I am sad

It is neat to see niche items such as Zeke's get some attention. I'm proud of Riot for these continuous itemization tweaks.

That said, the link I've added leads to the Zeke's PBE discussion and more specifically, a comment that concerns me. For those too lazy to click the link and read through it I've added the relevant snippet below.

... One thing I want to call out, by the way:

You're getting at a really important concept - that the ability to understand itemization at a level where you can adapt within a game is a valued skill. That's a skill I'd really like to see more of - but with fully supported, valuable items that do broadly different things, rather than extremely niche items. In this case, it's very unlikely that you'll be able to fit both new Zeke's and Mikael's in a single build (not impossible, but you'll be sacrificing other stuff) - understanding when one or the other is more likely to help win the game is both an important decision and a nuanced decision, assuming we hit a good state balance-wise.

tl;dr: Old Zeke's was too specific to realistically be able to support and barely purchased; new Zeke's is a very different item but also an item that can be supported more broadly; we believe new Zeke's does offer interesting and nuanced decision-making in the support itemization space.

First of all, I am very happy that the Rioters looking at items are making tweaks with adaptable builds and unique items in mind. Bravo, keep it up.

However, when I look at the big picture I feel somewhat disappointed because of the way Zeke's in being changed. More specifically, it is being turned into yet another AP-based support item. Because of this there is some part of me that feels like, we won't ever get an AD-based support OR Riot just doesn't know how to make AD champions for this particular space.

But that isn't a big gripe. Considering diversity has made a return to League after a few years of absolute shitfests, I'm sure Riot has things down pat.

The part that really gets me is where Riot Axes says "... - the ability to understand itemization at a level where you can adapt within a game is a valued skill. That's a skill I'd really like to see more of - ...".

That statement is something I wholeheartedly agree with but unfortunately, it reminded me that a tutorial, even an extremely simple one about gold and items still doesn't exist. That is the part that makes me extremely sad and a little angry. Riot has made improvements in many, many ways since 2009 but even now League's "technology" is dated when compared to DOTA 2 and Heroes of the Storm.

I feel sad because I remember the dozens I've introduced to League over the years that turned away because there were no useful learning resources in the client or on the leagueoflegends websites.

I feel sadder because they play DOTA 2 and HotS but not League of Legends simply because those games had better resources. Because they learned how to play MOBAs from those games, they stick to those games instead. And half of these people that turned away from League don't even play any other video games. They only developed interest because they saw me or a mutual friend playing League. Even so, they were willing to take the time to learn at their own pace and get good with the resources available.

I feel angry because as time goes by, it becomes more and more difficult for me to defend League.

"I'll come play League with you when it has a better custom mode." "Can I try the hero before I buy it? Why not? I thought you said League is older that Heroes?" "Wow, the bots are way easier than DOTA bots. Does this really prepare you for PvP?" "Why League? I don't have runes so it won't be fair. We should play Heroes instead."

If I heard any of these from long time MOBA players, I would straight up admit that Riot dropped the ball but at least say that I believe Riot is working at these slowly behind the scenes. But when the people who only recently started in MOBAs as their first ever PC game say these to me, how can I possibly refute?

Why must I justify that the best tutorial available is Battle Training? Why must I justify that there is no special explanation for the in-game shop or champion stats? Why must I justify that you have to go to non-official League sites for guides? Why must I justify that the pre-30 experience is something you just have to endure? How do I explain why runes and masteries are level gated when such concepts are non-existent in DOTA 2 and HotS? How do I explain why neither a sandbox mode, replays, voice-chat exist on live after all these years despite LoL predating both DOTA 2 and HotS?

I am sorry for the long-winded post.

I still enjoy League and I don't mind the other MOBAs. I happily join my friends when they prefer to play those instead.

It just frustrates me when I think about how League has been pushed as an e-sport with all kinds of development on that front in order to bring in new players while there is still laughable infrastructure. I've never had to convince anybody to stick to DOTA 2 or HotS; I've only ever had to convince people to stick to League.

As I said before, I'm sure Riot will continue improving. Recent track record has been good so I guess the future is bright.

If any of you poor souls read the whole thing, once again I am sorry and congratulations for reaching the end.

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