Riot Games Cancels Ambitious League of Legends Fighting Game Project

Riot Games, the renowned developer behind the popular League of Legends franchise, has reportedly scrapped plans to release a Super Smash Bros.-style fighting game set in the League of Legends universe. The project, codenamed "Pool Party," was being developed by a team of approximately 70-80 developers before its cancellation.

Riot Abandons Smash Bros. Rival Amid Shifting Market Dynamics

The Rise and Fall of Pool Party

Riot Games had initially pitched Pool Party as a hardcore fighting game, but the project had evolved to include party game elements and casual mechanics prior to its cancellation. The decision to cancel the game was reportedly informed by the performance of Warner Bros.' free-to-play crossover fighter, MultiVersus, which may have led Riot executives to question the viability of a Smash Bros. rival in the current market.The cancellation of Pool Party has resulted in a significant shakeup within Riot's development teams. Around half of the developers who were working on the game have been offered the opportunity to be reassigned within the studio, while the remaining team members are said to be considering applying for internal roles.

Riot's Shifting Focus: From Pool Party to 2XKO and Valorant

Despite the cancellation of Pool Party, Riot Games remains committed to expanding its fighting game portfolio. In February, the company announced that another League of Legends fighting game, previously referred to as Project L, is officially titled 2XKO. This 2v2 tag-based fighter is slated for a 2025 launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.Furthermore, Riot has announced plans to release its popular tactical multiplayer FPS, Valorant, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Players can now register to participate in closed beta testing ahead of the game's console release later this year.

Riot's Diversification Strategy: Expanding Beyond League of Legends

The cancellation of Pool Party and Riot's focus on other projects, such as 2XKO and Valorant, suggest a broader strategic shift within the company. While League of Legends remains a cornerstone of Riot's portfolio, the developer is clearly exploring new avenues to diversify its offerings and reach a wider audience.This move aligns with the industry's broader trend of game developers and publishers seeking to expand beyond their core franchises. By exploring new genres and platforms, Riot aims to capitalize on emerging market opportunities and solidify its position as a leading force in the gaming landscape.

The Challenges of Developing a Smash Bros. Rival

The cancellation of Pool Party also highlights the inherent challenges of developing a fighting game that can compete with the established dominance of the Super Smash Bros. franchise. Creating a successful Smash Bros. rival requires not only exceptional gameplay mechanics and a compelling roster of characters but also the ability to cultivate a dedicated player base and maintain a thriving competitive scene.Riot's decision to abandon Pool Party suggests that the company may have struggled to overcome these hurdles, leading them to redirect their resources towards other projects that align more closely with their long-term strategic goals.

The Future of Riot's Fighting Game Ambitions

Despite the setback with Pool Party, Riot Games remains committed to the fighting game genre. The upcoming release of 2XKO, the company's official League of Legends-based fighting game, will be a crucial test of their ability to deliver a compelling and successful entry in the crowded fighting game market.As Riot continues to diversify its portfolio and explore new opportunities, the fate of Pool Party serves as a cautionary tale, reminding developers that even ambitious projects can be subject to the ever-changing dynamics of the gaming industry. However, Riot's proven track record and its willingness to adapt suggest that the company is well-positioned to navigate these challenges and deliver innovative gaming experiences to its growing player base.