For me Dota was the first video game that really felt like a team game in the same way sports do. It also provides a path for player growth as opposed to character/avatar growth. In many games your sense of progression comes from completing levels, beating the game, advancing your character level/gear/abilities, acquiring loot or getting a high score. There's no in-game persistence in Dota (aside from cosmetics). You play to grow/improve as a player so that the next game you play you might be able to bring more to the table and your team.

Competency in Dota is also measured differently than most games. Some games prioritize APM (actions per minute) - RTS games, frequency/reliability of landing head shots - FPS games, or maximizing one's abilities to "straighten" trajectories - racing games.

Success in Dota is largely dependent on CTPM (critical thoughts per minute) and communication. Critical thinking is often required in other games/genres but the depth, breadth, and speed at which it needs to be applied in Dota is what sets it apart in my opinion. At lower skill levels in Dota superior mechanical skill and mechanics knowledge may be sufficient to grant you some victories but at higher skill levels strategy, quick critical thinking, and communication are essential.

This challenge is what makes it so compelling to players like me who enjoy competitive challenges.

For me Dota was the first video game that really felt like a team game in the same way sports do. It also provides a path for player growth as opposed to character/avatar growth. In many games your sense of progression comes from completing levels, beating the game, advancing your character level/gear/abilities, acquiring loot or getting a high score. There's no in-game persistence in Dota (aside from cosmetics). You play to grow/improve as a player so that the next game you play you might be able to bring more to the table and your team. Competency in Dota is also measured differently than most games. Some games prioritize APM (actions per minute) - RTS games, frequency/reliability of landing head shots - FPS games, or maximizing one's abilities to "straighten" trajectories - racing games. Success in Dota is largely dependent on CTPM (critical thoughts per minute) and communication. Critical thinking is often required in other games/genres but the depth, breadth, and speed at which it needs to be applied in Dota is what sets it apart in my opinion. At lower skill levels in Dota superior mechanical skill and mechanics knowledge may be sufficient to grant you some victories but at higher skill levels strategy, quick critical thinking, and communication are essential. This challenge is what makes it so compelling to players like me who enjoy competitive challenges.