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In a significant turn of events, Riot Games has responded to community feedback by reversing its decision to implement paid name changes in Valorant and League of Legends. The gaming giant had initially planned to introduce a $10 fee per name change, aligning with a broader system update set for November 20th. This move, however, met with considerable pushback from the player base across both games.
The Original Plan for Paid Name Changes in Valorant and Player Backlash
Riot Games’ original proposal, announced a month ago, was to overhaul the name change system coinciding with the retirement of Summoner Names in League of Legends. The plan was to transition all accounts to Riot IDs. Under this scheme, players would have the ability to change their names only once every 365 days, with each change costing $10.
This proposed system, aiming to make players think twice before changing their names, could have received better acceptance from the community. In League of Legends, players could change their Summoner Names using Blue Essence or RP without a waiting period. In contrast, Valorant players were accustomed to a 30-day wait for a free Riot ID change.
Responding to the backlash and after extensive internal discussions, Riot Games announced a reversal of its decision. Starting November 20th, when the new system is implemented, players can change their Riot ID free of charge every 90 days, significantly reducing the initially planned annual restriction. This decision represents Riot’s commitment to maintaining a player-friendly environment and responsiveness to community feedback.
Implications for Valorant and League Players
Under the revised system, Valorant players will experience a longer wait time between free Riot ID changes, increasing from 30 to 90 days. However, this outcome is more favorable than the previously planned 365-day wait and $10 fee. The new system eliminates the cost in Blue Essence or RP for name changes for League of Legends players. However, it restricts the frequency of these changes. To facilitate the transition, Riot Games offers an immediate, one-time Riot ID name change for all players on November 20th, regardless of any changes made in the past 90 days.
Riot Games’ decision to reverse the paid name change policy underscores its responsiveness to player concerns and dedication to providing a fair and enjoyable gaming experience. By listening to and acting on community feedback, Riot has shown its commitment to keeping Valorant and League of Legends accessible and player-focused. This move is a positive step in strengthening the relationship between the game developer and its devoted player base.
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