4. Depth
This is the big one. This is what separates the men from the boys, Depth. Depth consists of the layers of underlying mechanics, rules and techniques that usually have to be discovered by the pioneers of the game, who usually go on to become the first group of professionals for the particular game. MOBAs and Fighters both have different levels of depth, which are characterized by many players as the skill floors and skill ceilings. As the names suggest, the skill floor is the minimum amount of skill and experience needed to be successful, while the skill ceiling is the point that is reached upon complete mastery of the game. Games with increased levels of depth are known to have much higher skill ceilings than games that are relatively shallow. A very simple example of depth can be found in the concept of blocking attacks, which is featured in many fighting games. In some games, blocking attacks requires nothing more that the press and hold of a button; whereas, in other games, the action must be directed toward either top or bottom attacks. Blocking up will not reduce or negate damage done by low attacks, and blocking down will not reduce or negate damage done by high attacks. This is a level of depth that some games possess. And it takes playing the game and learning the animations to know where the attack is going to go. The character roster plays a large part in the depth of a game. A MOBA game may have over 100 different characters, each with their own abilities, roles and weaknesses. It takes most players months before they can have a general-enough idea of how to combat different character archetypes, and, even then, it isn't enough to achieve complete success. Both game types feature these kinds of mechanics and rules that require knowing more than just "hit A to punch". But if these games are so hard to master, why do people even play them?