Bradford ‘CertainlyT’ Wenban is one of the senior game designers at Riot Games and is behind many key champions in the history of League of Legends. One notable aspect of the champions that CertainlyT designs is that they are all unique, with gameplay and design that are completely different from one another. This showcases the immense creativity of this man.
So why is CertainlyT the most controversial figure in the history of League of Legends? The reason lies in the fact that the champions he designs are always different, if not bizarre compared to what League of Legends has had. Even the champions he reworks take a very different direction from their original versions, so whether people hate or love CertainlyT, they always want to witness his new creations.
One unique thing about CertainlyT’s career is that before joining Riot Games, he had never worked at any other game company. Therefore, he was either unaware of, or did not care about, things like character design principles or game balance. As a result, the champions designed by CertainlyT often lie outside the imagination of players because they have never seen anything like it before.
One of CertainlyT’s early marks was the introduction of the champion Thresh and shortly thereafter, Yasuo. Previously, Supports were just champions who followed the Marksman to buff health, shields, and protect them. With Thresh’s presence, the idea of “carrying” with support was born, and players gradually shifted towards a more proactive playstyle. As for Yasuo, this champion is truly a unique figure in the mid lane because at that time in 2013, it was largely the domain of Mage champions.
Another difference between CertainlyT and other game designers is that he does not use social media; in fact, we rarely see him interact with League of Legends players. Therefore, he is not influenced by community opinions, both positive and negative, and CertainlyT’s creativity is not limited.
Thus, it is no surprise that CertainlyT designed Aphelios, who has caused a massive controversy across all forums and social media, with his initial adjustments often being “more or less nothing”. Speaking of Aphelios, he is perhaps the most bizarre champion CertainlyT has ever designed, and it immediately shook the entire League of Legends community, from casual matches to top-tier tournaments.
Whether you hate or love CertainlyT, it must be acknowledged that he is one of the most influential figures in the development history of League of Legends. With his uniquely bizarre champions, players’ skills are truly challenged and have the opportunity to develop. Just imagine, without Thresh, how stale the support role would be today? Or without Yasuo and his plethora of memes and fame, would League of Legends have developed as it has now?
If CertainlyT could temper his somewhat wild creativity, he might have become the most beloved figure at Riot Games.