[] Games, the developer behind "League of Legends," recently announced a new physical trading card game, codenamed "Project K," in a four-minute video. However, this is not the physical edition of "Legends of Runeterra" that fans have been hoping for. Instead, it's a brand-new title set in the "League of Legends" universe, featuring 1v1 and 2v2 battle formats, and is expected to launch in 2025.
The announcement quickly ignited the fury of the "Legends of Runeterra" community, with a wave of criticism flooding YouTube and Reddit, labeling the move a betrayal of the fanbase. Although Game Director Dave Guskin emphasized that while "Project K" is not a physical version of "Legends of Runeterra," it inherits the game's hero design philosophy, his statement did little to appease angry fans.
The backlash is amplified by []'s recent layoffs of 530 employees, which led to a significant downsizing of the "Legends of Runeterra" development team. Learning that this new physical card game is another "League of Legends" spinoff has only deepened their disappointment and frustration. Many fans left comments like, "'Legends of Runeterra' is officially dead because of this card game," and "In a way, this is just a slap in the face to LoR fans."
As for the release date of []'s TCG "Project K," no official timing has been confirmed. However, reports indicate the game will not have a simultaneous global launch. It is slated for an initial release in the Chinese market to gauge audience reaction. The company also plans to promote competitive tournaments at all levels, with the ultimate goal of developing a major international esports scene.
via： PC Gamer