Why Champions Aren’t Free in League of Legends: A Developer’s Perspective

The recent controversy surrounding the process of unlocking champions in League of Legends has sparked significant debate within the gaming community. At the heart of this discussion is the question of why champions are not free for all players. Maddy Marquissee, the growth lead for League of Legends, has provided some insights into this issue.

The Challenge of New Player Onboarding

League of Legends is known for its complexity and steep learning curve, making it difficult for new players to join the game. Despite the success of shows like Arcane, which aimed to attract new players, the game still struggles to retain newcomers. Marquissee leads a team focused on improving the new player experience, a critical aspect of keeping the game vibrant and engaging.

The Reason Behind Champion Pricing

Marquissee explained that making all champions free would not be beneficial for new players. According to her, providing access to all champions at once can be overwhelming. New players face a long list of champions without any guidance on which ones are easy to understand and play. This lack of direction can lead to frustration and a higher likelihood of players quitting the game early.

Player Retention and Champion Difficulty

Champions in League of Legends have varying retention rates based on their difficulty levels. Some champions are more accessible and easier to learn, while others have steeper learning curves. Marquissee’s data indicates that new players fare better when introduced to simpler champions first. This approach helps in building their skills and confidence before moving on to more complex characters.

Monetization and Player Feedback

The community’s reaction to Marquissee’s explanation has been mixed. Many players feel that the real reason champions are not free is to maintain the game’s monetization model. One player suggested that Riot could introduce champions in groups as players level up, such as providing 3-5 champions from each category. However, Marquissee emphasized that her team is focused on the new player experience and does not handle monetization.

The Cost of Unlocking Champions

Unlocking all champions in League of Legends can be costly. With 169 champions currently in the game, buying every champion would amount to 119,265 RP, equivalent to approximately $860 if purchased through the highest RP bundles available. While it is possible to earn champions through in-game activities, the process is time-consuming. For example, the new Battle Pass system introduced in the 2025 update makes it significantly harder for free-to-play players to unlock new champions, with estimates suggesting it could take up to 882 hours of playtime to earn enough Blue Essence for a single champion.

Community Outrage and Proposed Solutions

The community’s outrage is not just about the latest patch but reflects a broader concern about the game’s accessibility. Players feel that the grind to unlock champions has become excessively long and discouraging. Some suggest that Riot should adopt a model similar to Dota 2, where all heroes are free, or follow the approach of Marvel Rivals, which offers more accessible character unlocks.

Developer Response and Future Changes

Andrei van Roon, the head of League Studio, acknowledged the community’s concerns on Twitter, stating that making it harder to unlock champions via Blue Essence was not the intention. He confirmed that the team is looking into the issue to find a better balance. This response indicates that Riot is open to feedback and willing to make adjustments to improve the player experience.

Balancing Accessibility and Monetization

The debate highlights the delicate balance between making the game accessible to new players and maintaining a viable monetization strategy. While some players advocate for free champions, others understand the need for a system that rewards dedication and provides revenue for the game’s development. Marquissee’s team is working to find a middle ground, ensuring that new players have a guided experience while still allowing for meaningful progression and engagement.

Conclusion

The issue of champion pricing in League of Legends is complex and multifaceted. While the community’s frustration is understandable, it is clear that Riot is actively working to address these concerns. By providing a more structured introduction to champions and potentially revising the reward system, Riot aims to make the game more welcoming to new players without compromising its monetization model. As the game continues to evolve, finding this balance will be crucial for maintaining a healthy and engaged player base.