Riftbound Developers Discuss Expanding League of Legends Champions in the TCG
Since its English launch late last year, Riftbound: League of Legends Trading Card Game from Riot Games has quickly become one of the most talked-about new TCGs in the industry. The game made a major appearance at this year’s Gen Con, where fans could learn how to play, meet creators, and purchase exclusive event merchandise.
During the convention, GameSpot spoke with Riftbound Game Director Dave Guskin about the game’s development, its future, and the challenge of adapting League of Legends’ massive roster of over 170 champions into a trading card game.
When asked whether bringing new Legends into Riftbound was intimidating due to the size of League of Legends’ character lineup, Guskin said the process was exciting rather than overwhelming.
“The more things there are that players love and want to connect with, the better it is for us,” Guskin explained. “We want to make sure that players who love a specific champion eventually get the chance to play that one.”
According to Guskin, the team hopes to eventually bring every League of Legends champion into Riftbound, while also revisiting existing characters with new interpretations and gameplay designs.
The team has already explored this approach with Master Yi, who received a second playable version in the game’s third set, Unleashed. This new version introduced the XP mechanic, a system inspired by League of Legends’ in-game progression.
How Riot Chooses Which Champions Become Cards
Guskin also discussed how the Riftbound team decides which champions should receive card versions. The process is based on a combination of factors, including both player popularity and how well a champion’s abilities translate into card game mechanics.
He explained that the team looks at what fans love about a champion while also considering whether their identity can create interesting gameplay.
For example, Zed’s shadow-based abilities from League of Legends inspired the team to create a deck that captures his unique playstyle through copies and illusions.
More Fan-Favorite Champions Are Coming
While Guskin did not reveal too many details, he confirmed that several highly requested League of Legends champions are still on the way.
The Riftbound team is also looking beyond individual characters, exploring champion relationships and storylines that can be expanded through future sets.
Among the upcoming reveals, Riot has teased that the game’s sixth and seventh sets will feature several beloved champions, including Aurelion Sol.
With Riot continuing to expand the Riftbound universe, fans can expect even more iconic League of Legends characters to make their debut as the TCG grows.
