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Riot Games’ reputation for detail and fan engagement in Valorant is unparalleled. Among the many aspects that fans eagerly await, the Valorant Champions skins always create a stir. The 2023 collection, especially, was surrounded by much excitement. However, with the emergence of alternative concept art, the community is left captivated and yearning for what could’ve been.
The Champions collection consistently dazzles fans with its exclusivity and unique designs. The Champions 2023 bundle was no different. Profits were fairly split between Riot and the 16 elite championship teams. The bundle showcased a Vandal skin, a Kunai knife melee, a player card, a distinct gun buddy, and a fun spray with Wingman and the trophy. Standout features included the Vandal’s Champion’s Aura and a finisher set to “Ticking Away.”
The Missed Opportunity of Valorant Champions 2023 Skins: Regional Variants
But every silver lining has a cloud. Given the pronounced regional rivalries echoed in the Champions 2023, fans felt a void, a missed opportunity. They pined for regional variants in the collection, an emotion only intensified by the recent unveiling of Denis Lakhanov’s concept art. This artistic vision introduced vibrant color variants for the Vandal, paying homage to the international regions of EMEA, Pacific, and the Americas.
Such region-centric themes aren’t unprecedented. The LOCK//IN collection championed this idea earlier in the year by offering players’ melee variants and player cards tailored for each region. The absence of such an offering in the Champions collection can be attributed to multiple reasons. Some speculate the overarching presence of China in Champions 2023, while others believe the concept simply didn’t align with Riot’s envisioned design.
Fans’ Reactions to the Concept Art
With the spread of these images across prominent Valorant influencer platforms, the community couldn’t help but express their melancholy. The regional variants and the tantalizing glimpse of alternative Kunai knife melee designs underscored what might have been a richer collection. The eclectic shapes and variants reflected Riot’s many choices before finalizing their package.
Valorant’s cosmetic collections have always been a testament to Riot’s commitment to player engagement and immersion. While the Champions 2023 bundle is undeniably a masterpiece in its own right, the unveiled concept art serves as a reminder that there’s always more beneath the surface. As the community yearns for what could have been, they celebrate what is, anticipating what the next year might unveil.
You should also read Improving Aim in Valorant and How to Improve Game Sense in Valorant.