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League Player Breaks Game with 1M HP Nautilus Build in Mayhem Mode
A League of Legends player in the experimental Mayhem mode achieved over one million HP on the champion Nautilus, causing the game's camera system to break and clip into the character model. This exploit highlights how Mayhem mode allows champion stats to scale far beyond intended limits, leading to fundamental game systems failing to display characters properly.
League of Legends lead Phroxzon says "frustrating" counters like Mel are part of the MOBA's "secret sauce"
League of Legends lead gameplay designer Matt 'Phroxzon' Leung-Harrison discussed the game's design philosophy, particularly regarding challenging champion matchups like Mel. He stated that while some champions can create frustrating experiences, these difficult counter-play situations are a valuable part of the MOBA's 'secret sauce.' Phroxzon also addressed the concept of 'loser's queue,' reiterating that the matchmaking system aims for a 50% win probability for all players before a game begins.
2XKO Doubles Down: 6 Champions, New Fuse Mechanic This Year
Riot Games has revealed its 2026 roadmap for the fighting game 2XKO, detailing plans to release six new champions and introduce a new 'fuse' mechanic. Additionally, a duo partner matching system will be implemented next month to improve team coordination. This aggressive content schedule indicates Riot's commitment to establishing 2XKO as a major player in the team-based fighting game genre.
I got murdered by a ladybug in Neverway, and that cemented it as the only game I care about this year
Neverway, the debut title from Coldblood Inc., blends life simulation elements reminiscent of Stardew Valley with a dark, Lovecraftian horror atmosphere. Despite its initial appearance, the game delves into themes of mental illness and spiritual rebirth, offering a unique 'cozy horror' experience. The preview highlights challenging combat, a reactive soundtrack by Disasterpiece, and a compelling narrative that sets it apart from similar titles, with a planned 2026 release.
Valorant gets its biggest VCT shake-up ever, and it could be the best thing to happen to it
Riot Games is overhauling the Valorant Champions Tour for 2027, moving away from regional leagues to a more open, tournament-driven format. This change aims to foster more underdog stories and global competitiveness by increasing the number of tournaments and prize pools. While partnered teams will retain some benefits, the new structure emphasizes performance in regional 'VCT Cups' to qualify for international events like Masters and Champions.
Triple-I Initiative Showcase 2026: Castlevania, Dead As Disco, And Every Game Shown
The Triple-I Initiative Showcase featured 40 game announcements, including world premieres and DLC for existing titles. Highlights included new looks at Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, Dead as Disco, and Windrose, alongside reveals for games like Final Sentence and Crop. Several titles announced release dates or entered early access, with many coming to PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
2XKO Will Add Six Characters This Year, Despite Dev Scaling Down
Riot Games has revealed that 2XKO will receive six new characters this year, exceeding its initial roadmap despite a reduction in the development team. The fighting game, inspired by League of Legends, has already added Caitlyn and Akali, with Senna and three other Champions planned. The studio is also working on new stages, skins, and a summer event, indicating continued support for the title.
League of Legends patch 26.08 is already in trouble, as Riot reviews controversial Viego buffs
Riot Games is reviewing controversial buffs planned for Viego in League of Legends patch 26.08 after player feedback suggested they were too powerful. Lead gameplay designer Matt 'Phroxzon' Leung-Harrison stated that internal data initially supported the buffs, but external data appears different, prompting a re-evaluation before the patch's release. The article also touches on other balance changes for champions like Mel, Mundo, Hwei, Lillia, Lucian, and Tahm Kench.
How to Play Sage in Valorant Guide - Walkthrough, Tips, Review
This guide provides in-depth information on playing Sage, a Sentinel agent in Valorant, focusing on her abilities: Healing Orb, Slow Orb, Barrier Orb, and Resurrection. It details how to effectively use her kit to support teammates, control areas, and secure rounds, emphasizing strategic placement and timing for maximum impact.
ZOWIE Named Official Monitor of VALORANT Champions Tour Americas by Riot Games
Riot Games has named ZOWIE, a brand of BenQ Corporation, as the official monitor for the VALORANT Champions Tour Americas (VCT Americas). The partnership aims to enhance competitive performance standards with ZOWIE's high-refresh-rate monitors, including the XL2566X+, being used on stage. This collaboration underscores ZOWIE's commitment to professional esports and player-first standards.
The rise, fall, and resurgence of Australian game development
The Australian game development industry has experienced a significant resurgence, transitioning from major studio closures after the 2008 financial crisis to a thriving indie scene supported by government tax incentives and funding. Despite challenges like a smaller talent pool, government initiatives like the Digital Games Tax Offset have made Australia an attractive investment destination, fostering growth for both indie and larger studios.
League of Legends Faker becomes first esports athlete to appear on Korean postage stamps
South Korea will issue a commemorative postage stamp in October 2026 honoring esports athlete Lee Sang-hyeok, also known as Faker. This marks the first time an esports player will be featured on a Korean stamp, a significant recognition for the dominant League of Legends professional who has achieved numerous accolades throughout his career.
LoL Players Call Out Riot’s Streamer Boosting Double Standard
League of Legends players are criticizing Riot Games over an alleged double standard in rule enforcement regarding streamer boosting. Challenger player SnKarma has been accused of boosting popular German streamer Trymacs, who is reportedly using an official Riot Games account. This situation has fueled community frustration over perceived preferential treatment for content creators compared to regular players.
Sunday Interviews
Riot Senior Designer Jon Moormann discusses the trading card game Riftbound in an interview at PAX East. The conversation likely covered game design, development, and the game's features.
We Sat Down With Riot Senior Designer Jon Moormann at PAX East and Talked All Things Riftbound
Riot Games Senior Designer Jon Moormann discussed various aspects of Riftbound during an interview at PAX East. Topics included the game's ban philosophy, design timelines, and insights into the current competitive meta.
Key Valorant Tournaments to Watch in 2026: Everything You Need to Know
This article provides an overview of major Valorant esports tournaments scheduled for 2026, including Valorant Masters Santiago, Challengers 2026: EMEA, TXG Valorant Circuit, VCT 2026: Pacific, and Valorant Champions 2026 in Shanghai. It details prize pools, formats, and key dates for these events organized by Riot Games and ESL Gaming.
Latin America’s High-Growth Games Market Takes Center Stage at gamescom latam 2026
gamescom latam 2026 will be held in São Paulo, Brazil, from April 29 to May 3, highlighting Latin America's rapid growth in the gaming market. The event will feature B2B sessions on investment, AI, and IP development, aiming to foster business opportunities and connect the region with the global gaming ecosystem. Major companies like Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony Interactive Entertainment are expected to attend.
This small Teamfight Tactics Set 17 change is a game-changer for loss streak traits
Riot Games has altered the surrender mechanic in Teamfight Tactics Set 17, ensuring all fights will conclude regardless of a surrender vote. This change impacts how loss streak traits function within the game.
Perfect Ten: MMOs and other online projects created by ex-Blizzard devs
This article highlights ten notable projects created by former Blizzard Entertainment developers and leads, focusing on MMORPGs and other online games. It details various ventures, including Jeff Kaplan's 'The Legend of California,' Greg Street's 'Project Ghost,' and Ben Brode's successful 'Marvel Snap.'
First ever Riftbound ban list kills off popular cards that have become so ubiquitous they're hurting the game
Riot Games has implemented the first ban list for its trading card game Riftbound, removing seven cards to improve competitive balance. The changes target cards associated with "Miracle" decks, powerful Battlefield cards, and specific cards like Draven, Vanquisher, which were deemed too dominant or unhealthy for the game's meta.
