Change is inevitable; when you are the biggest esport in the world, change can mean the difference between bankruptcy and fortune.
Riot Games recently released a new set of changes for their professional League of Legends players. Centred on fandom, economics, and stability, Riot hopes to apply these changes (and more) to all 13 leagues around the world.
The first step that the release refers to is fandom. Thrilled with the growth of LoL, the company really stresses just how much each and every viewer and fan means to them and how much more they wish to cultivate and grow the viewer base. Of course, with viewers comes money; parts two and three of their three-step path hones in on the economics and stability of LoL.
For a long time, corporations, franchises, players, and team staff have been pushing for an increase in income and accessibility of money in the scene. Finally, Riot has addressed this troubling issue in a way that also brings stability to the careers of all involved. Prize pools for major tournaments will have additional funding from sales on select in-game microtransactions; 25 percent of the sales of world-champion skins will now go toward the team who won; and new digital goods, such as team-branded items and e-sports promotions, will be making their appearance next year. Riot estimates that these changes will bring millions of dollars in additional revenue to teams and pros each year.
As 2017 approaches, Riot is already looking ahead to what they would like to see their product become, and plans to accelerate their goals are already in the works. By addressing long-term economic tactics, Riot hopes to rebalance some of the short-term issues.
2017 promises to be a big year for Riot, and I think that these changes will be great for the game.