In all successful MOBAs, it is common for certain heroes to be banned. A tweet from Dustin Browder shows that Blizzard is now also considering implementing a ban feature in Heroes of the Storm. Possible systems are being tested this summer.
Is a Ban System Necessary?
The ability to deny a particular player their favorite character, or simply to block heroes that could counter one’s team particularly well, is an important feature in all popular MOBAs. Currently, there is no such system in Hots. Plans are in place to test possible ban procedures during several esports events this summer.
The fact that this system is currently missing allows the MOBA relatively low entry barriers for the team and hero league. Currently, each player only needs to own 10 different heroes to participate. A ban system would inevitably increase the number of required characters, thereby creating a greater hurdle to compete in ranked league matches. Moreover, it would add an additional, somewhat bureaucratic barrier before actually playing.
There are still no concrete plans for banning characters – perhaps Hots doesn’t even need such a system? What do you think?
