Exciting Developments in the World of Runeterra
Riot Games has been making waves in the gaming world recently with the conclusion of Arcane, the launch of a new Teamfight Tactics set, and the upcoming start of a new season in League of Legends. The latest addition to this lineup is the announcement of Project K, a physical card game set in the world of Runeterra.
Previewing Project K: A Closer Look
Ahead of the official announcement, Polygon had the opportunity to preview Project K and chat with game director Dave Guskin about the game’s development process, the transition of League of Legends into a card game, and the anticipated release timeline.
Unveiling Project K: What to Expect
The game is designed to be playable in both the traditional 1v1 Trading Card Game (TCG) format as well as in group settings of up to four players, with options for free-for-all matches or team-based gameplay. Players will utilize a TCG mana system, earning two Runes per turn to cast units and spells.
Rapid Development and Testing
Project K came to life within a short timeframe, with development starting just last year. Guskin and his team quickly built the foundational game engine, drawing on the expertise of TCG enthusiasts from Riot’s offices in Los Angeles and Shanghai. Internal playtesting sessions revealed a high level of interest and excitement among Riot employees, paving the way for further development.
Creating a Unique Player Experience
One of the key focuses during development was to provide players with a rich social experience, whether in 1v1 matches or team-based gameplay. Through iterative design, the team settled on a points-based system to ensure player engagement and prevent early elimination in team games, mirroring the essence of League of Legends.
Thematic Cards and Strategic Gameplay
Each champion card in Project K is designed to reflect the thematic elements of its League of Legends counterpart, offering a mix of strategic depth and intuitive gameplay mechanics. Decks centered around champions like Darius and Viktor emphasize army-building strategies that align with their character lore, adding to the immersive experience.
Looking Ahead to the Future
While the initial release of Project K is planned for early 2025 in China, the timeline for a North American launch remains uncertain. Riot is actively seeking a publishing partner to ensure a successful rollout of the game in key regions. Attendees of Riot’s upcoming Teamfight Tactics invitational tournament will have the chance to experience Project K firsthand, with more updates expected in the near future.