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LEC Spring Split Returns March 28 with New Best of 3 Format
The LEC Spring Split will resume on March 28 with a significant format change, moving all regular season games to a Best of 3 series. This shift aims to increase strategic depth and competitive integrity, aligning with other major regions like the LCK and LPL. However, Monday games will no longer feature live audiences due to logistical and cost considerations.
League of Legends Community Turns ‘Rell Chikita’ Into Viral Moment
A Reddit post containing the phrase 'Rell Chikita' unexpectedly became a viral moment within the League of Legends community, highlighting the player base's ability to create shared experiences and inside jokes. This phenomenon demonstrates how the community can generate its own entertainment and viral content, even for less popular champions like Rell, showcasing a positive and creative side beyond the game's competitive aspects.
86% of Creators Use AI, 85% of Gamers Hate It. Here's What That Means for You (2026)
A significant paradox exists in the gaming content landscape: 86% of creators utilize AI tools, while 85% of gamers express negative sentiments towards AI-generated content. This disparity impacts content consumption, with AI search results drastically reducing click-through rates for traditional content. While AI moderation is seen as a clear success in combating toxicity, creators are advised to use AI for backend tasks and maintain human authenticity to succeed.
2XKO is no longer in PlayStation 6 top downloads charts and nobody is remotely shocked
Riot Games' 2XKO has fallen off PlayStation's download charts, indicating lower-than-expected popularity for the 2v2 fighting game. Despite attempts to market it as a mainstream title and introduce expensive cosmetic skins, the game struggles to gain traction beyond the dedicated fighting game community, leading to layoffs and questions about its long-term viability.
VALORANT Crossplay Leak Splits Community Down the Middle
A leak suggests Riot Games is considering crossplay for VALORANT, dividing the community. Supporters believe it will expand the player base and allow friends to play together, while opponents worry about competitive integrity due to potential advantages for mouse and keyboard players over controller users. The implementation would require careful consideration of matchmaking and balance.
New Riftbound cards and legends appear online for the next 3 sets
Information has surfaced online regarding the next three sets for the collectible card game Riftbound, developed by Riot Games and UVS. Set 3, titled Unleashed, is expected to feature 8 legends including Vex, Vi, and Pyke, with a reveal date of March 16. Sets 4 and 5 are also teased with potential new legends and card art, expanding on existing champions and themes.
Riftbound: Vendetta and Radiance Details Previewed by Riot Games
Riot Games has previewed upcoming sets for their League of Legends card game, Riftbound: Vendetta and Riftbound: Radiance. Vendetta, releasing July 31, 2026, will introduce enemy faction pairings and over 160 cards, including nine new Champions. Radiance is set to release on October 23, 2026, with over 180 cards and its own Showdown deck.
Here Are The 12 Finalists For The World Video Game Hall Of Fame In 2026
The Strong Museum has revealed the 12 finalists for the 2026 World Video Game Hall of Fame, including first-time nominees like Silent Hill, Mega Man, and League of Legends, alongside returning candidates such as Angry Birds. The inductees will be announced on May 7, with a "Player's Choice" category allowing fan votes to influence one ballot.
US government reportedly debating whether to force Tencent to give up its US-based game holdings
The US government is reportedly considering forcing Tencent to divest its stakes in US and Finnish game companies due to national security concerns. Tencent holds significant shares in numerous major developers, raising fears of potential access to personal data of US citizens. This debate has been ongoing since 2020, with a recent meeting on the matter postponed.
Trump administration reportedly debating whether to force Riot Games owners Tencent to divest stakes in US game companies
The Trump administration is reportedly considering forcing Tencent, the Chinese owner of Riot Games and other major stakes in US game companies, to divest these investments. Concerns over national security and potential intelligence gathering are cited as reasons for the debate, which comes ahead of a meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
League of Legends Patch 26.5 notes released with major balance changes
Riot Games has released Patch 26.5 for League of Legends, introducing balance changes and new cosmetic skins in preparation for the First Stand international tournament. The update focuses on refining the competitive meta without drastic shifts, with new skins for Maokai, Xerath, and Sona available now.
"Espionage And Corporate Sabotage" Blamed For MindsEye Launch, As Dev Announces Layoffs
Build A Rocket Boy co-CEO Mark Gerhard has blamed corporate espionage and sabotage for the poor reception of the game MindsEye, while also announcing studio layoffs. Gerhard stated that an investigation has uncovered overwhelming evidence of criminal activity, with details to be revealed as the matter moves toward prosecution. The game received a low score of 3/10 from GameSpot and experienced a troubled launch, with developers reportedly working overtime to fix numerous issues.
Trump Administration targets Tencent’s gaming dominance in security probe, according to reports
Reports indicate the Trump Administration is investigating Tencent's significant ownership of gaming companies as a potential security risk. This probe, focusing on Tencent's dominance and its ownership of entities like Riot Games and stakes in Epic Games, stems from concerns over kernel-level anti-cheat software and data security.
Trump Administration Debating Allowing Chinese Company Tencent to Keep Its Stakes in U.S. Gaming Companies Such as Fortnite Maker Epic and League Dev Riot - IGN
The Trump administration is reportedly debating whether to force Chinese company Tencent to divest its stakes in U.S. gaming firms like Epic Games and Riot Games due to national security concerns. Officials are assessing the risk posed by Tencent's investments, including its ownership of Riot Games and a significant stake in Epic Games, ahead of a meeting with China's president. The U.S. Department of Defense previously classified Tencent as a Chinese military company.
Trump administration debates getting Chinese Tencent money out of US gaming over feared security risks
The Trump administration is reportedly debating whether to force Chinese company Tencent to divest its US gaming investments, citing national security concerns. This includes Tencent's full ownership of Riot Games and a significant stake in Epic Games. The administration is also concerned about Tencent's influence on games like Clash of Clans, despite its Finnish development.
Riot Finally Steps Up for Grassroots League Events with Free Community Program
Riot Games has launched a free official community program to support grassroots League of Legends events across North America. The program provides digital and physical swag to watch party and LAN organizers, collegiate esports organizations, and convention staff. This initiative aims to bolster community engagement and talent development within the game's ecosystem.
Report: US government may compel Tencent to divest gaming investments
The US government, under the Trump administration, is reportedly considering forcing Tencent to divest its gaming investments due to national security and data privacy concerns. Investigations initiated under the Biden administration have raised questions about Tencent's access to data from millions of American players through its stakes in companies like Epic Games and Riot Games.
Trump administration reportedly considering pulling Tencent's gaming investments, potentially hurting Epic and Riot
The Trump administration is reportedly considering actions against Tencent's investments in major gaming companies such as Epic Games and Riot Games. This potential move could significantly impact these developers.
Highguard's failure is emblematic of something that has tormented videogame investors for years now: past live service hits do not equal future live service hits
The failure of live service games like Highguard highlights a persistent problem for investors: past success does not guarantee future hits. Even experienced developers like those from Apex Legends and major companies like Riot Games and Valve have struggled to replicate live service success, leading to cancellations and layoffs across the industry.
Report: Trump administration may pressure Tencent to divest from US studios
A report indicates that the Trump administration is considering pressuring Tencent to divest its stakes in US-based video game companies like Riot Games and Epic Games. This potential action comes ahead of a planned meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
