The community will be able to enjoy new MOBA experiences

Aug 7, 2014 08:34 GMT  ·  By

The development team at Valve announces that it is launching the alpha version of the new Workshop Tools for its Multiplayer Online Battle Area DOTA 2, which allow any fan of the experience to create, test and share both custom maps and custom game modes for it.

The official announcement states that “At the moment the tools require a 64-bit version of Windows and a Direct3D 11 compatible GPU. We are working on expanding the number of PC configurations (including 32-bit OSes like Windows XP) that will be able to run this but wanted to get the tools out there so developers could start working on their Custom Games.”

Valve says that some instability is to be expected by those who use the alpha version of the tools for DOTA 2, but the studio is planning to deliver constant updates in order to improve functionality and make sure that the entire suit runs better.

Custom games can be uploaded and then distributed using the Steam Workshop, and any gamer can subscribe to an author in order to automatically get new content as updates for a mode are being delivered.

Valve adds, “These tools are for you and we're looking forward to seeing where the community takes us in developing content for the expanding Dota universe. Help us make Dota 2 even bigger and better. Leave us feedback with your experience and suggestions on the Workshop Discussions.”

The potential included in the Workshop Tools for DOTA 2 is immense, especially seeing how big a fan base the MOBA title has and the dedication they can put into the development of new modes and maps.

The problem with such a wealth of new content is that it will be hard to separate the good releases from the mediocre ones.

It will be interesting to see whether in the future player-created content will be included in official tournaments or promoted by Valve in new and innovative ways.

The company also announces that at the moment the team of developers involved with DOTA 2 is working on the stretch goals for the Compendium associated with The International and that a release for Techies is scheduled to take place before the end of the month.

The MOBA space is getting crowded at the moment, with current leaders League of Legends from Riot Games and DOTA 2 from Valve set to soon face a lot of competition from the Blizzard-made Heroes of the Storm.