The Graphics - League of Legends

DISCLAIMER: Not a League-bashing thread. I love this game.

I think we all agree that the new Summoner's Rift is beautiful. It's vibrant, it's enchanting, and it's a welcome improvement. Recently, the champions (both looks and animations) seem to have improved vastly over the years. However, the game has clear limitations as to what it can do graphically. There are way to fake certain things like light but sadly the game itself it heavily limiting. Now, these things could be improved, but there's a problem. Riot said they wanted to keep the game friendly on older hardware.

The game was released in 2009. Computers have changed. What was powerful then is standard now. As is the way of technology. I don't know much about League's game engine, or whether or not it's truly the limiting factor vs. keeping it accessible by older tech, but I do believe slapping a new coat of paint on it can only go so far. I understand certain things in the game have been improved and are still being improved (skillshots and other mechanics I believe). And that's great. I understand working within the confines of this old game can be difficult. Straightening out spaghetti code can be quite a task. So much can break just trying to fix the simplest things (and it does, from time to time). I'm sure there's a lot Riot hasn't told us about their improvements to the game itself (I think it would be cool if they did).

Anyways, back on point. The new Summoner's Rift looks great, but if we're honest with ourselves, it still looks... limited. Reflections, light rays, breezes, maybe even a sun/point of light that moves over the rift, causing shadows to shift as the game goes on. Even detailing in the grass/rocks/trees/champs is a bit lacking.

Don't get me wrong, graphics don't make a game fun. Not by a long shot. But as with games like this one, where spectacle and amazement are key points to League's design, I feel that the edge improved graphics provides can only add to the beauty in League. Thus creating spectacle and wonder and really cementing the world in League as detailed and tangible.

HOWEVER, I'm almost certain that Riot plans to improve their game over the years. I'm excited to see what 2017 holds for the world's favorite MOBA. The game is in a good place right now, but there's nothing wrong with a little more polish.