So was Ao Shin scrapped?

Eldereon·Nov 27, 2014·20 votes·122,745 views

Some designs for Ao Shin were released several months ago but nothing else has come and several others champions have been released prior to him. Was he tossed into the garbage?

94 Comments

RiotMeddlerNov 27, 201434 votes

TLDR: Ao Shin someday, won't be soon.

Slightly longer version: We spent a bunch of time working on Ao Shin but ultimately concluded he wasn't hitting the mark so put him on hold for a while in order to figure some things out. We still think his concept's really cool, as is some of the stuff we were trying with him, so do intend to make him someday. Don't expect to see him anytime soon though, we'd rather be slow, but do a better job of delivering on his potential, than quick. That's a process some other champs have also gone through (Lee Sin, Elise and Azir for example), where it took a few different takes to hit on what we felt was the right one (Lee Sin originally as Blind Monk way back pre launch, Elise originally as Priscilla the Spider Queen, Azir originally as Seth the sand mage), ultimately yielding better champs in the long run we feel.

DwarvenGiantNov 27, 20143 votes

TLDR: Ao Shin someday, won't be soon.

Slightly longer version: We spent a bunch of time working on Ao Shin but ultimately concluded he wasn't hitting the mark so put him on hold for a while in order to figure some things out. We still think his concept's really cool, as is some of the stuff we were trying with him, so do intend to make him someday. Don't expect to see him anytime soon though, we'd rather be slow, but do a better job of delivering on his potential, than quick. That's a process some other champs have also gone through (Lee Sin, Elise and Azir for example), where it took a few different takes to hit on what we felt was the right one (Lee Sin originally as Blind Monk way back pre launch, Elise originally as Priscilla the Spider Queen, Azir originally as Seth the sand mage), ultimately yielding better champs in the long run we feel.

I was wondering, as you did with the champs you mentioned, is it likely that his name won't be Ao Shin with his release?

RiotMeddlerNov 27, 201413 votes

His name's certainly something we'd want to talk about, assess whether 'Ao Shin' is still a good fit for the final version of him we get to. Can't offer you any thoughts on likelihood of that though at the moment, it's not something we've looked at yet.

DwarvenGiantNov 27, 20143 votes

His name's certainly something we'd want to talk about, assess whether 'Ao Shin' is still a good fit for the final version of him we get to. Can't offer you any thoughts on likelihood of that though at the moment, it's not something we've looked at yet.

Thanks for the reply!

May I ask a few more questions?

Since you put him on hold, and I know you can't promise anything about it, but we probably won't see him released in 2015, right?

When he IS released, how likely would it be to have a dev blog or two about his development? I know that it might be too early to know, but do you see a Dev blog happening with his release?

A0 SHINNov 27, 20147 votes

His name's certainly something we'd want to talk about, assess whether 'Ao Shin' is still a good fit for the final version of him we get to. Can't offer you any thoughts on likelihood of that though at the moment, it's not something we've looked at yet.

Please keep his name as Ao Shin (◕^ ‿◕✿)

ChimeiTekinaNasuNov 28, 20143 votes

Wow. Someone actually with the name of Ao Shin. lol. and wow, for a second I was wondering how you had Platinum border with 2014 Bronze icon. lol. Until I realized it was ranked team icon

ExecutorDillDec 26, 20142 votes

{quoted}

His name's certainly something we'd want to talk about, assess whether 'Ao Shin' is still a good fit for the final version of him we get to. Can't offer you any thoughts on likelihood of that though at the moment, it's not something we've looked at yet.

I love the name Ao Shin :) but to be honest for a mystical dragon (the first real pure dragon to hit the league) The placeholders must be immense. Their are all sorts of languages Riot can look into for a profound name that translates well any sounds great.

KinjishiNov 27, 201425 votes

Am so glad you didn't end up calling him Seth the Sand mage. =b

RiotMeddlerNov 27, 201446 votes

Internal names can be pretty placeholder ish at times and many champs spend a while being referred to as something else before we figure out a final name for them. Sometimes that's a moderately serious name like Seth, sometimes it's something jokey (Vel'koz was 'Professor Eyebeam' for a few months for example).

Imperial RedNov 27, 2014104 votes

Professor Eyebeam skin please.

CuixNov 27, 201444 votes

Professor Ignitus Welkause Beem Q: A line of white shoots forth, bordered by designs implying measurements and analysis, then splits off with numerical flair. W: The ground splits open like an absurd book, revealing messy pages covered with illegible text before snapping shut irately. E: I. Beem throws out a giant stamp, which leaves a bright red "F" on the ground. R: A stream of numbers and words shoots forth along with unintelligible jargon, destroying minds in its path.

ApakakutaNov 27, 20143 votes

that would be awesome!

regularguy3Nov 27, 201413 votes

the taunt pulls out a chalkboard

RiotZenonTheStoicNov 28, 201432 votes

His passive was called "Research and Destroy"

CSDragonNov 28, 201419 votes

Now you HAVE to make that skin.

Fiora shouldn't be the only teacher in League.

Volt CruelerzNov 28, 201418 votes

Professor Ryze

LemonãdeJan 12, 20162 votes

Yes Please Velkoz item 2043 summoner 11

ChimeiTekinaNasuNov 27, 20144 votes

The champions' names you mentioned seems like it was much better for them to have a name change. Though I think Ao Shin is already a good name and would suit your new dragon champion just fine whenever he's released.

Kobila2000Nov 27, 20147 votes

Can we hear some other placeholder names?

RansomNov 27, 201428 votes

At one point in development, Rek'Sai was referred to as "Joan T. Burrow-woman." Believe me, no one was more shocked than me when the reveal came out and she wasn't still called that! Up until a very late point, Jinx was called "Seven." (Before Vi fans jump in here, let me state for the record that this name had nothing to do with Vi. ) And as is already known, Jayce was named "Apollo".

Natch42Nov 27, 201414 votes

"(Vel'koz was 'Professor Eyebeam' for a few months for example)."

Petition to make that his real name.

RiotRiot ScruffyNov 27, 201431 votes

The internal splash for Sion rework had him stepping on a teemo. Shame that didn't make it into the final....

DecritNov 27, 20143 votes

I want to know more _ who was the artist? Statikk?

... who was the one that drew that silly ehr beautiful splash of sion before his rework...?

EljinNov 28, 201410 votes

The internal splash for Sion rework had him stepping on a teemo. Shame that didn't make it into the final....

Can we see this?

ULTRAF0RCENov 27, 20144 votes

wait so you mean there was litterally no jokes about vel koz and tentacles in any way shape or form by riot, wow that is pretty interesting

KazeNekochanNov 27, 20144 votes

TLDR: Ao Shin someday, won't be soon.

Slightly longer version: We spent a bunch of time working on Ao Shin but ultimately concluded he wasn't hitting the mark so put him on hold for a while in order to figure some things out. We still think his concept's really cool, as is some of the stuff we were trying with him, so do intend to make him someday. Don't expect to see him anytime soon though, we'd rather be slow, but do a better job of delivering on his potential, than quick. That's a process some other champs have also gone through (Lee Sin, Elise and Azir for example), where it took a few different takes to hit on what we felt was the right one (Lee Sin originally as Blind Monk way back pre launch, Elise originally as Priscilla the Spider Queen, Azir originally as Seth the sand mage), ultimately yielding better champs in the long run we feel.

oh dear rito gods i only ask that he remains a storm dragon

ApakakutaNov 27, 20143 votes

Meddler please, Ao Shin sooner than later been wanting him since I saw he was a true dragon. Not a half dracoon thing like shyvanna. However I will say do take your time and make him as awesome as you can. I fell in love with Azir and Gnar before I liked kha zix mostly but now I have a few new favorites. :) Keep up on the amazing work there at Riot. LASTLY! Happy Holidays to all at Riot!!! May the time be ever marry and joyous with lots of poro's!! --- League fan since '09

reetkameelNov 27, 20144 votes

Let them do it the blizzard way: he's done, when he's done.

ApakakutaNov 27, 20142 votes

Didn't I not say for him to take his time? {{summoner:2}}

ChaoticNoteworthNov 28, 20143 votes

You also said "Meddler please, Ao Shin sooner than later"

ApakakutaNov 28, 20142 votes

My personal opinion fallowed by an actual analysis I don't see the big deal here. I can be be patient ,I'd just like Ao Shin sooner as I am sure most people do, but if he will be awesome then I can surely wait.

regularguy3Nov 27, 20142 votes

Forgive me if a switch up the story, but in the spirit guard udyr comic he (Ao shin) rose as a enemy of the temple and the temple was keeping runeterra in balance so that means he's an evil character?

SoundFX77Nov 27, 20146 votes

I feel like if you guys cannot find the right things for him. Open him up to the public and see what they can help with. Almost like a community built champion.

Rito JerichoNov 27, 20142 votes

I totally agree with going slow to make sure everything is done right with Ao Shin. The way I see it is that the longer you take to create him, the more time you have to make that wait actually worthwhile.

ClocksAkimboNov 27, 20142 votes

So tell me, was Priscilla, Queen of the Shadow Isles originally slated to be voiced by Hugo Weaving? :P

RiotMeddlerNov 27, 20149 votes

I doubt it alas, but man, that would have been amazing.

GEOTUS TrumpNov 27, 20142 votes

Can you explain what you want to do with his kit and what you want to do with it?

TamurNov 28, 20143 votes

makes me wonder if Yorick is Omen

DiabayOct 19, 20152 votes

soooo any recent news on his development or release? is he expected to come out in 2016?

warpenguin555Dec 28, 20143 votes

Hey Riot.... you would tell us if he gets canceled right?

Ionias LegionJan 27, 20153 votes

I still think J$ should be a skin for JarvanIV pimp cane and purple zebra patterned clothing and pimp hat. His flag can be a flag with his hat on it and his Q can be him thrusting his pimp cane and the effect around him when he presses W could be purple instead of orange. Riot take this inconsideration lol I pretty much made a skin for you that absolutely everyone would buy in an instant even players who don't play JarvanIV

astrostormzDec 2, 20142 votes

scrap ao shin u say? if you guys scrap ao shin pls note i am the one who hired talon and i trained zed into the dark path without his original master knowing. I also did some stuff i wouldnt like to mention with akali (tis the reason she wears a mask over her mouth)

SpeedydjsDec 26, 20142 votes

Your hearing this from me first I'm calling Ao Shin to come out of the day of Chinese New Years with a skin kinda like Dragonwing Corki.

JixxNov 27, 20141 votes

HMMM. "Ao Shin someday, won't be soon."

Does this mean... that someday he won't be "soon" anymore? Such as he's released at the start of 2015, therefore it's someday and is no longer soon!?

RiotMeddlerNov 27, 201411 votes

For purposes of these sort of timelines the start of 2015 counts as 'soon', or even 'very soon'. Ao Shin's genuinely a long way off sorry.

ChimeiTekinaNasuNov 28, 20142 votes

My guess is 2016 or 2017, or if late next year, then during preseason 6 would be the earliest.

Wind WhistlerDec 26, 20141 votes

My dreams have been completely crushed. I've always wanted to play as a dragon in League Of Legends even before i started playing League. In 2017 i'll be in college or at work and i'll never have time to play League Of Legends anymore. I hope you continue to make more champions like Rek'Sai, Vel'Koz, and Azir, though.

CannabisOverlordMar 17, 20152 votes

Trust me in college youll have time to play league of legends xD Olaf Demands it!!

ULTRAF0RCENov 27, 20142 votes

probably it is going to be ala lee sin type thing where it was I think about three years between when they had him first appeared as an idea and when he finally appeared for real