Recently, LCK Spring 2024 kicked off with 2 opening matches of the new season. Among them was the Super Classic match between T1 and Gen.G. This was a clash between the two teams dominating the world of League of Legends and LCK after 2023. The match was intense, showcasing the talents and the humor of both teams’ players. As a result, the victory belonged to Gen.G after a spectacular comeback. Of course, since it was just the opening match, it cannot indicate anything about the upcoming journey of both teams. In the previous match, Nongshim RedForce also secured their first victory against the “Blue Dragon” DRX.
However, through these two matches, fans may have realized the “fate” of LCK. Specifically, according to information circulating from Chinese insiders, during the matchup between NS – DRX (which could not attract as much attention as the Gen.G – T1 match), there were as many as 10 streaming channels broadcasting this match on one of the largest streaming platforms in China – Bilibili. Yet, for the Gen.G – T1 match (which was the highlight of the day), there were no channels at LPL broadcasting it.
Thus, LCK fans can feel relieved that the massive market will not completely “ban” League of Legends in the region. Instead, the current situation seems to indicate that only Gen.G is being blocked from broadcasting. However, for Gen.G, this team certainly cannot smile. While some teams like T1, Dplus KIA, and OKSavings Brion have been expanding into many markets beyond LCK, Gen.G has shown signs of stagnation, if not regression.
Gen.G’s case is also unprecedented in the history of professional League of Legends when teams usually strive to minimize sensitive issues affecting players and fans. Yet, after achieving a poor performance at the 2023 World Championship, Gen.G’s “self-destruction” has only pulled the team deeper into crisis.
Of course, the LCK region and perhaps even LPL will need time to review and make appropriate adjustments. However, if situations like the current one (and possibly future ones) continue to occur, then Gen.G may only have themselves to blame.