Prismatic items are broken, and Riot wants them to be so
Next month, League of Legends players can anticipate the arrival of the new Arena, but some are already expressing concerns about the introduction of Prismatic items.
Players fear a repetition of the scenario seen with mythic items, where certain champions were favored over others. However, Riot Games is optimistic about the outcome.
A Reddit user recently raised concerns regarding the upcoming Prismatic items in the Arena, questioning whether they would lead to similar outcomes as seen with mythic items on Summoner’s Rift.
The concern is that players may feel compelled to select champions that synergize well with at least one Prismatic item to optimize their gameplay. Additionally, the limited availability of these items could potentially restrict champion diversity and hinder player growth.
Matt “Phroxzon” Leung-Harrison, the lead gameplay designer for League of Legends, chimed in on the discussion, emphasizing that the intention behind Prismatic items is to introduce an element of randomness. This deliberate imbalance in the items is a strategic game design choice aimed at emphasizing skill over luck.
Leung-Harrison also addressed the issue of obtaining desirable items in the Arena, acknowledging that rolling a beneficial item could significantly impact a player’s overall performance. However, he reassured players that not receiving the ideal item does not spell doom. A skilled player, even with random item offerings, can still outperform others through sheer expertise and strategic gameplay.
Riot intends to introduce a variety of Prismatic items to the Arena, with the possibility of making the mode a permanent addition to the game. This decision reflects their commitment to providing diverse and engaging gameplay experiences for League of Legends players.