Meddler Q&A

RiotMeddler·7/14/2014, 7:16:14 PM·89 votes·298,885 views

Hey all,

Lead champion designer Andrei van Roon here. I've meddled in the origins of more than a half-dozen champs, having designed as well as , , and . All the while I've also contributed to a number of other designs including most of our recent champions. Whether you’re looking for a few more answers to your moustachiest questions, or wondering how got his death ray, or just curious about new champion ideation, concepting and execution, ask away below!

-Meddler

Edit: Thanks for the discussion folks, I've got to get back to work though at this point. Will drop back and answer a few more questions later on though.

1,221 Comments

Lgc Monkey7/14/2014, 8:52:28 PM121 votes

Hey Meddler, what are the chances of us seeing another yordle being created?

Meph7/14/2014, 7:23:29 PM64 votes

Is it true that champion designers at Riot are prohibited from viewing the player creations forum?

yeetblaster4207/14/2014, 7:47:16 PM28 votes

Hey Meddler, just wanted to see what your thoughts are on which lane needs a new champ to balance the meta in any way. Basically, what lane is riot looking to design the next champ?

Tricksres7/14/2014, 9:15:29 PM21 votes

Is Jinx 's sister i just have too know

Valliks7/14/2014, 8:48:07 PM18 votes

I have heard that there a 12 new champs being worked on at a time is this correct?

Moobeat7/14/2014, 7:26:24 PM18 votes

Any updates on your earlier comments regarding updates Lissandra's passive?

RiotTamfail7/14/2014, 10:09:46 PM16 votes

I'm very curious about how designers manage their time. How do you avoid spending unnecessary amounts of time on a seemingly great idea (aside from executing on it and understanding that it doesn't work)?

Have you noticed any patterns in workflow around failed ideas vs. more successful ideas?

swifty107/14/2014, 7:31:14 PM15 votes

Is it true that u got the ide of Braum from alex armsrong from fullmetal alchemist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BdQunJnrEw i se atleast 2 abilety in this video that is used in him

FIów7/14/2014, 7:51:54 PM15 votes

Just wondering but when are we going to see Ao Shin , the Storm Dragon?

Patrick Mahomes7/14/2014, 7:20:33 PM10 votes

On a real note though, what makes a champion? Kit or Lore?

RiotMeddler7/14/2014, 9:04:59 PM10 votes

Thanks for the discussion folks, I've got to get back to work though at this point. Will drop back and answer a few more questions later on though.

Edit: For anyone that's not aware of it there's also a new feature on the boards here that's worth a look. If you scroll down and click on the 'Rioter Rundown' button you can get a quick summary of the is Q&A.

12tales7/14/2014, 7:22:38 PM8 votes

About how many champion concepts are tossed around, relative to the number that actually make it into the game?

Mildred L7/14/2014, 7:16:41 PM7 votes

I am mostly interested in Syndra's kit. What were other ideas you guys thought of while working with her concept?

Raz al Ghul7/14/2014, 7:29:18 PM6 votes

With each new champion it seems like the engineers create some sort of new tech. Are there any plans to ever revamp the pet system and come out with a more true pet champion (like a more permanent Tibbers that has more in depth controls and doesn't just walk around and melee)?

I'm just curious, as I recall forum chatter a couple years back indicating that it's not really feasible because of the way your champion is always actively selected for commands by default, and that sweeping changes to the game system would need to be undertaken for a pet champ that played to the standard level you guys would demand. Anyway, any thoughts on if that's still too big of an obstacle or if there are potential workarounds. It'd be cool to have a new subtype of champions that control more active pets rather than the bulk of our current "pet" champions that are more of short-term area controllers.

AntiSkillshot7/14/2014, 7:15:39 PM6 votes

So you helped design Varus, eh? I like you, now... On a side note. How do you like these new forums?

Jabalor7/14/2014, 7:33:43 PM5 votes

What was the approach to make velkoz first skin of the battlecast series? why not for example deep sea or jurassic like the other void ones?

As for Braum, why a mountain goat shield?

JackYAqua7/14/2014, 7:11:54 PM4 votes

I know you've (Rioters) said abilities like Braum's Shield and Yasuo's Windwall will stay 'unique' and not recur in the near future.
But does that mean they will never show up again?
And if they could; could you make a projectile that blocks other projectiles? Like Yasuo throws his wall instead of placing it, or Ezreal's could throw a small, thin energy wall with his W that can block one or two projectiles (on a high CD).
^^

Edit : Oh, and hi and thanks for making a Q&A.

NullDragon7/14/2014, 7:43:58 PM4 votes

Were any other shapes or blast patterns tried for Vel'koz's Q? (also am curious as to how the death ray came about on vel'koz)

Zana Lyrander7/14/2014, 7:12:23 PM3 votes

Glad to have a chance to ask questions!

First question (if you don't mind me jumping right into things): I'm curious, when making a new champ, do you have a role in mind ahead of time, or do you just start with an idea and decide on a role as the creative process continues? For example, do you set out intending to make, say, a new support? Or does a champ you are working on just end up being a support?

Kawaii Kommunist7/16/2014, 6:05:46 PM2 votes

Was there a champion that you wanted to make but never made it into the full game?