North American League of Legends eSports league players have voted to walk out, protesting Riot Games' decision to no longer require franchisees to field amateur teams. The votes represent the players, which passed overwhelmingly and were held by the LCS Players Association.
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Members of the T1 team compete during the League of Legends Worlds Championship semi-final match between T1 and JDG at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia on October 29, 2022.
Walking Out Over Rule Changes
The League Championship Series Players Association announced that pro players from the North American League of Legends eSports league have voted in favor of a walkout to protest recent rule changes by Riot Games. According to a report from The Verge, the rule changes resulted in the elimination of seven teams from the league.
The vote represents the players as Riot Games decided to no longer require franchisees to field an amateur team, which the players are opposed to. Ever since Riot changed the rules, many franchises have already dropped their amateur teams for the summer season, which cuts off an important development pipeline for players who desired to compete in the series.
As per the statement released by LCSPA, "This is not a decision LCS players have come to lightly. Countless discussions and debates were had between all LCS players in the week leading to this historic vote." The statement added that the players want to play and compete above all else, but they are standing their ground, putting competition aside as a protest.
Dropping Mandate
Riot announced the 16-team NACL in 2022 as a new developmental league for the LCS. As per PC Gamer's report, this was made up of 10 former Academic teams operated by LCS Teams and six amateur Provisional Teams. But just recently, Riot was asked by the LCS teams to eliminate the NACL roster requirement.
Riot then made the change in May and said that this was done to support the continued long-term success of the teams and the professional ecosystem of esports in North America. As a response, most of the LCS teams cut their NACL rosters which put 70 players, coaches, and managers out of work less than a month before the league starts.
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Following this decision, the Players Association stated that throughout the regular meetings between the two parties, both acknowledged the NACL would not be viable today without Riot requiring LCS partner organizations to have an NACL roster.
Players' Disappointment
League players already voiced out their opinions and disappointments over Riot's decision to let franchises not file NACL teams. Player for NRG LCS team Palafox shared his thoughts and said, "I wouldn't be in the LCS had it not been for Academy." Meanwhile, TSM player Chime stated, "The Academy / NACL system gave me the opportunity to pursue a pro career."
Dexerto reported that the association can still avert the walkout if Riot is willing to have a discussion of solutions for the LCS and NACL. The list of demands for Riot Games includes a system of promotion and relegation between the LCS and NACL, revenue pools for NACL wages, and one-year contracts for LCS players that will win the summer finals.
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