The world of League of Legends is not just about the game itself, but it has also become a thriving industry of its own. From professional teams, merchandise, and esports events, to content creators and game developers, there are a lot of companies that have emerged and contributed to the growth and success of the game. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most influential companies in the League of Legends ecosystem and how they have shaped the game as we know it today.
Riot Games
Of course, it would be remiss to start without mentioning Riot Games themselves. The company was founded in 2006 by Marc Merrill and Brandon Beck, and they launched League of Legends in 2009. The game quickly became a sensation, and Riot Games has been developing and expanding it ever since. They have introduced new champions, game modes, and features, as well as regularly updating the game with patches and balance changes.
Riot Games is also responsible for the organization of the League of Legends World Championship, which is one of the biggest esports events in the world. They have also been investing in local and regional leagues, as well as supporting collegiate and amateur esports scenes.
Tencent
Tencent, a Chinese multinational conglomerate, acquired Riot Games in 2015. They have since been instrumental in expanding the game's reach, particularly in China, which is one of the largest markets for both esports and video games in general. Tencent has also invested in other game developers, such as Supercell (Clash of Clans, Clash Royale) and Epic Games (Fortnite).
Tencent has also been involved in the creation of Honor of Kings, a mobile multiplayer online battle arena game (MOBA) that has become one of the most popular games in China. They have also announced plans to develop a League of Legends mobile game, which is expected to be released in 2020.
Esports Teams
Esports teams have become an integral part of the League of Legends ecosystem. These teams consist of professional players who compete in leagues and tournaments for cash prizes and prestige. Some of the most successful and well-known teams include:
SK Telecom T1- a South Korean team that has won three League of Legends World Championships (2013, 2015, 2016)
Invictus Gaming- a Chinese team that won the 2018 League of Legends World Championship
Fnatic- a European team that has won seven European Championships and finished as runners-up in two World Championships
Team SoloMid- an American team that has won six North American Championships and has a large and passionate fanbase
These teams have not only generated excitement and entertainment for fans of the game, but they have also attracted sponsorships and endorsements from major companies. For example, SK Telecom T1 is sponsored by the telecom company of the same name, and Fnatic is sponsored by BMW.
Content Creators
Content creators are individuals who produce videos, streams, and other media related to League of Legends. They may specialize in gameplay, tutorials, analysis, or entertainment. Some of the most popular and influential content creators in the League of Legends community include:
Joedat "Voyboy" Esfahani- a former professional player who now streams and creates content on YouTube and Twitch
Tyler "Tyler1" Steinkamp- a controversial personality who has built a large audience through his streams and YouTube videos
Travis Gafford- a journalist and interviewer who covers the esports scene and hosts the "Travis Gafford Show" podcast
These content creators have helped to build a thriving community around League of Legends. They not only entertain and educate fans of the game, but they also provide opportunities for advertising and sponsorships.
Game Developers
Finally, there are game developers who have created games that are inspired by or similar to League of Legends. These games may offer different gameplay mechanics, graphics, or themes, but they still attract a similar audience. Some of the most successful League of Legends-inspired games include:
Dota 2- a game that was originally created as a mod for Warcraft III and is now a standalone game developed by Valve Corporation
Heroes of the Storm- a game developed by Blizzard Entertainment that features characters from Blizzard's various franchises, including Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch
Smite- a game developed by Hi-Rez Studios that features gods and mythological figures from various cultures
These games have not only provided alternatives for players who are looking for something different from League of Legends, but they have also encouraged competition and innovation in the MOBA genre.
Conclusion
The League of Legends ecosystem has grown and evolved over the years thanks to the contributions of various companies and individuals. From Riot Games and Tencent, to esports teams, content creators, and game developers, there are a lot of players in this industry who have made it what it is today. As the game continues to expand and attract new fans, we can expect to see even more companies enter the fray and compete for a slice of the pie.
