LoL content might be a lot less from now on…
LoL content creation is poised for a potential transformation, as Riot Games gears up to implement its anti-cheat system, Vanguard. While this move a crucial step in curbing cheating, it brings with it unintended consequences for content creators like SkinSpotlights.
Riot Games initially introduced the Vanguard system in VALORANT, and has deemed its implementation successful. Now, Riot announced plans to extend the reach of Vanguard to League of Legends by the end of February or early March. The primary aim is to address issues related to bots, scripters, and cheaters, particularly in ranked games.
However, the arrival of Vanguard challenges for content creators who rely on third-party software for their work. SkinSpotlights, a prominent YouTuber known for their content showcasing skin models, is among those affected.
In a Twitter post on January 11, SkinSpotlights revealed plans to scale back their content from Patch 14.4 onward due to the limitations by Vanguard.
The nature of Vanguard, requiring activation during LoL gameplay and whenever the client is open, adds an extra layer of complexity. Uninstalling Vanguard results in the League client becoming inoperable, leaving no room for a workaround. This poses a significant challenge for dataminers and content creators who use specific third-party tools in their work.
The potential reduction in content from SkinSpotlights raises concerns among players who rely on their videos to assess skin models before making purchase decisions. While splash art may capture the essence of a skin, SkinSpotlights’ in-game skin model videos have been a valuable resource for players, helping them avoid regrettable skin purchases.
As the LoL community grapples with these changes, there is a hope that Riot Games might consider solutions to support content creators affected by Vanguard. The possibility of developing a creator client, allowing creators like SkinSpotlights to continue their work within the bounds of the anti-cheat system, remains a topic of speculation.