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League of Legends is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game released by Riot Games in 2009. It is one of the most popular esports games worldwide, enjoyed by hundreds of millions of players worldwide, including in Korea.
The game's basic structure is a 5v5 team battle, with each player choosing a unique character, called a "Champion." There are currently over 160 champions, each with unique skills and playstyles. The ultimate goal is to destroy the opposing team's base, the "Nexus."
The main map, Summoner's Rift, features three lanes (top, mid, and bottom) and a jungle area. Each position has a unique role: top laners typically play tanks or warriors, mid laners play mages or assassins, bottom laners often duo with an ADC (add-carrying carry) and a support, and junglers roam the map supporting the team.
At the start of a game, all players start at level 1 and gain experience and gold by killing minions, neutral monsters, and eliminating enemy champions. With this gold, players can purchase items to power up their champions, and as they level up, they can learn or enhance skills. This progression system demands strategic choices from early to late game, with teamwork and communication being key to victory.
The appeal of League of Legends lies beyond mere gameplay, in its deep strategic depth. From champion select onward, picks and bans are made based on the opposing team's composition. In-game, a variety of tactical elements intertwine, including securing map vision, controlling objectives, and managing teamfights.
League of Legends esports and its global influence
League of Legends has transcended mere gaming and become a central pillar of the global esports industry. The annual World Championship (Worlds) is the largest tournament in esports history, growing into a massive sporting event watched by tens of millions of people worldwide.
South Korea is recognized as one of the most powerful regions in League of Legends esports. The League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) is considered one of the world's best leagues, with teams like T1, Gen.G, Hanwha Life Esports, and KT Rolster competing fiercely. T1's Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok), in particular, is considered one of the greatest players in League of Legends history, and his play inspires countless fans around the world.
The global competition structure operates with teams selected from each regional league. Major regions include Korea (LCK), China (LPL), Europe (LEC), and North America (LCS), each developing its own unique meta and playstyle. China's LPL has established its identity through aggressive, fast-paced gameplay, while Europe's LEC has established its identity through creative, unique strategies.
As an eSport, League of Legends has become more than just a competition; it's become a cultural phenomenon. Professional players are treated like sports stars, and teams are building a well-structured system by hiring professional coaching staffs, analysts, and psychologists. Player salaries have also risen significantly, with some star players earning billions of won annually.
Riot Games continues to invest in the development of the esports ecosystem. We've transitioned the league to a franchise system to ensure team stability and adopted cutting-edge technology to enhance broadcast production quality. Events like the augmented reality (AR) opening ceremony and a performance by the virtual K-pop group K/DA have blurred the lines between gaming and entertainment, creating new cultural experiences .
League of Legends' influence extends beyond the gaming industry and into society at large. Universities offer esports scholarships, and companies sponsor gaming teams and leverage it for marketing. League of Legends is no longer just a game; it's become a global platform and cultural phenomenon, connecting young people around the world.