In an ambitious undertaking to reshape its competitive landscape, Riot Games has announced robust changes to the 2024 League of Legends Ranked season. This change affects several structural aspects of the Ranked system, including division modifications, alterations in matchmaking, including changes in Tier and Division.
The most noteworthy of all these changes is the removal of promotions within a Tier, aimed at making the progression more streamlined. The developer asserted that divisions within each Tier would be expanded from four to five to compensate for the change, creating a shift in the fundamental level of play in the competitive Ranked realm.
To soften the impact of losing streaks, Riot Games is also proposing improved transparency in matchmaking rating (MMR) for all players. This change will allow players to see their MMR, a feature that could greatly affect their tactics and approach towards games in the Ranked. Additionally, the division demotion protections will be relaxed, losing most of its restrictions.
The new system will also facilitate quicker ranking up for players in lower divisions, with a significant reduction in the number of games required, a move that should encourage broader participation in the lower leagues. Furthermore, the system of matchmaking will be overhauled, potentially altering the current competitive landscape.
These changes are part of Riot's efforts to curate a more engaging and competitive environment for players. The tweaking of the systems shows the developer’s commitment to continuously enhancing the player experience and exploring new strategies for player engagement.
However, these changes could also raise concerns about competitiveness and the overall league system due to the sweeping changes. There could be potential issues regarding the balance of the game, with the new system possibly favoring players who capitalize on the new features.
Riot games announced that they are open to feedback. They have stated that the changes are not final and might undergo further adjustments based on the performance of the new system.
Clearly, the upcoming 2024 season promises to be a game changer, with substantial shifts in the way Ranked play works in one of the world's most popular games, League of Legends. The revamp, riot says, should make the game more enjoyable and less stressful, thus encouraging wide participation from the gaming community.