There is a tower. It has to be protected. If it’s destroyed, you lose. Game over! Apparently, it’s not as simple as it sounds. Sure, you can start a new game and play it all over again, but the heartbroken team that just lost a round sits with their hands on their heads and tells you it’s not the same. Defense of the Ancients 2 (DotA2) is one of the biggest video games in recent times, with a massive fan following. That explains the large number of registrations at the Taiwan Excellence Gaming Cup. Nineteen-year-old Raunak Sen, an animation student from Mumbai, who was part of the winning team last season, is battling it out again this year. He tells us why he thinks it’s the best game ever and what to expect.
What about the game appeals to you?
This is the first-ever competitive game I’ve played and I am hooked. It’s a five-per-side team-based game, and is a good team-building exercise. The concept of the game is great and there’s so much competition.
How long have you been playing DotA2?
Ever since I got to know about it in 2011. It’s been five years now, and this is all I play every day. It doesn’t get boring because it’s situational and there is something new and unexpected happening each time. It’s like chess... you strategise.
What’s the toughest stage in the game?
For me, it’s the initial stages. That’s when you need to quickly analyse your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.
Most common mistake players are likely to make?
Each game lasts around 30 minutes to an hour. Sometimes, participants get a little excited when they are doing well, and in a hurry to finish the game, mess it up and ruin their chances.
Tips to competitors this year?
They need to practice a lot. We practise for around five to six hours every day. Figure out what role you’re comfortable with and stick to that.
(The elimination rounds in Chennai are on August 26, 27 and 28, between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. The venue is Playerz Gaming Café, new 122, old 193, Valluvarkottam High Road, Nungambakkam. For registrations, log onto http://www.tegamingcup.
com)
