Riot Games has launched the League of Legends “Pre-Season” for the multiplayer online battle arena game for Windows PC. League of Legends, which was nominated for the Game Critics Awards Best Strategy Game of E3, combines elements of role-playing and strategy genres with battle action.
League of Legends will operate in seasons to help facilitate the best in competitive gaming and communities. The League of Legends “Pre-Season” will allow time for players to learn the game, build teams, as well as develop advanced strategies and tactics, when Season One begins in the first half of 2010. Players can also look forward to the addition of clans, teams, tournaments, ladders, draft mode, as well as additional content such as new Champions and maps, between now and the start of Season One.
“I am excited to welcome all gamers to join us in League of Legends, which builds on the fast-paced, team based, player vs. player gameplay pioneered in DotA-Allstars, one of the most popular mods of all time,” Brandon Beck, co-founder and CEO, Riot Games, said. “The launch of the League of Legends Pre-Season marks the beginning to providing our dedicated community epic competitive online gameplay and exciting new content for years to come.”
A player in League of Legends takes on the role of a Summoner -“ a gifted spell caster who has the power to bring forth a champion to fight as his or her avatar in Valoran’s Fields of Justice. As the Summoner controls the champion in combat, it also influences the outcome of the match through the use of spells, masteries and runes. Once a match is over, the Summoner gains Influence Points and Riot Points that can be used to assist their champions in future battles. Influence Points will be earned by simply playing the game, while Riot Points will be available for purchase with real money.
The League of Legends Collector’s Pack, containing exclusive items such as 20 Champions, a selection of Runes and $10 worth of Riot Points, is now available for download at www.leagueoflegends.com. The retail League of Legends Collector’s Pack available at all major retail outlets for $29.99, additionally includes an exclusive poster-size fold out map of Valoran with detailed champion portraits and bios on the other side, a $10 pre-paid game card for in-game purchases and an exclusive champion skin. The game is rated “T” for Teen
In celebration of the launch of the game, Riot is unlocking all 40 champions for immediate play on October 27 for a limited time. During the launch celebration, Collector’s Pack customers will get an experience boost, allowing them to level quickly. After the Launch Celebration ends, the in-game store will go live and owners of the Collector’s Pack will continue to have access to the exclusive items packaged in the collector’s edition. All players will be able to unlock exclusive items and content through the in-game store by using Influence points earned by playing during the Launch Celebration and after, or by purchasing Riot Points.
