Riot Games, an independent developer and publisher of premium online video games, has launched the League of Legends® "Pre-Season" for the highly anticipated multiplayer online battle arena game for Windows PC. League of Legends is rated "T" for Teen and now available for free via download at www.leagueoflegends.com. A Collector’s Pack is also available for $29.99 via download at www.leagueoflegends.com and at retail outlets nationwide through Riot’s retail campaign partner THQ Inc.
League of Legends will operate in seasons to help facilitate the best in competitive gaming and communities. The League of Legends “Pre-Season” will allow time for players to learn the game, build teams, as well as develop advanced strategies and tactics, when Season One begins in the first half of 2010. Players can also look forward to the addition of clans, teams, tournaments, ladders, draft mode, as well as additional content such as new Champions and maps, between now and the start of Season One.
The League of Legends Collector’s Pack, containing exclusive items such as 20 Champions, a selection of Runes and $10 worth of Riot Points, is now available for download at www.leagueoflegends.com. The retail League of Legends Collector’s Pack available at all major retail outlets for $29.99, additionally includes an exclusive poster-size fold out map of Valoran with detailed champion portraits and bios on the other side, a $10 pre-paid game card for in-game purchases and an exclusive champion skin.
In celebration of the launch of the game, Riot is unlocking all 40 champions for immediate play on October 27 for a limited time. During the launch celebration, Collector’s Pack customers will get an experience boost, allowing them to level quickly. After the Launch Celebration ends, the in-game store will go live and owners of the Collector’s Pack will continue to have access to the exclusive items packaged in the collector’s edition. All players will be able to unlock exclusive items and content through the in-game store by using Influence points earned by playing during the Launch Celebration and after, or by purchasing Riot Points.
"I am excited to welcome all gamers to join us in League of Legends, which builds on the fast-paced, team based, player vs. player gameplay pioneered in DotA-Allstars, one of the most popular mods of all time," Brandon Beck, co-founder and CEO, Riot Games, said. "The launch of the League of Legends Pre-Season marks the beginning to providing our dedicated community epic competitive online gameplay and exciting new content for years to come."
"League of Legends’ availability at all major video game retailers is an important milestone in our strategic relationship with Riot Games," said Wim Stocks, senior vice president of strategic partnerships for THQ, League of Legends’ retail campaign partner. “THQ has been a leading innovator in the bridging of online games with traditional retailers. This unique approach to game distribution continues to offer players exclusive in-game content that enhances their game experience.”
League of Legends, which was nominated for the Game Critics Awards Best Strategy Game of E3, combines elements of role-playing and strategy genres with addictive battle action. The game brings accessible, replayable and competitive gameplay into a stylized universe that deepens with the player’s commitment. Built by a veteran development team and the original creators of DotA Allstars, one of the world’s most popular player-made mods, League of Legends is a unique and genre bending experience. The game will be operated as a live service that will be frequently updated with new features, champions, maps and additional content as suggested by the community.
A player in League of Legends takes on the role of a Summoner – a gifted spell caster who has the power to bring forth a champion to fight as his or her avatar in Valoran’s Fields of Justice. As the Summoner controls the champion in combat, it also influences the outcome of the match through the use of spells, masteries and runes. Once a match is over, the Summoner gains Influence Points and Riot Points that can be used to assist their champions in future battles. Influence Points will be earned by simply playing the game, while Riot Points will be available for purchase with real money.
League of Legends offers endless permutations of builds, strategies and combinations that make the game extremely competitive and interesting for those focused on competitive play.
For more information about League of Legends, visit www.leagueoflegends.com.
About Riot Games, Inc.
Riot Games, Inc. (www.riotgames.com) is an independent Los Angeles-based video game development company, funded privately and through leading venture capital firms Benchmark Capital and Firstmark Capital and Chinese online services corporation, Tencent. The studio was established in 2006 to develop innovative online next-generation titles for consoles and the PC. Comprised of industry veterans with a shared passion for creating fun, innovative gameplay, the company has just released its first title, combining the best elements of the action role-playing and real-time strategy genres into a uniquely replayable and competitive multiplayer experience. League of Legends is a registered trademark of Riot Games, Inc.
About THQ
THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) is a leading worldwide developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software. The company develops its products for all popular game systems, personal computers and wireless devices. Headquartered in Los Angeles County, California, THQ sells product through its global network of offices located throughout North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. More information about THQ and its products may be found at www.thq.com. THQ and the THQ logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of THQ Inc.
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