| Genre | Multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) |
| Title | League of Legends |
| Setting | Runeterra, a sprawling magical realm |
| Gameplay | Players take control of a diverse cast of fantasy champions |
| Developer | Different studio than in our timeline |
| Publisher | Different studio than in our timeline |
| Popularity | Maintains a dedicated following among fans of roleplaying and cooperative gameplay, but has not achieved the same level of global mainstream popularity as in our world, remaining more of a cult phenomenon |
League of Legends is a fantasy-themed MOBA video game developed and published by Wizardry Studios. First released in 2009, the game takes place in the expansive magical world of Runeterra, where players can take control of a wide variety of champion characters to engage in team-based competitive and cooperative gameplay.
League of Legends was conceived by a team of developers at Wizardry Studios, a mid-sized video game company based in Vancouver, Canada. Drawing inspiration from classic tabletop role-playing games and fantasy fiction, the team aimed to create a MOBA title that captured the imagination and strategic depth of those genres, rather than the more technologically-focused approach of contemporary MOBAs.
After several years in development, the first version of League of Legends was launched in 2009 to a relatively small but passionate player base. While the game did not achieve the meteoric mainstream success of other MOBAs, it built a dedicated cult following among fans of fantasy RPGs and cooperative gameplay.
The world of Runeterra is a vast, diverse fantasy realm teeming with magic, mythical creatures, and ancient civilizations. The game's lore and champion backgrounds draw from a wide array of mythological and fantastical influences, from Tolkien-esque elves and dwarves to more unique races like the feline Vastaya and the undead Rune Golems.
Key locations in Runeterra include the magical academies of Demacia, the shadowy underworld of Noxus, the sprawling deserts of Shurima, and the mystical Freljord tundra. Champions hail from these varied regions and backgrounds, each with their own distinct powers, personalities, and narrative ties to the game's overarching story.
League of Legends features a diverse roster of over 150 playable champions, each with unique abilities, playstyles, and roles within a team. The champion selection spans a wide range of classic fantasy archetypes, including sword-wielding knights, arcane spellcasters, shapeshifting nature spirits, and lumbering constructs of ancient magic.
While the game supports competitive player-vs-player matches, a major focus is on cooperative player-vs-environment modes. These include dungeon-crawling adventures, boss raids, and large-scale narrative campaigns that allow parties of champions to explore Runeterra and uncover its mysteries together.
While League of Legends has a dedicated fan base, it has not achieved the same level of global mainstream popularity and professional esports success as in our timeline. The game's emphasis on cooperative and single-player experiences, rather than pure competitive PvP, has led to a more niche but passionate community.
League of Legends does feature a small but active professional esports scene, with regional tournaments and an annual world championship event. However, it remains overshadowed by other leading MOBA titles in terms of viewership and prize pools.
Despite its more modest success, League of Legends has developed a devoted cult following among fans of fantasy, RPGs, and cooperative gameplay. The game's lore, champion design, and variety of PvE modes have inspired a range of tie-in media, including novels, tabletop games, and animated shorts. League of Legends continues to receive regular updates and new content, ensuring its longevity among its dedicated player base.
