SivHD: The Dutch YouTuber and Twitch Streamer Who Quit League of Legends
Robbert van Eijndhoven, better known as SivHD, is a popular Dutch content creator who gained fame for his skillful gameplay on LeBlanc and AP Nunu mid. However, in 2018, SivHD announced that he was stepping away from League of Legends. In a Reddit post, he explained the reasons behind his decision and his growing dissatisfaction with the game.
The Decline of League of Legends
Like many players, SivHD expressed his disagreement with the direction in which League of Legends was heading. One of the main issues he highlighted was the excessive power creep that had been introduced into the game. This power creep, where new champions become stronger and more complicated than older ones, had resulted in an imbalance and a shift away from the strategic elements that initially drew players to the game.
One example of this trend is Riot’s champion designs. According to SivHD, Riot has increasingly relied on champions with multiple dashes and hidden passives, which he believes detracts from the overall game experience. The recent release of Bel’Veth, a champion widely criticized for its poor game design, only reinforced this sentiment.
Why Did SivHD Quit League of Legends?
In his Reddit post, SivHD explained that he no longer found enjoyment in playing League of Legends. The game had transformed into an action-focused experience as opposed to a strategic one. He described it as a game where being caught first often determines the outcome, rather than the complex decision-making that defined the earlier versions of League. SivHD’s experience resonated with other content creators and players who also decided to leave League for similar reasons.
The Slow Decline of League of Legends
It is not just SivHD who has noticed the decline in League of Legends; the player base in general has been dwindling. Power creep, unbalanced gameplay, and frustrations with Riot’s inability to address these issues have contributed to this decline. If Riot does not take action, the once-popular game may lose even more players and ultimately fade away.
How to Address the Issues in League of Legends
A Call for Change
Many fans and content creators, including SivHD, believe that Riot needs to make significant changes to save League of Legends. One of the primary recommendations is to halt the release of new champions and instead focus on balancing the existing ones. The current pace of champion releases only exacerbates the game’s imbalance.
It is also crucial for Riot to listen to the feedback from its player base and address their concerns. The company’s focus should shift towards creating a balanced and strategic gameplay experience rather than prioritizing profit-driven decisions.
Conclusion
While SivHD’s decision to quit League of Legends is personal to him, it reflects the growing frustrations of many players. The decline in the game’s popularity can be attributed to a combination of power creep, unbalanced gameplay, and dissatisfaction with Riot’s approach to addressing these issues. If Riot wants to revive League of Legends and maintain its status as a leading esports game, it must take decisive action to address these concerns and prioritize the player experience.