The League of Legends Developers’ Approach to Balancing Champions in Patch 14.9
The League of Legends developers are taking a proactive approach to address the issue of “power creep” among champions in Patch 14.9. This is a phenomenon where newer champions become stronger than their older counterparts, creating an imbalance in the game. In order to create a more level playing field and maintain the integrity of the game, the developers will be making adjustments to the power scales of certain champions.
Lead gameplay designer, Matt “Phroxzon” Leung-Harrison, clarified on X (formerly known as Twitter) that the upcoming patch will specifically target champions with “outsized levels of frustration for their current power level.” These champions, such as Zed and Draven, will be adjusted to ensure that players have to reach a certain level of mastery and skill to fully utilize their potential.
Additionally, champions with high mastery like Azir will also be under scrutiny. Azir is known for his dominance in the game and consistently high win rates. However, the developers believe that champions like Azir should be harder to master and should not guarantee consistent results for every player. By addressing these imbalances, the developers aim to create a more challenging and rewarding experience for players who choose these champions.
Lastly, the developers will be paying attention to the “forgotten” champions who have been overlooked for a long time. These champions may be technically balanced according to game statistics, but in reality, they have been overpowered for quite some time. The developers will reevaluate these champions and make necessary adjustments to bring them back into the spotlight.
It is important to note that these changes will take place after MSI 2024, the highly anticipated League of Legends tournament. The developers want to shape the meta based on the outcomes of this tournament, allowing for new and interesting champions to rise and take the spotlight.
In conclusion, the League of Legends developers are committed to maintaining a healthy and balanced gaming environment. By addressing power creep and adjusting the power scales of certain champions, they aim to create a more diverse and engaging gameplay experience for all players. Stay tuned for the upcoming Patch 14.9 to see how these changes will affect the game.