Thread by @MarkYetter

A Thread about the LoL Champ Design Team:

@RiotAugust August Browning
@Squad5lol Blake Smith
CatchesAxes Bryan Salvatore
@ExasperatedDan Dan Emmons
@RiotJag Jeevun Sidhu
@EndlessPillows Jonathan Fuller
@RiotLutzburg Nathan Lutz
@RiotStashu Stash Chelluck

Every champion and VGU go through a collaborative process with a design owner, but also the full design team

This is only our gameplay process, there is a world of work and creative genius that goes into the Art, Engineering, QA, Narrative, Sound, and Production of every project

We playtests our changes 2 times daily, and each designer probably gets their champ in 1 time then iterates

We also meet once a week as a full group to talk about our recent results and goals. This also provides a venue for the team to discuss risks or successes with each other

The design process from start to finish goes through a standard milestone schedule that starts very blue sky and narrows down towards a fully locked kit with 4 polished abilities and a passive.

Direction lock - whats the gameplay hook? (fun, unique, healthy, thematic match)

Pattern lock - 3 abilites are locked and we have a clear picture of the playstyle, strengths and weaknesses

Design lock - all 5 abilities locked and we can let the artists work without more changes

Feel free to engage with any of these designers about our process and philosophy. Keep in mind, they can't reveal any of our upcoming work (we don't want to spoil the surprise!)