Computer Games and Battle Mechanics in League of Legends: Investigating analogies between real warfare and computer games

Abstract

: BATTLE MECHANICS IN LoL: Investigating Analogies Between Real Warfare and Computer Games My Masters' thesis will be about how one can draw parallels between the e-sports scene in competitive online games, and the all-too real military situations that come up ever so often. Not just that, but also the possibility of running battle simulations is much more convenient in the case of e-sports, as there is no life/death scenario involved, which makes it much more suitable for implementing the more unconventional, or even some downright outrageous strategies for victory. The game I have in mind at present is League of Legends, which is a MOBA game [Multiplayer Online Battle Arena]. In LoL, battles take place between two teams of 5 vs 5, involving 10 unique characters out of a total game roster of 140+ possible character choices, each with different sets of abilities and playstyles suited for different [or in some cases, the same] situations. The battles take place on the map called Summoner's Rift, a terrain with various obstacles, bushes and whatnot to deny total vision to either of the competing teams. The methodology I would choose for my paper would be statistical analysis; since LoL is an online competitive game, statistics are easily available for the games played, either on the official game...