VCS Region Experiences One of the Highest RP Price Increases
One of the most crucial mechanisms in any game is the virtual currency system used to allow players to acquire items and gear in-game. However, the exchange rates vary by region, and depending on the local currency value, players may have to spend more or less than players in other areas. A recent example is the price of Faker’s Hall of Legends skin, where VCS players must pay over 5 million to acquire it, while Western players may need to spend upwards of 10 million. Recently, Riot decided to change the virtual currency exchange rates across all its game systems, and VCS is one of the three regions with the highest increases.
According to Riot’s latest announcement, a range of regions have had their virtual currency exchange rates adjusted across this publisher’s games (League of Legends, VALORANT, League of Legends: Wild Rift…) with increases and decreases depending on the region. However, the three countries with the highest increases are Ukraine (73%), Vietnam (41%), and the Philippines (40%). Among the APAC regions, VCS has seen the highest price increase from Riot.
VCS Players Face Difficulties
In reality, most VCS players frequently playing Riot’s games are primarily students, meaning they do not have a stable income. An increase in the exchange rate means that players will need to consider more carefully whenever they want to top up their accounts. A 41% increase is quite high.
To give a simple example: VNGGames is offering four different exchange options for players to choose from flexibly. Among these, the lowest tier for ZaloPay and Zing Card is 20,000 VND for 190 – 195 RP, while the lowest for ATM and credit cards is 50,000 VND for 460 RP. If the exchange rate increases, players will need to top up around 30,000 VND for 190 – 195 RP; if topping up via ATM and credit card, they will need to deposit around 75,000 VND for 460 RP. Moreover, these RP amounts currently can hardly buy any nice skins or new champions (one champion costs 975 RP).
According to Riot, this exchange rate adjustment aims to “create a fair playing field.” The reason given by Riot is due to some regions manipulating the in-game virtual currency exchange rates. Thus, it can be understood that Riot views VCS as one of the regions suffering from significant manipulation of the RP exchange rate in the global League of Legends scene.
Ultimately, Riot’s decision to change the in-game virtual currency exchange rates is entirely reasonable and understandable. However, players from the regions with the highest price increases will be the “victims,” and in this case, that is VCS. Players will have to spend more money, which could lead many VCS players to reconsider their willingness to “donate” to Riot in the future, regardless of the game.