Riot Makes Major Changes to Professional LoL
Unlike many traditional sports or some other Esports, MOBA games, especially popular titles like LoL, have continuous match dynamics where every moment can change the course of the game. Therefore, after the drafting phase, the role of coaches usually does not impact the match. However, Riot’s recent change could shake the professional LoL scene: From now on, coaches can influence the match three times per game, with each intervention lasting no more than 45 seconds.
With this change, although Riot will only be testing it in the LCP and LCK, and the perspective of coaches will also reflect that of the players, it will undoubtedly significantly alter professional LoL in the new season. Timely strategic insights could help players recognize factors that they might not see during the match. Moreover, with the experience and analysis from the coaching staff, coaches could outplay opponents in certain situations.
But the LoL community has concerns about other issues
Many opinions express concern that allowing coaches to intervene mid-match could be the source of negative influences in LoL competition. It has been proven in several cases of match-fixing scandals that both players and coaches were involved. A notable example is the “32-player scandal” where one of them was former coach Raze of the Rainbow Warriors team. This team has had many players implicated in scandals.
Therefore, when a coach can influence the game, despite no one wanting it, the possibility of negative impacts cannot be ruled out. Riot needs to ensure the transparency of matches while simultaneously implementing changes to professional LoL with updates like the current ones. Otherwise, incidents similar to the recent scandal in the VCS could easily recur in the future.