Do you remember playing League of Legends when you were in high school and university? Many of us gamers have fond memories of playing this beloved Riot Games MOBA with friends until the early hours of the morning. Though we're sure it's led you to make plenty of bad decisions, including saying 'Go next' until you finally got your first win (even if it meant staying up an extra two hours), it was all in good fun.
It might feel like it's been years since those good ol' days, but in reality, League of Legends is still around and thriving! This game is nothing like Tamagotchis, which feel like ancient relics of the past. Millions of players still enjoy and play on a daily basis. In fact, we wouldn't be surprised if you're still battling it out on the Rift yourself!
Most games tend to have a much shorter lifespan, so if you're wondering how League of Legends has managed to beat the test of time, here are all the reasons why.
It's Free To Play
One of the biggest reasons why League of Legends continues to be such a massive giant in the gaming industry is because it's free to play. No matter where you are in the world, all you need is a computer and a good internet connection to enjoy everything this game has to offer. After all, free games get an automatic popularity boost because they're easily accessible to everyone!
And in a world where video games are growing more and more expensive, reaching upwards of $100, seeing the 'download for free' button is certainly a nice change of pace. You don't even need to buy a specific console to play it, which keeps the price tag at a nice low price of zero.
It doesn't just end there. There are also tons of free ways to unlock cool goodies, like emotes, icons, and even skins, within the game itself. From giving out free rewards just for playing to enjoying awesome in-game events with great prizes, Riot sure knows how to keep its players satisfied. They know the best way to keep gamers around is by making sure they're happy (usually by giving out freebies!).
Cool Cosmetics
If there's one thing Riot Games is known for, it's their amazing art. With close to 200 champions on their roster, each unique character is given a wide range of distinctive skins that feature different themes and the coolest splash art. It might seem like a simple thing, but for players, it adds a new level of excitement to each game when you get to enjoy the different animations.
It's not just champion skins either; there are a whole plethora of unique customizations you can get! From ward skins to color chromas and profile banners, there are so many little and unique cosmetic changes that can help make Summoner's Rift feel more like your own.
And while these cosmetics usually don't come for free, players are more than happy to spend a little bit of money when the quality is so high. Not to mention, skins often get discounted for much cheaper prices, so you can always wait to see if your favorite will go on sale, too!
Constant Updates
If League of Legends was still the exact same game as it was 16 years ago when it first released in 2009, there's no way it would've been able to retain (or even grow!) the audience it has today. Riot was able to maintain its popularity thanks to one key factor: constant updates.
From new game modes to new champions, skins, and updated game mechanics, these constant updates keep Summoner's Rift fresh and exciting. Every new season feels like you're playing an entirely new game, keeping you interested in maintaining your skills and learning more.
Any player who has continued to play all these years can testify to that. The game is nothing like what it used to be! The fact that it's been able to continuously evolve to keep gamers engaged is truly a testament to the developers over at Riot.
A Thriving Professional Scene
Even if you're not interested in playing the actual game, League of Legends continues to be a hot topic simply because of its eSports scene! Professional League of Legends has always been fun to watch, but with huge teams like South Korea's T1 and the G.O.A.T. Faker continuing to make impressive runs at tournaments, players keep tuning in to watch these awesome battles.
From regional tournaments to M.S.I. and Worlds, the professional scene is even more exhilarating than it was a decade ago. Fans will travel across the world just to watch their favorite pro players take to the stage to duke it out! And with seats filling up in the biggest arenas around the world, it's safe to say League of Legends is here to stay for years to come.
