Riot Games has been notably transparent about their approach to champion updates and ASUs. In the recent past, Riot has undertaken numerous ASUs and reworks, including those for champions like Ahri, Aurelion Sol, and the upcoming changes for Jax.
Plans are in motion for future updates, with Lee Sin and Teemo scheduled for attention in the upcoming season, contributing to overall player satisfaction.
Riot Games on VGU, ASU, updates, and more
With a focus on transparency, Riot has engaged in a detailed discussion about champion updates in a Reddit thread.
Riot Reav3, in particular, addressed questions and concerns related to VGU, ASU, CGU, VU, and more. Reav3 emphasized that updating champions demands significantly more resources, estimating it to be “2-3 times more” than creating new champions. This extensive resource requirement is attributed to several elements of the update process.
“To be clear they cost WAAAAY more then a new champion to make, probably like 2-3 times the amount of time resources as a new champion. I can break what it takes down very clearly having worked on many Champs/VGUS/VUs over the years”
- New Concept Art or Re-imagination of the Champion in terms of Lore and IP.
- New Model, Animations, etc.
- New VO for all Languages and Legendary+ Skins
- New Concept Art for All Skins
- Updated Splash Arts For All Skins
- New Models, VFX, and Animations For All Skins.
- Possible Redoing of Champion Kits
- Publishing Campaign
Reav3 highlighted that the additional workload, particularly associated with creating new skins, makes champion updates more resource-intensive. Interestingly, ASUs and VUs may not significantly boost engagement for champions, as these updates essentially reinvent existing champions.
Despite the updates being aimed at enhancing the game’s quality, increased engagement isn’t necessarily a direct outcome. Riot takes into consideration the popularity of champions when deciding on updates, understanding that Midscope updates, or full VGU tend to garner better engagement than ASUs/VUs.
“This is a lot of work, especially given pure ASUs/VUs historically have never increased engagement with a Champion, in the way VGUs do.”
Acknowledging the challenges, Riot has employed outsourcing strategies, indicating a commitment to delivering more VUs and ASUs. The intent is evident in their plans for upcoming updates, with champions like Teemo and Lee Sin set to receive attention.
Consequently, players can anticipate exciting updates in the pipeline that aim to enhance the gaming experience in the future.