Riot Games has offered insights into the complexities and considerations surrounding the decision to make League of Legends Arena a permanent game mode.
Introduced last year as a 2v2v2v2 format, Arena has experienced popularity but has also been temporarily removed from the game on 2 occasions. In a recent Reddit AMA post, Riot Cadmus shed light on the challenges associated with the deliberation on the game mode.
Why Arena isn’t a permanent game mode yet
One of the primary hurdles Riot faces is the uncertainty surrounding Arena’s ability to attract a player base that might not otherwise engage with League of Legends.
The decision to make Arena a permanent mode involves a significant investment, extending beyond its mere inclusion. Continuous efforts are required to generate new content, ensuring that the balance is maintained at a level comparable to the existing permanent modes, Summoner’s Rift and ARAM.
Riot acknowledges the existence of a demand for diverse League of Legends gameplay experiences, yet the longevity of this deathmatch game mode in its current form remains a question mark.
Riot has amassed substantial data indicating interest in alternative game modes, but the sustainability of Arena in the long run is yet to be determined. Consequently, Riot plans to introduce a variety of changes when it returns, including expanding to a 2v2v2v2v2v2v2v2 format, featuring 16 teams, enhanced champion diversity, and augments to enrich the gaming experience.
Referring to Arena as a “1st attempt at creating new and unique game modes,” Riot emphasizes its commitment to innovation. The success of the game mode will influence Riot’s dedication to developing and maintaining distinctive game modes.
This cautious approach underscores the importance of aligning the game mode’s features and popularity with the established standards set by Summoner’s Rift and ARAM, ultimately shaping the future of League of Legends’ diverse gaming offerings.