Exciting changes are coming to League of Legends in 2025, including a new trading card game, Project K, which will shift from digital to a physical format. Despite recent layoffs, Riot Games is committed to expanding its collectible card game offerings. Project K aims to engage a diverse player base with various gameplay options. However, concerns about the future of Legends of Runeterra persist, as players express frustration over perceived neglect of the existing game.
Exciting Developments for League of Legends in 2025
Major transformations are on the horizon for League of Legends in 2025, particularly with a fresh approach to its seasons and events. However, Riot Games is facing challenges, having recently undergone significant layoffs within the gaming industry. The company has made the tough decision to reduce its League of Legends team by 27 positions, adding to the earlier cuts of 500 earlier in the year that also impacted the digital collectible card game, Runeterra. Despite these setbacks, Riot Games is determined to forge ahead with the trading card game (TCG) genre by introducing Project K.
Introducing Project K: A New Era of Collectible Card Games
Riot Games has unveiled an innovative addition to the League of Legends universe. Although the company is scaling back its efforts on Legends of Runeterra, it remains committed to the collectible card game scene. Enter Project K: The League of Legends Trading Card Game, which marks a departure from digital gameplay, embracing a physical format similar to renowned games like Magic, Pokémon, and Yu-Gi-Oh.
According to Dave Guskin, executive producer and director on Legends of Runeterra, “We are excited to create a game set in the League of Legends universe for a different audience. This is for players who enjoy a physical experience and want to immerse themselves in the game world alongside their favorite characters.” Project K is not merely a physical adaptation of Legends of Runeterra; it draws inspiration from the design concepts of LoR champions while incorporating stunning illustrations from both the Runeterra and LoL realms.
This collectible card game is designed to cater to a variety of player profiles. Whether you’re looking for a casual solo experience or a more strategic multiplayer session, Project K has something for everyone. However, the developers have intentionally designed the game with multiplayer gameplay in mind, promising a rich and engaging experience for League of Legends enthusiasts. Players will have the opportunity to engage with their favorite champions through dedicated decks, such as Jinx’s aggro deck, which aims to create chaos on the battlefield.
Project K will see a staggered release, launching in China in 2025, followed by a global rollout at a later date. Riot Games is actively seeking partnerships to ensure the game’s longevity and competitive nature, with plans for large-scale global events akin to those seen in League of Legends. While this announcement has the potential to excite fans, it has also sparked significant backlash.
Players have expressed their frustration, voicing concerns over the fate of Legends of Runeterra. Comments from the announcement video reflect this sentiment: “Riot Games after killing LoR: Do you want to see us do it again?”; “It’s really a slap in the face to LoR”; “Legends of Runeterra is dead for this”; and “How can anyone trust a Riot card game after what they did to LoR?” The community’s fear of abandonment looms large, especially in light of recent developments surrounding LoR.