This morning (November 9), Riot Games has announced the takeover of publishing League of Legends (LoL) and Teamfight Tactics (TFT) in the Southeast Asian region starting January 2023. After much speculation, Riot Games has announced a new partnership with VNGGames and confirmed that this is an important step in the development of LoL in Vietnam.
This significant “leap” is a testament to Riot Games’ relentless efforts to expand and enhance its influence in the Vietnamese market. In an exclusive sharing with us, the leaders of Riot Games APAC affirmed that the collaboration with VNGGames will create a new “earthquake,” directly impacting the presence of this potential region in the near future.
What led to the partnership between Riot Games and VNGGames, from Wild Rift, VALORANT, and currently the flagship Esports title LoL? How does Riot Games feel about the potential development of the relationship with VNGGames?
Shinji Komiyama – National Executive Director APAC: VNGGames is a fantastic partner for Riot Games. We have made significant collaborative steps over the past three years with Legends of Runeterra, Wild Rift, and VALORANT. Most importantly, VNGGames is a dedicated publisher who understands the desires and aspirations of Riot Games for the community.
Therefore, we believe that continuing to partner with VNGGames is very important. Currently, both parties are working and developing plans for the “relaunch” of LoL, along with new changes that are highly anticipated in the near future.
Will this change help restart the semi-professional tournament system and the previous community in Vietnam? Or will the focus remain solely on the professional system? And will Riot Games or VNGGames directly operate the VCS next year?
Alex Kraynov – Executive Director Riot Games APAC: Vietnam has always been a region full of potential with many factors for development. Moreover, we have a fantastic partner who understands the community’s mindset, which is VNGGames. Therefore, continuing to collaborate with VNGGames on the game LoL will help Vietnamese gamers have a more competitive playing environment at both small and large scales, from bilateral to multilateral.
For the VCS – a tournament considered the focus, we will work closely with VNGGames to bring the best experiences to Vietnamese players. We hope that you will see positive changes in the near future.
In deepening the Vietnamese market, how will Riot Games enhance communication within the LoL community? Are you considering hosting in-game events based on Vietnamese culture? Will Riot Games build a land or champion based on Southeast Asian culture (especially Vietnam) in the future?
Alex Kraynov – Executive Director Riot Games APAC: A very interesting question, as it relates to the current interest of the Vietnamese gaming community. Vietnam specifically and Southeast Asia in general are among the main regions that Riot wants to focus on designing in the most harmonious and authentic way.
With the goal of covering all regions worldwide, we need to understand the personality and characteristics of local players. Therefore, champions, in-game events, and global campaigns that have been launched have all been very successful when implemented according to this principle. For example, in the game VALORANT, we launched the first agent from Southeast Asia, Neon from the Philippines. Recently, Harbor has also emerged from India.
With these stepping stones, we affirm that we will not miss the opportunity to do something for Vietnam in the future. Riot Games will continue to listen to the requests and wishes from the Vietnamese gaming community and will strive to turn them into feasible plans.
If Riot Games directly manages LoL in Vietnam, will there be any special promotional programs?
Alex Kraynov – Executive Director Riot Games APAC: Of course, changing the publisher and directly operating League of Legends in Vietnam is a very significant step in Riot Games’ development roadmap. We always aim to improve to provide the best experience quality for players, and promotional programs are an essential activity not to be overlooked. Currently, we are working to plan many exciting events.
Does Riot Games plan to separate Teamfight Tactics into an independent game?
Alex Kraynov – Executive Director Riot Games APAC: The Teamfight Tactics mode has received enthusiastic public support, especially in Vietnam. We as creators cannot deny that this is a fantastic game. The development of Teamfight Tactics into an independent game is currently in the production and refinement process.
In other regions, the Mobile version has been launched, and we can affirm that in SEA, the Mobile version will also be a very important step. Stay tuned and trust that the Mobile version will soon be available in the near future.
What future development plans does Riot Games have to help Wild Rift gain a larger market share in Vietnam?
Alex Kraynov – Executive Director Riot Games APAC: We have all seen that just in the past year, Wild Rift Vietnam has achieved many significant milestones. Alongside the success of domestic and international tournaments, we have continuously monitored and listened to player feedback, consistently releasing updates to enhance the gaming experience.
However, the next plans are still in the brainstorming phase and cannot be confirmed at this time. So stay tuned for more information with us!
Thank you, Shinji Komiyama and Alex Kraynov, the two talented leaders of Riot Games APAC for sharing about the future directions of LoL in Vietnam. Let’s look forward to the exciting surprises that Riot Games and VNGGames will bring to League of Legends players in Vietnam in the future!