archive-date=January 3, 2017 }}{{cite web |last1=Orland |first1=Kyle |title=Introducing Steam Gauge: Ars reveals Steam's most popular games |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/04/introducing-steam-gauge-ars-reveals-steams-most-popular-games/ |website=Ars Technica |date=April 16, 2014 |access-date=January 12, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161126091516/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/04/introducing-steam-gauge-ars-reveals-steams-most-popular-games/ |archive-date=November 26, 2016 }} having a peak of over one million and never dropping below first place for any extended period of time until being surpassed by PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds in 2017.{{cite web |last1=Good |first1=Owen |title=Dota 2 is Steam's first game with 1 million users playing at the same time |url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/2/15/8042171/dota-2-concurrent-users-million-steam-pc |website=Polygon |date=February 15, 2015 |access-date=October 28, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113044634/http://www.polygon.com/2015/2/15/8042171/dota-2-concurrent-users-million-steam-pc |archive-date=November 13, 2015 }}{{cite web |last1=Maiberg |first1=Emanuel |title=Dota 2 Hits 1 million Concurrent Players, Still Far Smaller Than League of Legends |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dota-2-hits-1-million-concurrent-players-still-far/1100-6425324/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=October 28, 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018112845/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dota-2-hits-1-million-concurrent-players-still-far/1100-6425324/ |archive-date=October 18, 2015 }}{{cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Fraser |title=PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds beats Dota 2's highest concurrent player record |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/playerunknowns-battlegrounds-beats-dota-2s-highest-concurrent-player-record/ |website=PC Gamer |date=September 16, 2017 |access-date=September 16, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917032307/http://www.pcgamer.com/playerunknowns-battlegrounds-beats-dota-2s-highest-concurrent-player-record/ |archive-date=September 17, 2017 }} Viewership and followings of professional Dota 2 leagues and tournaments are popular, with peak viewership numbers of the International in the millions.{{cite web |last1=McWhertor |first1=Michael |title=The International Dota 2 tournament watched by more than 20M viewers, Valve says |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/7/29/5949773/dota-2-the-international-tournament-20-million-viewers |website=Polygon |date=July 29, 2014 |access-date=July 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723050149/http://www.polygon.com/2014/7/29/5949773/dota-2-the-international-tournament-20-million-viewers |archive-date=July 23, 2016 }}{{cite web |last1=Thean Eu |first1=Goh |title=Astro gets into e-sports, Dota 2 broadcast pulls in 1.5mil viewers |url=https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/digital-economy/astro-gets-into-esports-dota2-broadcast-pulls-in-mil-viewers |website=Digital News Asia |date=August 18, 2015 |access-date=July 22, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923060553/https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/digital-economy/astro-gets-into-esports-dota2-broadcast-pulls-in-mil-viewers |archive-date=September 23, 2015 }}{{cite web |last1=Aitchison |first1=Kaci |title=Millions of people from around the world are watching THIS game |url=http://q13fox.com/2016/08/19/millions-of-people-from-around-the-world-are-watching-this-game/ |website=FOX13 News |date=August 19, 2016 |access-date=August 20, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820122314/http://q13fox.com/2016/08/19/millions-of-people-from-around-the-world-are-watching-this-game/ |archive-date=August 20, 2016 }} Some Asian schools and universities, such as the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation in Malaysia, have held courses teaching students the fundamentals and core skills to use for the game.{{cite web |title=Dota 2 is Now Being Learned in Schools Around China |url=http://www.gametribute.com/2253/dota-2-course-now-being-learned-in-schools/ |website=GameTribute |date=November 28, 2014 |access-date=May 11, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522181652/http://www.gametribute.com/2253/dota-2-course-now-being-learned-in-schools |archive-date=May 22, 2017 }}{{cite web |title= Skills Certificate in DOTA 2 |url=http://www.apu.edu.my/esports_academy/DoTA2 |website=APU eSports Malaysia Academy |access-date=March 20, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321001852/http://www.apu.edu.my/esports_academy/DoTA2 |archive-date=March 21, 2017 }} Dota 2 has been a part of multi-sport events in Asia, such as the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games and Southeast Asian Games.{{cite web |last1=Kim |first1=Andrew |title=Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games choose Dota 2 over League of Legends for MOBA category |url=https://slingshotesports.com/2017/05/22/asian-indoor-martial-arts-games-dota-2/ |website=Slingshot Esports |date=May 22, 2017 |access-date=May 24, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808072905/https://slingshotesports.com/2017/05/22/asian-indoor-martial-arts-games-dota-2/ |archive-date=August 8, 2017 }}{{cite web |title=SEA Games 2019: Esports, Dota 2, full schedule, live stream, when and where to watch, squad, timing in PDF |url=https://www.foxsportsasia.com/sea-games/1201714/sea-games-2019-esports-dota-2-full-schedule-live-stream-when-and-where-to-watch-squad-timing-in-pdf-hearthstone-tekken-indonesia-malaysia-philippines/ |website=Fox Sports Asia |access-date=November 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129003534/https://www.foxsportsasia.com/sea-games/1201714/sea-games-2019-esports-dota-2-full-schedule-live-stream-when-and-where-to-watch-squad-timing-in-pdf-hearthstone-tekken-indonesia-malaysia-philippines/ |archive-date=November 29, 2019 |url-status=dead |date=November 23, 2019 }}

File:In Valve office (12030311993).jpg

The popularity of Dota 2 led Valve to produce apparel, accessories, figurines, and several other products featuring the heroes and other elements from the game. In addition, Valve secured licensing contracts with third-party producers; the first of these deals concerned a Dota 2 themed SteelSeries mousepad, which was announced alongside the game at Gamescom 2011.{{cite web |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110816006581/en/SteelSeries-Valve%C2%AE-Corporation-Introduce-SteelSeries-QcK-DotA#.U6OdfbHdOSo |title=SteelSeries and Valve® Corporation Introduce the SteelSeries QcK+ DotA 2 Edition |website=Business Wire |date=August 16, 2011 |access-date=June 20, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819102822/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110816006581/en/SteelSeries-Valve%C2%AE-Corporation-Introduce-SteelSeries-QcK-DotA#.U6OdfbHdOSo |archive-date=August 19, 2014 }} In September 2012, Wētā Workshop, the prop studio that creates the "Aegis of Champions" trophy for winners of The International,{{cite web |title=Dota 2 - Aegis of Champions |url=http://www.dota2.com/aegisofchampions |website=Dota 2 |access-date=July 12, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160707082546/http://www.dota2.com/aegisofchampions |archive-date=July 7, 2016 }} announced a product line that would include statues, weapons, and armor based on characters and items from the game.{{cite web |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |url=http://kotaku.com/5946053/dota-2s-official-replica-weapons-are-blowing-my-mind |title=DOTA 2{{'s}} Official Replica Weapons Are Blowing My Mind |date=September 24, 2012 |access-date=May 31, 2014 |website=Kotaku |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601001343/http://kotaku.com/5946053/dota-2s-official-replica-weapons-are-blowing-my-mind |archive-date=June 1, 2014 }} In February 2013, the National Entertainment Collectibles Association announced a new toy line featuring hero-themed action figures at the American International Toy Fair.{{cite web |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/necawizkids-unveils-new-dota-2-and-team-fortress-2-collectibles-games-with-valve-190006351.html |title=NECA/WizKids Unveils New Dota 2 And Team Fortress 2 Collectibles, Games, With Valve |date=February 6, 2013 |access-date=July 6, 2013 |publisher=PR Newswire |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101112549/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/necawizkids-unveils-new-dota-2-and-team-fortress-2-collectibles-games-with-valve-190006351.html |archive-date=November 1, 2013 }} At Gamescom 2015, an HTC Vive virtual reality (VR) tech demo based around the shopkeeper of the game's item shop was showcased, allowing participants to interact with various items and objects from the game in VR.{{cite web |last1=Hayden |first1=Scott |title=Valve's 'Secret Shop' HTC Vive Demo Introduces You to DotA 2's Fantastic World Full of Magic |url=http://www.roadtovr.com/htc-vive-secret-shop-demo-introduces-dota-2s-shopkeeper-fantastic-world-full-magic/ |website=roadtovr.com |access-date=February 8, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170331154707/http://www.roadtovr.com/htc-vive-secret-shop-demo-introduces-dota-2s-shopkeeper-fantastic-world-full-magic/ |archive-date=March 31, 2017 |date=August 10, 2015 }} The demo, known as Secret Shop, was later included the following year on The Lab, Valve's virtual reality compilation game.{{cite web |last1=Pearce |first1=Alanah |author-link1=Alanah Pearce |last2=Dyer |first2=Mitch |title=The Lab: Valve's Free and Fun VR Mini-Game Collection |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/03/24/the-lab-valves-free-and-fun-vr-mini-game-collection |website=IGN |date=March 24, 2016 |access-date=February 7, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224094309/http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/03/24/the-lab-valves-free-and-fun-vr-mini-game-collection |archive-date=February 24, 2017 }} After the conclusion of The International 2015, Valve awarded the Collector's Aegis of Champions, a brass replica of the Aegis of Champions award trophy, to those with compendiums of 1,000 levels or more.{{cite web |title=The Collector's Aegis of Champions |url=http://blog.dota2.com/2015/07/the-collectors-aegis-of-champions/ |website=Dota 2 |access-date=July 10, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160710165019/http://blog.dota2.com/2015/07/the-collectors-aegis-of-champions/ |archive-date=July 10, 2016 }} Valve awarded the Collector's Aegis again the following year for The International 2016, as well as selling a limited edition Dota 2 themed HTC Vive virtual reality headset during the event.{{cite web |title=Level 1000 Collector's Aegis of Champions |url=http://blog.dota2.com/2016/07/level-1000-collectors-aegis-of-champions/ |website=Dota 2 |access-date=July 29, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160731185346/http://blog.dota2.com/2016/07/level-1000-collectors-aegis-of-champions/ |archive-date=July 31, 2016 }}{{cite web |last1=Martindale |first1=Jon |title=Virtual reality and DotA 2 fan? We have the VR headset for you |url=https://www.yahoo.com/tech/virtual-reality-dota-2-fan-173055323.html |website=Yahoo |access-date=July 27, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823020056/https://www.yahoo.com/tech/virtual-reality-dota-2-fan-173055323.html |archive-date=August 23, 2016 }} In July 2017, an 18-track music soundtrack was released by Ipecac Recordings, including a version on vinyl.{{cite web |title=DOTA 2 (The Official Soundtrack) |url=https://releases.red/release/fight-songs-the-music-of-team-fortress-2/?current_book=222 |website=releases.red |access-date=May 20, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728074814/https://releases.red/release/fight-songs-the-music-of-team-fortress-2/?current_book=222 |archive-date=July 28, 2017 }} A digital collectible card game based on the universe of Dota 2 and designed by Magic: The Gathering creator Richard Garfield and Valve, Artifact, was released in November 2018.{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/8/16116786/valve-artifact-dota-2-card-game |title=Valve announces Artifact, a Dota 2 card game |work=Polygon |first=Arthur |last=Gies |date=August 8, 2017 |access-date=August 9, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809073740/https://www.polygon.com/2017/8/8/16116786/valve-artifact-dota-2-card-game |archive-date=August 9, 2017}}{{cite web |last1=Chalk |first1=Andy |title=Artifact, Valve's fantasy card game, will be out in November |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/artifact-valves-fantasy-card-game-will-be-out-in-november/ |website=PC Gamer |access-date=August 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801195743/https://www.pcgamer.com/artifact-valves-fantasy-card-game-will-be-out-in-november/ |archive-date=August 1, 2018 |url-status=live |date=August 2018 }}{{cite web|last1=Scott-Jones|first1=Richard|title=The creator of Magic: The Gathering is working on Artifact|url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/artifact/artifact-magic-the-gathering-richard-garfield|website=PCGamesN|access-date=March 8, 2018|date=March 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309063819/https://www.pcgamesn.com/artifact/artifact-magic-the-gathering-richard-garfield|archive-date=March 9, 2018|url-status=live}}

Promotional tie-ins to other video games and media have been added to Dota 2, including custom Half-Life 2,{{cite web |last1=Cameron |first1=Phill |title=Getting to know the business of Dota 2's indie Announcer Packs |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/235272/Getting_to_know_the_business_of_Dota_2s_indie_Announcer_Packs.php |website=Gamasutra |date=February 25, 2015 |access-date=June 27, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407052731/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/235272/Getting_to_know_the_business_of_Dota_2s_indie_Announcer_Packs.php |archive-date=April 7, 2016 }} Bastion, Portal,{{cite web |last1=Gaston |first1=Martin |title=Dota 2 First Blood update debuts GLaDOS announcer on September 23 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dota-2-first-blood-update-debuts-glados-announcer-on-september-23/1100-6414753/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=June 27, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151025205426/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dota-2-first-blood-update-debuts-glados-announcer-on-september-23/1100-6414753/ |archive-date=October 25, 2015 }} The Stanley Parable,{{cite web |last1=Zorine |first1=Te |title=Dota 2 gets The Stanley Parable announcer pack |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dota-2-gets-the-stanley-parable-announcer-pack/1100-6419644/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=June 27, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151025094120/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dota-2-gets-the-stanley-parable-announcer-pack/1100-6419644/ |archive-date=October 25, 2015 }} Rick and Morty,{{cite web |last1=Zorine |first1=Te |title=Dota 2 Gets Rick and Morty Announcer Pack |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dota-2-gets-rick-and-morty-announcer-pack/1100-6429938/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=June 27, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428000139/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/dota-2-gets-rick-and-morty-announcer-pack/1100-6429938/ |archive-date=April 28, 2016 }} Fallout 4,{{cite web |last1=Frank |first1=Allegra |title=Fallout 4 meets Dota 2 with Mister Handy announcer pack |url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/10/22/9598500/fallout-4-dota-2-mister-handy-announcer-pack-steam |website=Polygon |access-date=June 27, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807030403/http://www.polygon.com/2015/10/22/9598500/fallout-4-dota-2-mister-handy-announcer-pack-steam |archive-date=August 7, 2016 |date=October 22, 2015 }} Deus Ex: Mankind Divided,{{cite web |last1=Gies |first1=Arthur |title=Deus Ex's Adam Jensen is a strange, great fit in Dota 2 |url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/9/2/12736542/deus-ex-adam-jensen-dota-2-announcer |website=Polygon |access-date=September 3, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902223314/http://www.polygon.com/2016/9/2/12736542/deus-ex-adam-jensen-dota-2-announcer |archive-date=September 2, 2016 |date=September 2, 2016 }} and Darkest Dungeon{{cite web |last1=Rose |first1=Victoria |title=Darkest Dungeon Ancestor announcer available in Dota 2 on October 2 |url=https://www.theflyingcourier.com/2018/10/1/17923522/darkest-dungeon-narrator-announcer-pack-ancestor-dota |website=The Flying Courier |publisher=Polygon |access-date=October 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002102346/https://www.theflyingcourier.com/2018/10/1/17923522/darkest-dungeon-narrator-announcer-pack-ancestor-dota |archive-date=October 2, 2018 |url-status=live |date=October 2018 }} announcer packs, which replace the game's default announcer with ones based on those franchises. In addition to announcer packs, musical artists have written music packs that can replace the game's default soundtrack, such as electronic music artist deadmau5 and Singaporean songwriter JJ Lin.{{cite web |last1=Middleton |first1=Ryan |title=Deadmau5 Releases 35 Minutes Of New Music For 'Dota 2' |url=http://www.musictimes.com/articles/44017/20150726/deadmau5-releases-new-35-minutes-of-music-for-dota-2.htm |website=Music Times |access-date=April 7, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421222411/http://www.musictimes.com/articles/44017/20150726/deadmau5-releases-new-35-minutes-of-music-for-dota-2.htm |archive-date=April 21, 2016 |date=July 26, 2015 }}{{cite web |last1=Greening |first1=Chris |title=DOTA 2 adds epic orchestral music pack from Chance Thomas |url=http://www.vgmonline.net/dota-2-adds-epic-orchestral-music-pack-from-chance-thomas/ |website=Video Game Music Online |access-date=April 7, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322190324/http://www.vgmonline.net/dota-2-adds-epic-orchestral-music-pack-from-chance-thomas/ |archive-date=March 22, 2016 |date=September 8, 2014 }}{{cite web |last1=Nguyen |first1=Patrick |title=Bristleback announcer pack and Compendium music by Jeremy Soule is out now |url=http://gamespresso.com/2015/07/05/bristleback-announcer-pack-and-compendium-music-by-jeremy-soule-is-out-now/ |website=gamespresso |access-date=April 7, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122132507/http://www.gamespresso.com/2015/07/05/bristleback-announcer-pack-and-compendium-music-by-jeremy-soule-is-out-now/ |archive-date=January 22, 2016 |date=July 5, 2015 }} To coincide with the Windows release of Square Enix's Final Fantasy Type-0 HD in August 2015, a bundle containing a custom loading screen, a Moogle ward, and a Chocobo courier were added the same month.{{cite web |last1=Carter |first1=Chris |title=Final Fantasy Type-0 HD will have DOTA 2 bonuses, 'exclusive loading screen' on PC |url=https://www.destructoid.com/final-fantasy-type-0-hd-will-have-dota-2-bonuses-exclusive-loading-screen-on-pc-296777.phtml |website=Destructoid |date=July 28, 2015 |access-date=June 27, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160814191447/https://www.destructoid.com/final-fantasy-type-0-hd-will-have-dota-2-bonuses-exclusive-loading-screen-on-pc-296777.phtml |archive-date=August 14, 2016 }} In April 2016, Valve announced a cross-promotional workshop contest for Sega's Total War: Warhammer, with the winning entries being included in the game later that year.{{cite web |title=Warhammer Comes to the Dota 2 Workshop |url=http://blog.dota2.com/2016/04/warhammer-comes-to-the-dota-2-workshop/ |website=Dota 2 |access-date=July 8, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160707082221/http://blog.dota2.com/2016/04/warhammer-comes-to-the-dota-2-workshop/ |archive-date=July 7, 2016 }} In 2017, a cosmetic set based on the Companion Cube from the Portal series was released as part of that year's International battle pass for the hero known as "Io".{{cite web |last1=Stewart |first1=Sam |title=Valve Reveals Companion Cube Cosmetic For Dota 2 Hero |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/05/19/valve-reveals-companion-cube-cosmetic-for-dota-2-hero |website=IGN |date=May 19, 2017 |access-date=May 20, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519033242/http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/05/19/valve-reveals-companion-cube-cosmetic-for-dota-2-hero |archive-date=May 19, 2017 }} In December of the same year, the character Amaterasu from Capcom's Ōkami was included as a courier for those who had pre-ordered the PC release of the game.{{cite web|last1=Moyse|first1=Chris|title=Capcom submit Okami's Amaterasu as a potential DOTA 2 courier|url=https://www.destructoid.com/capcom-submit-okami-s-amaterasu-as-a-potential-dota-2-courier-476459.phtml|website=Destructoid|date=December 6, 2017|access-date=December 12, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180304220850/https://www.destructoid.com/capcom-submit-okami-s-amaterasu-as-a-potential-dota-2-courier-476459.phtml|archive-date=March 4, 2018}}

File:Dota 2 vanguard prop.jpg from the game, being sold as merchandise at The International 2012]]

A documentary on the game and its professional scene was produced by Valve and released in March 2014. Known as Free to Play, the film follows three players during their time at the first International in 2011.{{cite web |url=http://www.destructoid.com/dota-2-documentary-free-to-play-the-movie-released-272184.phtml |title=Dota 2 documentary Free to Play: The Movie released |last=Devore |first=Jordan |website=Destructoid |date=March 19, 2014 |access-date=April 9, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140413143332/http://www.destructoid.com/dota-2-documentary-free-to-play-the-movie-released-272184.phtml |archive-date=April 13, 2014 }} American basketball player Jeremy Lin, who was a media sensation at the time, had a guest appearance in the film and called the game "a way of life".{{cite web |title=NBA star Jeremy Lin says DOTA 2 is "more than just a game" |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nba-star-jeremy-lin-says-dota-2-is-more-than-just-a-game/1100-6418781/ |website=GameSpot |access-date=July 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170318154501/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/nba-star-jeremy-lin-says-dota-2-is-more-than-just-a-game/1100-6418781/ |archive-date=March 18, 2017}} Lin later compared the game and the esports scene in general to basketball and other traditional sporting events, saying that there was not much of a difference between the two,{{cite web |last1=Markazi |first1=Arash |title=Jeremy Lin on esports: "It's the unique talent of the players that is the draw" |url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/17289571/jeremy-lin-esports-unique-talent-players-draw |website=ESPN |access-date=August 13, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813074219/http://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/17289571/jeremy-lin-esports-unique-talent-players-draw |archive-date=August 13, 2016 |date=August 13, 2016 }} while comparing various NBA all-stars, such as Stephen Curry, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James, to different heroes in the game.{{cite web |last1=Kelly |first1=Christina |title=Jeremy Lin compares NBA All-Stars to Dota heroes |url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/17279875/jeremy-lin-compares-nba-all-stars-dota-heroes |website=ESPN |access-date=August 15, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815070826/http://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/17279875/jeremy-lin-compares-nba-all-stars-dota-heroes |archive-date=August 15, 2016 |date=August 12, 2016 }} {{anchor|True Sight}}Starting in 2016, Valve began producing an episodic documentary series titled True Sight, a spiritual successor to Free to Play.{{cite web |last1=Thursten |first1=Chris |title=Valve's latest Dota 2 documentary series starts today |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/valves-latest-dota-2-documentary-series-starts-today/ |website=PC Gamer |access-date=October 13, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161014061044/http://www.pcgamer.com/valves-latest-dota-2-documentary-series-starts-today/ |archive-date=October 14, 2016 |date=October 13, 2016 }} The first three episodes followed the professional teams Evil Geniuses and Fnatic during the Boston Major tournament in late 2016. Several more episodes have since been produced.{{cite web |last1=Rose |first1=Victoria |title=True Sight mini-documentary, this time featuring TI7's Grand Finals, is now available to watch |url=https://www.theflyingcourier.com/2017/9/27/16376074/true-sight-the-international-7-dota-2-esports-documentary |website=The Flying Courier |publisher=Polygon |access-date=October 12, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013013349/https://www.theflyingcourier.com/2017/9/27/16376074/true-sight-the-international-7-dota-2-esports-documentary |archive-date=October 13, 2017 |date=September 27, 2017 }}{{cite web |title=Dota 2: 'True Sight' documentary on OG's victory over PSG.LGD in TI8 Finals to premiere Jan. 15 |url=https://www.foxsportsasia.com/esports/dota2/1004542/dota-2-true-sight-documentary-on-ogs-victory-over-psg-lgd-in-ti8-finals-to-premiere-jan-15/ |website=Fox Sports Asia |access-date=December 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223221059/https://www.foxsportsasia.com/esports/dota2/1004542/dota-2-true-sight-documentary-on-ogs-victory-over-psg-lgd-in-ti8-finals-to-premiere-jan-15/ |archive-date=December 23, 2018 |url-status=live |date=December 23, 2018 }} Valve have also endorsed cosplay competitions featuring the game's heroes, which take place during downtime at some Dota 2 tournaments and feature prize pools of their own.{{cite web |last1=Dyer |first1=Mitch |title=See the Dota 2 Cosplay, Merch, and Spectacle at The International 5 |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/08/07/see-the-dota-2-cosplay-merch-and-spectacle-at-the-international-5 |website=IGN |date=August 7, 2015 |access-date=July 28, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820123517/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/08/07/see-the-dota-2-cosplay-merch-and-spectacle-at-the-international-5 |archive-date=August 20, 2016}}{{cite web |last1=Stubbs |first1=Mike |title=$15,000 cosplay competition to take place at The International 6 |url=http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/15-000-cosplay-competition-to-take-place-at-the-international-6/0169774 |website=MCV |access-date=July 28, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806163200/http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/15-000-cosplay-competition-to-take-place-at-the-international-6/0169774 |archive-date=August 6, 2016 }}{{cite web |last1=Van Allen |first1=Eric |title=Why Moscow deserves a Dota 2 major |url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/15833306/why-moscow-deserves-dota-2-major |website=ESPN |access-date=July 28, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160707002355/http://espn.go.com/esports/story/_/id/15833306/why-moscow-deserves-dota-2-major |archive-date=July 7, 2016 |date=May 30, 2016 }} Creation of Dota 2-themed animations and CGI videos, mostly created by the community with Source Filmmaker, also take place.{{cite web |last1=Plunkett |first1=Luke |title=2015's Best Cartoons Made Using Valve's Games |url=http://kotaku.com/2015s-best-valve-movies-are-pretty-good-1743408673 |website=Kotaku |date=November 19, 2015 |access-date=July 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812123755/http://kotaku.com/2015s-best-valve-movies-are-pretty-good-1743408673 |archive-date=August 12, 2016 }} Similar to the cosplay competitions, Valve holds short film contests every year at The International, with winners of the competition also being awarded prize money.{{cite web |last1=Wilson |first1=Nick |title=Enter the Dota 2 Short Film Contest and bag yourself a cool $20,000 at the International |url=http://www.pcgamesn.com/dota-2/enter-the-dota-2-short-film-contest-and-bag-yourself-a-cool-20000-at-the-international |website=PCGamesN |date=May 24, 2015 |access-date=July 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807023610/http://www.pcgamesn.com/dota-2/enter-the-dota-2-short-film-contest-and-bag-yourself-a-cool-20000-at-the-international |archive-date=August 7, 2016 }}{{cite web |last1=Wood |first1=Austin |title=This year's Dota 2 short film contest saw some incredible entries at the last minute |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/this-years-dota-2-short-film-contest-saw-some-incredible-entries-at-the-last-minute/ |website=PC Gamer |access-date=August 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809025103/https://www.pcgamer.com/this-years-dota-2-short-film-contest-saw-some-incredible-entries-at-the-last-minute/ |archive-date=August 9, 2018 |url-status=live |date=August 8, 2018 }} In addition, Valve have created free webcomics featuring some of the heroes, further detailing their background lore.{{cite web |last1=Albert |first1=Brian |title=New Dota 2 Comic Hints at Release of 'Oracle' Dota 1 Hero |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/11/15/new-dota-2-comic-hints-at-release-of-oracle-dota-1-hero |website=IGN |date=November 15, 2014 |access-date=July 10, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820105835/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/11/15/new-dota-2-comic-hints-at-release-of-oracle-dota-1-hero |archive-date=August 20, 2016 }}{{cite web |last1=Strom |first1=Steven |title=Valve Launches Long-Form Dota 2 Comic 'The Last Castle' |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/19/valve-launches-long-form-dota-2-comic-the-last-castle |website=IGN |date=November 19, 2015 |access-date=July 10, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160212014716/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/11/19/valve-launches-long-form-dota-2-comic-the-last-castle |archive-date=February 12, 2016 }}{{cite web |last1=Savage |first1=Phil |title=Dota 2 comic heralds New Bloom update |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/dota-2-comic-heralds-new-bloom-update/ |website=PC Gamer |access-date=July 10, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817181604/http://www.pcgamer.com/dota-2-comic-heralds-new-bloom-update/ |archive-date=August 17, 2016 |date=February 11, 2015 }} A physical collection of the comics was released as Dota 2: The Comic Collection by Dark Horse Comics in August 2017.{{cite web |title=DOTA 2: The Comic Collection HC |url=http://www.darkhorse.com/Books/3000-669/DOTA-2-The-Comic-Collection-HC |website=darkhorse.com |access-date=March 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302100807/http://www.darkhorse.com/Books/3000-669/DOTA-2-The-Comic-Collection-HC |archive-date=March 2, 2017 }} An anime streaming television series based on the game, Dota: Dragon's Blood, premiered on Netflix in March 2021.{{cite web|url=https://about.netflix.com/en/news/netflix-announces-dota-dragons-blood-anime-series-based-on-the-popular-video|title=Netflix Announces DOTA: Dragon's Blood Anime Series Based On The Popular Video-Game Franchise By Valve|website=Netflix Media Center|date=February 16, 2021}} The series was produced by Studio Mir and Kaiju Boulevard.

Dota 2 has been used in machine learning experiments, with the American artificial intelligence research company OpenAI curating a system, known as the OpenAI Five, that allows bots to learn how to play the game at a high skill level entirely through trial-and-error algorithms. The bots learn over time by playing against itself hundreds a times a day for months in a system that OpenAI calls "reinforcement learning", in which they are rewarded for actions such as killing an enemy and destroying towers.{{cite magazine |last1=Simonite |first1=Tom |title=Can Bots Outwit Humans in One of the Biggest esports Games? |url=https://www.wired.com/story/can-bots-outwit-humans-in-one-of-the-biggest-esports-games/ |magazine=Wired |access-date=June 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625213810/https://www.wired.com/story/can-bots-outwit-humans-in-one-of-the-biggest-esports-games/ |archive-date=June 25, 2018 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}{{cite web |last1=Vincent |first1=James |title=AI bots trained for 180 years a day to beat humans at Dota 2 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/25/17492918/openai-dota-2-bot-ai-five-5v5-matches |website=The Verge |access-date=June 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625183203/https://www.theverge.com/2018/6/25/17492918/openai-dota-2-bot-ai-five-5v5-matches |archive-date=June 25, 2018 |url-status=live |date=June 25, 2018 }}{{cite news |last1=Kahn |first1=Jeremy |title=A Bot Backed by Elon Musk Has Made an AI Breakthrough in Video Game World |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-25/musk-backed-bot-conquers-e-gamer-teams-in-ai-breakthrough |website=Bloomberg |date=June 25, 2018 |access-date=June 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627144300/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-25/musk-backed-bot-conquers-e-gamer-teams-in-ai-breakthrough |archive-date=June 27, 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Clifford |first1=Catherine |title=Bill Gates says gamer bots from Elon Musk-backed nonprofit are 'huge milestone' in A.I. |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/27/bill-gates-openai-robots-beating-humans-at-dota-2-is-ai-milestone.html |website=CNBC |date=June 28, 2018 |access-date=June 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628231125/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/27/bill-gates-openai-robots-beating-humans-at-dota-2-is-ai-milestone.html |archive-date=June 28, 2018 |url-status=live }} Demonstrations of the bots playing against professional players have occurred at some events, such as Dendi, a professional Ukrainian player of the game, losing to one of them in a live 1v1 matchup at The International 2017.{{cite web |last1=Savov |first1=Vlad |title=My favorite game has been invaded by killer AI bots and Elon Musk hype |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/14/16141938/dota-2-openai-bots-elon-musk-artificial-intelligence |website=The Verge |date=August 14, 2017 |access-date=June 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626030145/https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/14/16141938/dota-2-openai-bots-elon-musk-artificial-intelligence |archive-date=June 26, 2018 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|last1=Frank|first1=Blair Hanley|title=OpenAI's bot beats top Dota 2 player so badly that he quits|url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/08/11/openais-bot-beats-top-dota-2-player-so-badly-that-he-quits/|website=Venture Beat|access-date=August 12, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812065202/https://venturebeat.com/2017/08/11/openais-bot-beats-top-dota-2-player-so-badly-that-he-quits/|archive-date=August 12, 2017}} A year later, the ability of the bots had increased to work together as a full team of five, known as the OpenAI Five, who then played and won against a team of semi-professional players in a demonstration game in August 2018.{{cite web |last1=Savov |first1=Vlad |title=The OpenAI Dota 2 bots just defeated a team of former pros |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/6/17655086/dota2-openai-bots-professional-gaming-ai |website=The Verge |date=August 6, 2018 |access-date=August 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807113227/https://www.theverge.com/2018/8/6/17655086/dota2-openai-bots-professional-gaming-ai |archive-date=August 7, 2018 |url-status=live }} Shortly after, OpenAI Five then played two live games against more skilled players at The International 2018.{{cite magazine |last1=Simonite |first1=Tom |title=Pro Gamers Fend off Elon Musk-Backed AI Bots—for Now |url=https://www.wired.com/story/pro-gamers-fend-off-elon-musks-ai-bots/ |magazine=Wired |access-date=August 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824120523/https://www.wired.com/story/pro-gamers-fend-off-elon-musks-ai-bots/ |archive-date=August 24, 2018 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}{{cite web |last1=Quach |first1=Katyanna |title=Game over, machines: Humans defeat OpenAI bots once again at video games Olympics |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/08/24/openai_bots_eliminated_dota_2/ |website=The Register |access-date=August 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825110329/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/08/24/openai_bots_eliminated_dota_2/ |archive-date=August 25, 2018 |url-status=live }} Although the bots lost both games, OpenAI considered it successful as playing the bots against some of the best players in Dota 2 allowed them to analyze and adjust their algorithms for future games.{{cite web |title=The International 2018: Results |url=https://blog.openai.com/the-international-2018-results/ |website=blog.openai.com |date=August 24, 2018 |access-date=August 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824131639/https://blog.openai.com/the-international-2018-results/ |archive-date=August 24, 2018 |url-status=live}} In 2019, OpenAI Five was able to defeat the reigning International champion OG.{{cite news |last1=Piper |first1=Kelsey |title=AI triumphs against the world's top pro team in strategy game Dota 2 |url=https://www.vox.com/2019/4/13/18309418/open-ai-dota-triumph-og |access-date=May 19, 2024 |work=Vox |date=April 13, 2019 |language=en}}