A good amount of current and former Rioters started out as fan artists of the game, making skins, champions, champion updates/redesigns and whatnot for the game. Has there ever been consideration into putting these in the game after they joined the team?
I think they've borrowed fan concepts and ideas. For example, Baker Pantheon, PIzza Delivery Sivir, Volibear, Braum, etc.
But to my knowledge they've never straight up seen artwork, in game models, champion kits and gone "Oh, that's good" and like PAID for the rights to it and added it to the game. It's too complicated. Sometimes they do hire people who make great fan art though, I believe.
Yes, just this February Riot Hylia's Heartpiercer's Fiora was finally added in game.
