League of Legends: Monetization Changes, Arcane Influence, and Player Reactions

Riot Games' recent removal of Hextech Chests in League of Legends has left players divided. How does Arcane's success fit into the bigger picture?

In early 2025, Riot Games made headlines by removing Hextech Chests from League of Legends, citing long-term sustainability concerns. This decision sparked significant backlash from players, who argued that Hextech Chests were a key part of the game's reward system. At the same time, Riot's hit Netflix series Arcane raised new questions about how external projects might be influencing League's monetization strategy. Let's dive into what's happening, why it matters, and what's next for League players.

The Removal of Hextech Chests

Hextech Chests were a beloved part of League's rewards system, offering free skins to players who performed well or displayed positive behavior. However, Riot claims that the growing popularity of these chests ultimately made them unsustainable.

With Hextech Chests gone, Riot introduced a battle pass system similar to those seen in other multiplayer games. Unfortunately, the new system's initial rollout was met with criticism for its lack of Blue Essence—a key resource for unlocking champions. Riot quickly adjusted the system to provide more Blue Essence, but concerns remained about how these changes would affect the player experience.

The Influence of Arcane’s Success

While Riot justified the removal of Hextech Chests as a necessary move for League's long-term health, many players pointed to the success of Arcane as a potential influence on these decisions. The Netflix series, which reportedly cost $250 million, became a global hit and expanded the League universe to a broader audience.

Arcane's success expanded the League universe and attracted new players. However, some believe the game's increased monetization efforts are partially funding high-budget projects like Arcane.

Community Reaction and Monetization Concerns

The removal of Hextech Chests and the introduction of gacha-style mechanics have left many players feeling frustrated. Social media and community forums are filled with complaints about the declining quality of skins, the increasing grind to earn rewards, and the apparent focus on monetization.

Riot has promised several updates to improve the League of Legends experience, but skepticism remains high as players question the company's priorities.

Riot’s Balancing Act: Sustainability vs. Player Trust

League of Legends is at a crossroads. As Riot balances player expectations with the demands of running one of the world's largest games, its broader ambitions—like Arcane—are becoming increasingly intertwined with League's future. While the removal of Hextech Chests has left some players feeling alienated, Riot's willingness to adapt and improve offers hope for a more balanced, sustainable future.

Key Takeaways

Hextech Chests were removed because they became the primary way for players to unlock skins, reducing direct purchases and making the system financially unsustainable.

Arcane's success may have indirectly influenced Riot's monetization strategy.

Riot introduced a new battle pass system to replace Hextech Chests, but early feedback highlighted major balance and reward issues.