League of Legends: Monetization Changes, Arcane Influence, and Player Reactions

In early 2025, Riot Games made headlines by removing Hextech Chests from League of Legends, citing long-term sustainability concerns. This decision sparked significant backlash from players, who argued that Hextech Chests were a key part of the game’s reward system. At the same time, Riot’s hit Netflix series Arcane raised new questions about how external projects might be influencing League’s monetization strategy. Let’s dive into what’s happening, why it matters, and what’s next for League players.

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Why Were Hextech Chests Removed?

Hextech Chests were a beloved part of League’s rewards system, offering free skins to players who performed well or displayed positive behavior. However, Riot claims that the growing popularity of these chests ultimately made them unsustainable.

In a recent developer diary, Andrei “Meddler” van Roon, head of the League of Legends studio, explained:

“Hextech Chests unintentionally became the primary way to unlock skins, reducing direct purchases and creating a system that was financially unsustainable in the long run.”

Paul “Pabro” Bellezza, executive producer of League of Legends, echoed this sentiment:

“We didn’t want to go back to a time when skins couldn’t be earned at all. But giving away too many free skins was leading to diminishing returns, which affected League’s long-term sustainability.”

With Hextech Chests gone, Riot introduced a battle pass system similar to those seen in other multiplayer games. Unfortunately, the new system’s initial rollout was met with criticism for its lack of Blue Essence—a key resource for unlocking champions. Riot quickly adjusted the system to provide more Blue Essence, but concerns remained about how these changes would affect the player experience.

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Arcane’s Influence: Expanding Riot’s Universe

While Riot justified the removal of Hextech Chests as a necessary move for League’s long-term health, many players pointed to the success of Arcane as a potential influence on these decisions. The Netflix series, which reportedly cost $250 million, became a global hit and expanded the League universe to a broader audience.

Marc “Tryndamere” Merrill, Riot’s co-founder, offered some insight into how projects like Arcane fit into Riot’s overall strategy:

“We sell skins to make things like Arcane, not the other way around.”

This statement highlights a contradiction: on one hand, Riot claims League’s monetization needs to be more sustainable, yet on the other, they invest heavily in high-budget projects like Arcane. While Arcane undoubtedly brought new players to League and boosted the brand’s visibility, it raises the question of whether increased in-game monetization is being used to fund external projects.

Player Reactions: Frustration and Skepticism

The removal of Hextech Chests and the introduction of gacha-style mechanics have left many players feeling frustrated. Social media and community forums are filled with complaints about the declining quality of skins, the increasing grind to earn rewards, and the apparent focus on monetization.

Some key concerns include:

• Reduced Skin Quality: Players criticized recent battle pass skins as little more than recolors, with fewer unique models and animations.
• Longer Grinds for Blue Essence: While Riot has adjusted the battle pass, it still falls short of providing enough Blue Essence to unlock new champions without significant effort.
• Overemphasis on Monetization: The introduction of a banner-style gacha system has fueled concerns that League is becoming overly focused on microtransactions.

Despite these concerns, Riot remains committed to improving the game’s reward system and addressing player feedback.

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Upcoming Changes and What to Expect

Riot has promised several updates to improve the League of Legends experience:

• Improved Skins: Riot has acknowledged player feedback on recent skins and plans to introduce more distinct visual effects and unique models in future releases.
• Free Champion Giveaways: If players unlock a skin for a champion they don’t own, Riot will now gift them the champion for free—a move aimed at addressing the lack of Blue Essence.
• Map Updates: The Noxian Rift map will be brightened to address player complaints about its dark visuals, with future maps offering more customization options.

Conclusion

League of Legends is at a crossroads. As Riot balances player expectations with the demands of running one of the world’s largest games, its broader ambitions—like Arcane—are becoming increasingly intertwined with League’s future. While the removal of Hextech Chests has left some players feeling alienated, Riot’s willingness to adapt and improve offers hope for a more balanced, sustainable future.

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FAQs

Why did Riot remove Hextech Chests from League of Legends?

Hextech Chests were removed because they became the primary way for players to unlock skins, reducing direct purchases and making the system financially unsustainable.

How did Arcane’s success impact League of Legends?

Arcane’s success expanded the League universe and attracted new players. However, some believe the game’s increased monetization efforts are partially funding high-budget projects like Arcane.

What’s the new reward system in League of Legends?

Riot introduced a battle pass system to replace Hextech Chests. The battle pass offers Blue Essence and other rewards, but its initial rollout was criticized for not providing enough resources.

Will Riot improve skin quality?

Yes, Riot has promised to improve future skins with more unique models and visual effects.

Can you still earn free champions in League of Legends?

Yes. If you unlock a skin for a champion you don’t own, Riot will gift you the champion for free.

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