Understanding Chinese League of Legends
Chinese League of Legends has a relatively low viewership in the West, despite being considered one of the best regions in the world. In this article, we will explore the play style, politics, leagues, and attitudes of Chinese LoL in order to gain more insight into the community and the upcoming world championships.
Major Changes in the Chinese League (LPL)
Recently, the LPL changed their finals format, prompting us to reflect on the events that led up to this decision.
The Players
Chinese players have conflicting opinions and influences. While some players confidently believe that lesser-known teams could compete against Western teams, others struggle to maintain their position in the league. The attitude of Chinese players can sometimes be seen as arrogant and difficult to coach. This is why some teams prefer to import Korean players who are known for their hard work and discipline.
Playstyle and Systems
Chinese teams are known for their aggressive and chaotic playstyle. While they may lack strategic gameplay compared to Korean teams, they excel when compared to Western teams. However, with the addition of Korean imports, Chinese teams have begun to prioritize strategy as well. Each Korean team has its own unique style of play, while Chinese teams can sometimes become too rigid in their approach.
Let’s take a closer look at a few Chinese teams and their playstyles:
- EDG (with MSI roster): EDG focuses on applying pressure throughout the game and utilizing the craziness of Pawn to distract opponents.
- WE: While WE is considered an average team, they excel when Spirit plays aggressively and Aluka acts as a strong front-liner.
- QG: Similar to Snake in Spring 2015, QG has a strong team-fight style. However, their consistency may be tested in the playoffs.
- LGD: LGD’s playstyle used to revolve around protecting their jungler, but they have faced criticism for their questionable decision-making.
League System and Apathy
Chinese teams have a unique relationship with scrims, often hindering their continuous improvement. Some teams avoid playing against LPL teams to hide their strategies, while others experiment with unconventional picks or swaps. With a large number of games in a season, each match holds less importance, allowing teams to take risks and try out new strategies.
Trolling and Disrespect
Chinese and Korean teams sometimes intentionally pick inferior strategies or playstyles to have fun or test their skills. However, when they lose, they often face criticism for not taking the game seriously. The abundance of games in China and Korea allows teams to experiment and occasionally make mistakes. Role swaps are also common in Chinese teams, and while they may not always work out, players try to adapt and make the best of the situation.
The LSPL
The LSPL, China’s secondary league, features teams with varying levels of skill and consistency. Some LSPL teams serve as primary scrim partners for LPL teams and have successfully made their way to the main league. However, LSPL games can sometimes have mixed quality, and the competition can be unpredictable.
Overall, Chinese League of Legends offers a unique and chaotic experience, with teams that have dedicated playstyles and a willingness to take risks. While there may be trolling and experimentation, the players strive to showcase their skills on the international stage.
Sources: Karon/Kelsey Moser’s video series, China Talk, Countdown with MonteCristo, Summoning Insight, Incoming Aggression, Twitch.tv/Riotgames2
Chinese League of Legends, LPL, playstyle, strategy, scrims, role swaps, LSPL, trolling