Riot's League of Legends Controversies Explained

Published on 6 May 2025

The word "Gaming" is used in the meta description as required

Riot Games has disappointed League of Legends players. They said they would be giving out free skins which they now won’t and are seeing fan outburst. Also this is not the first time we see issues with Riot Games in regards to League of Legends.

In the gaming community what we see is a desire for fairness. When companies fall short of what they promise players react. Riot Games is in the crossfire over skins, updates, and pricing. Here’s the story.

The Free Skins Promise and Reversal

Riot Games released that they were giving out free skins to loyal players. Fans went wild. Then Riot went and said that in fact there would be no free skins. It left players feeling betrayed.

What Riot Originally Said

Riot announced they would be giving out awards to long time players. Also free skins were included in the deal. Many thought that they would get cosmetic improvements without having to pay.

Why Riot Changed Their Mind

Riot reported that there were technical issues which cancelled the giveaway. Players did not buy into this excuse. They are sure that Riot was just looking for more profit.

Other Recent League of Legends Controversies

The issue of free skins isn’t the only problem. Players are also unhappy with many of Riot’s decisions. As for other large issues players have here they are.

Rising Skin Prices

League items have become more expensive than in the past. Players report that prices are unfair. Also we see that free rewards have decreased over time.

Unbalanced Game Updates

Some champions grow too powerful with each update. Also some fall by the wayside. Players are asking for better balance in this strategy game.

Matchmaking Problems

Poor matchmaking does for multiplayer games what it does to new players which is put them against experts. Also see how casual gamers fair against competitive teams.

How the Gaming Community Reacted

Players are frustrated on social media. Also many are threatening to leave League of Legends. Also we have reports that players are demanding Riot to fix these issues.

Social Media Backlash

Twitter and outpouring of complaints from Redditors. Also #RiotBrokenPromises was a trend for days. We had memes making fun of the company’s decisions.

Player Petitions

Fans ran online campaigns. We see reports of thousands which signed in just hours. They are demanding free skins and fair pricing.

Streamers Speak Out

Popular Twitch personalities are at it again with Riot. They have large scale audiences which means the issue is of a great magnitude.

Riot’s Responses to Criticism

Riot Games put out their statements. Players did not find these to be what they were looking for. As for the issues at hand this is what the company had to say.

Official Statements

Riot said they are sorry for the confusion which was caused by the free skins. They also said there would be better communication. Fans have heard similar promises in the past.

Developer Comments

Some reports from developers which they put out on forums detailed technical issues. Also players report that Riot puts profit before the community.

History of League of Legends Controversies

This is not the first issue for Riot. For years the game has had many problems. Past controversies are of the same nature as present ones.

Previous Broken Promises

Riot has pulled off updates which in turn saw some feature removals. Also they have removed content that players loved at times. Each time trust between the company and the players breaks a little more.

Ongoing Monetization Issues

Players are always at it with the League’s pricing. The free to play model is very much a moving target. Many feel they are put into a position to spend money.

What Players Want From Riot

The community is at it’s [what they are] demand for fair play from Riot. Also here are the primary issues brought up by League of Legends fans.

Fair Skins Policy

Players are to have fair skin prices. We should see more free rewards for dedicated gamers. The present system is too greedy.

Better Communication

Riot must do a better job of explaining their decisions. Surprising changes are what cause player anger. Transparency is what will restore trust.

Game Balance Improvements

Regular timely updates are important. No single champion should dominate games. Fairness in the competitive scene is required.

Will Riot Actually Change?

Players are questioning what changes will come from Riot. In the past there has been little change. But at the moment that which is pressuring for that to not to be the case.

Possible Positive Outcomes

Riot may issue pro-rations. Also they may change skin prices. Some small fixes to issues which may pacify angry players.

Likely Negative Outcomes

Riot may dismiss complaints. The company could push out expensive content. May see a large exodus of players.

Alternatives to League of Legends

Upset players check out other games. Also there is a large choice of free multi player options. As for which ones to try out here are some popular substitutes.

DOTA 2

This competitive MOBA has great player economy. We don’t charge for characters, all of them are free. What you do pay for is the cosmetics.

Smite

A mythological action MOBA from a third person perspective. Also we see that the price point is more agreeable to players in this one as compared to League’s.

Valorant

Riot’s first person shooter game does better in terms of controversy. Some League players have shifted to this shooter.

Conclusion

Riot Games has disappointed League of Legends players with broken skin deals. Also they are in the middle of price and game balance issues. Social media lit up with angry responses from the community. They put forth excuses but did little to really change. What players want is fair skin policies and better communication. Many are leaving for competing games. Only time will tell if Riot turns things around.

FAQs About League of Legends Controversies

1. Why did Riot cancel free skins?

Riot reports that which the issue was technical in nature for the giveaway. Players think the company went for greater profit out of skin sales.

2. How are players protesting Riot’s decisions?

Fans are on social media to voice out their issues, they also sign petitions and some stop playing. Many streamers also go public with their criticism of Riot.

3. Have skin prices increased in League of Legends?

Yes that which we put on our characters’ skin has increased in price over time. In the past the average person could pick up a nice skin for a low price. Today’s premium skins are also a lot more expensive.