Thoughts on Retiring Dominion

I don’t always play League of Legends, but when I do, It’s Dominion.

Dominion is easily the red-headed stepchild of the game. In the beginning, It served as an alternative to the more popular Summoners Rift. With its fast paced, king of the hill style gameplay, it was labeled as a “more casual” mode that wasn’t taken too seriously by the vast majority of the community. It was often considered “unbalanced” and “less competitive” if you will. Despite this, Dominion was still a fun safe-haven to those players that were seeking a different gaming experience with the characters they have grown to love.

A recent announcement by Riot Games stated that they are “retiring” Dominion. According to Riot, “Fewer than 0.5% of players actively play Dominion and we’re aware some number of even that small population is still bots.” First of all...I can name CHAMPIONS that get played less then 0.5% **cough ** **cough ** (and don’t even get me started on ...). This doesn’t mean you simply discard them. You find a way to make them viable again. Similar to the other recent reworks you have implemented.

Have you ever wondered why players don’t play Dominion? It’s because Riot never gave players a reason TO play Dominion. With the hyper-competitive nature of the game being at an all time high, players are more interested in the Rank Systems and proving themselves to be a superior player. Dominion (lacking a ranked system), does not offer this sense of gratification that the community seeks. As stated earlier, Dominion is “less balanced” in nature, therefore they never established a rank system. Rightfully so. Also, with the addition of ARAM mode, you gave players an even more casual mode to play instead of Dominion. In addition, you also never fully promoted Dominion mode as a “official” part of the game. Case in point...The Dominion Cinematic Trailer, which very few players even know exists (was awesome BTW because you see kill !)

You want to know how to make Dominion viable again? Make the “fun” modes such as URF, 6v6, All-for-one, Dominion exclusive. Sure it won’t be balanced, but it never was! I personally found the Ascension event quite enjoyable and that showed the potential of the map.

Please do not remove Dominion.