Riot Games, the video game developer, publisher, and esports tournament organizer owned by Tencent Holdings Ltd. TCEHY, has announced a two-week delay in the start of the competitive North American League of Legends summer season, following a walkout by players who voted "overwhelmingly" in favor of the action.
The walkout was sparked by Riot Games' decision to remove the requirement for League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) teams to field an amateur group in the North American Challengers League during the summer season. This would significantly reduce the league, going from 16 teams to seven (which could lead to 70 people losing their jobs, including coaches and players).
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While Riot Games defended the cuts, stating that they are necessary to maintain the sustainability and economic viability of the North American leagues, tensions escalated when reports surfaced indicating that professional teams were actively seeking to recruit replacement players. This move was condemned by the LCS Players Association (LCSPA), which represents professional players in the region, as it would "jeopardize the future of all players" and undermine their negotiating power.
In a recent statement following a meeting with LCSPA, the company warned that if a resolution cannot be reached within the next two weeks, not only will the entire LCS summer season be canceled, but LCS teams will also be disqualified from the 2023 Worlds.
"Hopefully, this two-week window will give us time for productive dialogue between the LSCPA, teams, and the league and then resume LCS competition this summer," Riot added.
The LCSPA responded, expressing gratitude for the support shown by the LCS community and announcing their intention to engage in daily meetings with Riot Games to reach a resolution.
The Players Association also said, "Tonight, one thing is back in clear focus: players are the LCS. Without players, there is no league, and there is no esport. From day one, exclusion from the decision-making process drove the LCSPA players to vote to walk out. The future of the NACL and the LCS is too big to decide overnight and without player consideration."
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