League of Legends Released

In October 2009, Riot Games introduced League of Legends to the world, a game that would go on to reshape the landscape of competitive gaming and become a cornerstone of the esports industry.

League of Legends, often abbreviated as LoL, emerged as a standalone game inspired by the popular Warcraft III mod, Defense of the Ancients (DotA). The game falls into the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) genre, pitting two teams of five players against each other in a strategic battle to destroy the opponent’s base.

From its launch, League of Legends differentiated itself with its free-to-play model, coupled with regular updates and a rotating roster of playable characters known as ‘champions’. This approach allowed for a low barrier to entry whilst providing depth and variety that would keep players engaged for years to come.

The game’s competitive scene grew rapidly. By 2011, Riot Games had organised the first League of Legends World Championship, featuring a then-unprecedented $100,000 prize pool. This event marked the beginning of what would become one of the most watched and lucrative competitive gaming circuits in the world.

League of Legends’ impact on the esports industry has been profound. The game’s popularity helped to drive the growth of streaming platforms like Twitch, as millions tuned in to watch professional matches and individual player streams. The League of Legends Championship Series (LCS), established in 2013, introduced a franchise-based model that brought stability and increased professionalisation to the esports ecosystem.

The game’s influence extended beyond competitive play. Its colourful characters and rich lore inspired a vibrant community of fans, artists, and content creators. Riot Games capitalised on this by expanding the League of Legends universe into other media, including music, comic books, and an animated series.

League of Legends also played a crucial role in bringing esports to mainstream attention. The 2017 World Championship final, held in the Beijing National Stadium, drew over 60 million unique viewers, rivalling the viewership of many traditional sporting events.

As of 2023, League of Legends continues to be one of the most played games globally, with millions of active players and a thriving professional scene. Regular updates and new champion releases have kept the game fresh, while major tournaments continue to draw massive audiences.

The release of League of Legends in 2009 marked more than just the launch of a new game; it signalled the beginning of a new era in competitive gaming. Its enduring popularity and significant impact on the esports industry have cemented its place as one of the most influential games of the 21st century.

From its humble beginnings to its current status as a global phenomenon, League of Legends stands as a testament to the potential of esports and the power of creating engaging, competitive experiences.