Riot Games Arena
Riot Games
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A Versatile, High-Tech Makeover to House Two of the Biggest Esports Leagues
In a digital age defined by intense gameplay and fandom, Riot Games envisioned an arena that could encapsulate the essence of its iconic esports leagues. Entrusting this vision to PHNTM, the LCS Arena metamorphosed into the Riot Games Arena - a versatile, high-tech epicenter. Crafted meticulously to transition between the dynamic worlds of League of Legends and Valorant, this modular marvel epitomizes adaptability and foresight. As the boundaries of esports continue to expand, this rejuvenated arena stands as both a testament to Riot Games' commitment to its fanbase and a beacon for future advancements in the realm of competitive gaming.
Challenge
Riot Games tapped PHNTM to upgrade the well-known LCS Arena, the home of the League of Legends Championship Series, to the Riot Games Arena. The upgraded studio space had to accommodate not only League of Legends but also the new Valorant esports league, VCT Americas, with flexibility for both. The aspiration was to create a dynamic and adaptable environment that could host different esports events, internal functions, and collegiate activities.
Concept
The Riot Games Arena was conceptualized as a future-proof, modular production space. The new design elements, including an 18-foot-high stage and over 1,000 LED screens, enabled the venue to accommodate the unique layout requirements of each esport. The Arena was designed to swiftly transform from one game's look to another, showcasing different graphics and layouts for League of Legends and Valorant.
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Solution
Planning for the redesign began in September, and by the start of the LCS season in January, the Riot Games Arena was operational. A team of 12-16 individuals was trained to adapt the space from League to Valorant and vice versa in approximately two hours, with a future goal to reduce this time to an hour. Additional attention was given to the technical requirements of Valorant broadcasts, including clear audio for gameplay elements like footsteps, and the capability for simultaneous multilingual broadcasts.
Result
The renovated Riot Games Arena now serves as a flexible and high-tech home for two of the biggest esports leagues. Its modular nature supports the evolving needs of both LCS and the new Valorant league, and also prepares the Arena for future expansions. Riot Games has already begun to see the impact of their new space, with the enhanced visual experience exciting fans and fostering a sense of renewed energy among players, who had been missing the thrill of playing in a live, crowded arena. As Riot Games continues to innovate in esports, the adaptable design of the Riot Games Arena puts them in an excellent position to accommodate and amplify these innovations, thus setting the stage for the future of the esports industry.
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