Riot Games Discusses the Future of Esports in VALORANT
Just one week into the closed beta of VALORANT, discussions have already begun about the potential for an esports scene in the game. In an interview with ESPN, Riot Games’ executive producer, Anna “SuperCakes” Donlon, and game director, Joe Ziegler, shed light on their plans for VALORANT as an esport.
Donlon expressed her hopes for VALORANT to become a major esport and emphasized the importance of community involvement in shaping the competitive scene. She envisions a grassroots approach, with the community and participants playing a significant role in the development of the esports scene.
While Donlon acknowledged that Riot hasn’t fully planned out the specifics of VALORANT’s competitive scene, she explained that the closed beta launch is just the beginning. As the player base grows, Riot will work towards establishing a well-balanced and thriving esport.
Ziegler emphasized the complexity of the esports industry, mentioning the various partners Riot must collaborate with and the large number of players aspiring to go pro. Building a successful esport requires careful consideration of many factors, especially with the rapid growth of the industry in recent years.
Although it may take time, aspiring VALORANT pros can take comfort in Riot’s track record. With the massive success of League of Legends as a global competitive esport, Riot has proven their ability to create and sustain thriving esports ecosystems.