Heroes of the Storm seems to have taken a novel approach in providing entertainment that appeals to four classic gamer psychological classifications. The four traits, cited in Bartle's taxonomy, are traditionally provided for separately. The interdependence of 'killers, achievers, explorers, & socializers' within a game's 'ecosystem', make developers seek to balance them into a distribution ideal for their game's health. Heroes of the Storm edifies all four qualities innate in every gamer.
(Source: https://repignite.com/2014/07/richard-bartle-player-types/)
Other MOBAs promulgate the killer instinct in us all a bit too far. When it goes unchecked, the game can become very elitist and difficult to approach for new players. These games can end up with a social atmosphere of a trolls den. Heroes of the Storm provides amusement for the killer in us, while balancing our desire to gank with powerful objective based team play. Great killers can always be found matched competitively with other pros, instead of griefing the achiever and explorer.
Players are driven to achieve things like higher rank, hero and skill access, as well as unique skins, mounts, and portraits. Often it is the achiever in us that supports the game's financial viability through these features. In addition to this, the achievement mindset prolongs our interest or involvement in the game.
The place of the explorer mindset may seem difficult to visualize within a game containing static environments. This trait is vital to a game from its infancy. Beta testers are very much feeding their explorer side. However, institute a patch and you will see explorer play flourish. This is when the players push the meta into uncharted territory with variant skill builds or team compositions. In the pro scene today's dynasty will be unseated by the wily explorer minds tomorrow.
A positive social atmosphere is maintained within Heroes of the Storm. Yes, bonuses are provided to those socializers playing with friends, but so much of the socializer trait is cultivated out of the game entirely. Articles, guides, forums, streams, and competitions are the real force that uplifts the socializer trait in us. Having this infrastructure is very inviting to new or potential players, without Heroes of the Storm having a steep skill gradient native to other MOBA titles.
Regulation of the game culture is done by stimulating all four traits in every player. By understanding the symbiotic nature of all gamer traits, Blizzard has made a model that will endure and evolve past the point where other MOBAs have gone stale. This is why Heroes of the Storm, (in my estimation) will enjoy the most sustainable growth and longevity of any MOBA available. (Take the quiz to find out your 'taxonomy' composition at www.4you2learn.com/bartle)
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