Shurima Desert, Shadow Isles, Freljord, and Bilgewater map concepts.

Here's some map ideas and game modes I think would be great:

1.) Shurima Desert

The Shurima Desert has vast potential for both a new environment and game mode, that put the Jungler, Support, and Tank at the heart of the action. Namely all the normal lanes and turrets would be there, but it would be the job of the Jungler/Support with a Tank that journeys to the center of the map where a Worm type of pit monster hides in the sands. The sands around the beast spin, creating quicksands and a vortex that will suck champions in the longer they stay. Why would champions want to go to the center? Because the Worm is hoarding gold over there, and the champions are there to haul it in a treasure cart back to their base, and the other team is trying to kill them at the same time.

Its a 6 vs 6 map, the extra champion protecting the jungler trying to cap the gold cart that grants the team bonus gold for the shop.

2.) Shadow Isles

The Home of Karthas and other champions begs to not just be visited but played on, outside the Haunted Forest.

Dying here is the name of the game. Dying sucks, the 10-40 second average wait seems like an eternity, why not make the most of it as a disembodied spirit that can take possesssion of a targeted minion in lane and empowering its damage via a Baron like damge buff. Not enough to encourage people to feed, but enough for the dead player to do while he's waiting to respawn. How about empowering the minion with a random spell from your fallen hero, while in possession of the minion. I think it would be hilarious to watch minions pull off some the spells that champions do :D

3.) Freljord

It's cold, barren, icy, and beautiful. Arguably, the Freljord is where ARAM takes place, but in no way does it feel like your playing in the frozen wasteland (small exception for the Poro King events). So much potential, Icy winds that beat down enemy minions slowing their progess when an imposing team controls a rune ward (like HF). I'd like to see a Collusus unleashed on the map, once one team controls all three rune wards, placed near the summoners' bases and one near the center of the map, a nexus where the jungles meet. Once unleashed, this Collusus would drive down a lane where the most remaining enemy turrets remain, but expire as it's health is expended, by champions, minions, and the turrets themselves.

4.) Bilgewater

Again, begs to be played as it's the Pirate's Bay of Runeterra complete with player controlled cannons and planks to walk over. The scale is about the same as SR, but one side is the Port and one side is the docked Pirate ship. Yes each side has a Nexus Point and minions, and turrets and all that, but neither side is about to let the other cross over. The jungle may need to be reworked to accomodate the theme, but this is where the fortification and docking mechanic would come in. Each team has its own controllable cannon and "wall" to protect. I use the term "wall" because while the barrier for the Port could easily be made the stone, what would be the "wall" guarding a pirate ship? Perhaps an energy shield generated by the Pirate Ship's Nexus Engine (this is Runeterra, these guys know how harness energy from stones and stuff). After completing certain feats or tasks, a champion can climb into those cannons and strike the enemies wall or shield, weakening it. Minions and allies can still pass through these "walls" thoughout the game, but the "walls" are somehow protecting the enemy stronghold or base. Once the Nexus shields goes down on the Pirate Ship, or the Bilgewater's Port walls are destroyed, the opposing enemy nexus is open for destroying.

These are just some ideas tossed out there, and only suggestions. As I wrote these ideas down I realized how hard it is for a game company to come up with new ideas, and please everyone at the same time. I just feel, and I think a lot of people do as well, that Runeterra is a world that has as much personality to be explored as anyone of its champions, and is begging to revealed and played upon. Yes, its very very hard to balance the love of familiarity, with the joy of exploring and embracing something new. People will worry about the queue times that have plagued other games, but I feel Riot has enough players at anyone time where they don't have to, and their is no worrying about what server your friend is on. Thanks for taking the time to read this and upvote if you like :D