League of Legends is a fantasy computer game in which small teams of players fight virtual battles. Each player takes on the role of a champion, any of a wide variety of stylized wizards and warriors. A team usually consists of five champions. The goal of the game is generally to invade the other team’s territory and destroy its magical base, called a nexus. Players may battle against computerized opponents. But League of Legends has become especially popular for its online matches between human teams.
The American company Riot Games developed League of Legends, releasing the game in 2009. Its basic gameplay is largely based on Defense of the Ancients, a custom game created by enthusiasts using the 2002 strategy game Warcraft III. In Warcraft III, players manage resources such as gold and lumber to build armies and fight battles. Like Defense of the Ancients, League of Legends eliminates the need for players to build defenses and manage resources. Instead, the computer manages the defenses and the warring troops, called minions. For the champions, the gameplay is streamlined to focus on fast-paced battle tactics such as navigating terrain and coordinating surprise attacks.
A typical League of Legends match may last about a half hour. As the match progresses, players gain new weapons, armor, and magical items and abilities for their champions. Expert players study the unique strengths and weaknesses of the various champions, enabling them to fight more effectively.
Many people enjoy watching League of Legends matches between skilled teams. Battles feature simple visuals and standardized settings, making matches easy and enjoyable for spectators to follow. Some League of Legends players compete professionally in e-sports tournaments for prizes worth millions of dollars.
