League of Legends one the best changes to ranked play
Sometimes, the most subtle tweaks can bring the biggest improvements. For League of Legends players, Riot Games’ decision to hide summoner names during ranked champion select remains a standout move, even three years after its introduction.
The feature, first implemented in November 2022, was designed to tackle issues caused by pre-game scouting on external platforms. These sites allowed players to scrutinize their teammates’ stats and champion pools, often leading to unfair assumptions, toxicity, or even dodged games. Riot believed League should prioritize collaboration and strategy rather than preconceptions or snap judgments—and hiding summoner names was their answer.
Initially met with mixed reactions, the change has since earned widespread praise within the League community. On Reddit this week, players revisited the decision, applauding it for addressing key problems like queue dodging and negativity in ranked.
Many noted how the removal of summoner names has significantly reduced last-second dodges, which were previously triggered by players checking win rates and champion pools online.
One player described this behavior as pre-game “detective work,” which often led to toxic assumptions about teammates’ abilities. By concealing summoner names, Riot effectively shifted the focus of champion select back to strategy and synergy. Players now build team compositions without worrying about biases or teammate win rates, creating a healthier and more balanced ranked environment.
However, not everyone is sold on the feature. Critics argue that the anonymity prevents them from identifying potential trolls, smurfs, or bots in their lobbies. One commenter lamented the lack of transparency, saying, “Knowing who you’re playing with is just so much better.”
Despite some detractors, the consensus remains overwhelmingly positive. Many players appreciate how the change curbs toxicity and encourages fairer League’s gameplay. As one Redditor pointed out, dodging bad teammates doesn’t solve the problem; it simply passes it along to others. The current system, they argued, rewards players who stick with their lobbies and commit to their games.
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