League of Legends will ‘change forever’ in 2025 - new Riot director writes

League of Legends in 2023 has had a tumultuous year. From exciting, albeit challenging new champion releases; to another record-breaking Worlds tournament organized; to a whole new slew of balances and game modes introduced throughout the year.

The popular MOBA has never been more alive with discussion, whether that be in positive or negative reflections. 15 months into his first run as the game’s director, Pu “Pupulasers” Liu has released an open letter to the community - detailing the many learnings he has come by during his first year and a quarter at the helm of one of the world’s most popular video game.

Visions for the Future

Firstly, Pupulasers was resolute that one of the biggest learnings he had gleaned from his post thus far, was the search for improvement. ‘Current plans are just noise without a long-term vision,’ he said. ‘A vision can’t be realized without succeeding now.’

He also referred to a desire to ‘chase legendary dreams, rather than perfect what [we] know,’ which suggests a want to not remain stagnant. Self-improvement and constant growth encouragement. This also led into another of his points, where he stated, ‘Fun over fair, change over inertia, journey before destination.’

Journey before Destination

This could be taken to mean several things. Just because something is working now, does not mean it will always work. League may be the most successful game currently, and the biggest, however, it did not reach this point by remaining complacent.

This can be seen in the introduction of new champions such as Milio and Hwei. Milio was praised on release as a clean, call-back to earlier, simpler support champions that had a clearer sense of identity. Milio’s power in-game does not feel overtuned and introduces new mechanics to the game that offer another unique way of playing League of Legends.

By contrast, Hwei is an exploration by Riot Games in creating another Aphelios-lookalike, in a similar idea vein to popular Dota 2 hero: Invoker. In creating an approach that encourages options, it yet again tries to push the boundaries of what makes a game fun to play, from a champion-choice perspective. Other champions released this year include Briar and Naafiri.

Milio, The Gentle Flame. Released in 2023. His simple and intuitive game design made him a fun, pleasurable experience for Support players looking for an Enchanter with more proactiveness. Credit: Riot Games

This is a common trait with all of Riot Games’ IP; Valorant, League of Legends, TFT, etc, to name a few, can all be characterized by constant advances and shifting gameplay.

Another way of interpreting his point is also that:  finding success, is about setting oneself up for it. By prioritizing the ‘destination’, he insinuates the process of development and advancements, the search for ‘fun’, is what leads many of their plans, as he has come to learn.

Riot’s Approach has been ‘With-Care’

According to Pupulasers, Rioters ‘care more than players think.’ He also admitted that ‘players care more than [Riot] can fathom.’ This is reflected, he said, in ‘Rioters legitimately being scared of letting players down.’ He went on to say that this was ‘both good and bad, and is reinforced by social media.’

Riot’s successes and faults are both magnified by the presence of their fans on social media. Every change, both good and bad, gets placed under a microscope and becomes an intense process for the game developer and fans alike.

Pupulasers closing words on that topic was that ‘Players want to feel seen and heard. Rioters want to feel valued and respected.’ He also highlighted that part of their process of catering to the fans, their game’s roadmap includes a stronger leaning towards ‘FEEL.’

In his letter, he spoke how no matter ‘how skilled or grumpy, everyone loves to be surprised and delighted.’ Moreover, he spoke on their roadmap priorities, stating ‘logic is secondary to visceral emotions.’ What players FEEL in the game, is the most important aspect.

This topic comes as a seeming clashing contrast to the experience of players in 2023. First up, the lack of a season start cinematic that has become synonymous with League ringing in the new competitive season.

Event passes that felt lacklustre, countless examples of the punishment system issuing out bans and timeouts, as well as the revamped communications system (pings and chat) that has left the community shaking their head in mute frustration.

Promising Years to Come

As a final note for his first open letter, Pupulasers ended his adress with a promise for content to come. ‘2024 will have something for everyone. 2025 will change League forever.’ An extremely promising prospect to consider.

For a game 15-years-old (that’s older than some of their champions), it is a product that continues to evolve and grow with a passionate community. Here’s to 2024 and 2025, and the new content that awaits us with anxious, eager anticipation.

Credit: League of Legends // Riot Games

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