Sometimes, minor tweaks can bring about major improvements, and for League of Legends enthusiasts, Riot Games’ decision to remove summoner names during ranked champion select stands as a shining example. Three years after its introduction, the change remains one of Riot’s most praised updates.
The Origins of the Change
In November 2022, Riot implemented a system where summoner names were replaced with randomized placeholders, such as jungle camp names, during ranked champion select. The goal? To address a growing issue where players relied on third-party tools to gather information about teammates. These tools often led to unfair judgments and pressure, like pushing players to choose champions with the highest win rates or avoid particular picks.
At the time, Riot explained that they wanted to create a ranked experience where decisions were based on collaboration and strategy rather than preconceived notions about teammates. However, the initial reaction from the community was divided. Over time, this small adjustment has proven to significantly improve ranked matchmaking.
Why the Change Was Needed
Before this update, many players resorted to “pre-game investigations” on platforms like Op.gg to analyze teammates’ performance history, champion pools, and win rates. This detective work often led to hasty assumptions about others’ skills, fostering a toxic atmosphere or even queue dodging.
By removing summoner names, Riot eliminated this pre-game bias. Now, the draft phase emphasizes team composition and strategy instead of individual scrutiny. This shift has allowed games to start more smoothly, with fewer last-minute dodges and a healthier environment overall.
Community Reactions: Praise and Criticism
Recently, players on Reddit revisited the topic, with many applauding Riot for addressing long-standing issues in ranked play. According to several players, hiding summoner names has reduced toxicity and dodging, making the ranked experience more enjoyable and streamlined.
However, the change hasn’t been universally loved. Some players expressed frustration over the lack of transparency about who they’re playing with, arguing that they can no longer identify potential smurfs, trolls, or bots in their matches. Others missed the ability to use teammates’ information to better prepare for matches.
For some, the anonymity has even brought humor to the game. One player joked about being frequently assigned the placeholder name “Murk Wolf” and humorously claimed it always seemed to bring bad luck. Another player shared how they unknowingly tried to look up “Murk Wolf” on Op.gg, only to realize the name was a decoy.
A Small Step with Big Impact
Despite a few criticisms, the majority of the League community agrees that the removal of summoner names has had a positive effect on ranked games. It has reduced the drama and bias that plagued pre-game lobbies, fostering a more inclusive and fair experience.
One player pointed out that avoiding games with “bad teammates” often shifts the burden to other players, who then face lower-quality matches. By minimizing dodging and preconceptions, Riot’s decision rewards those who approach ranked games with teamwork and adaptability in mind.
A Commitment to Better Gameplay
Riot’s decision to hide summoner names is a testament to their dedication to improving the ranked experience. While debates continue among competitive players, the broader community largely agrees that this change has improved the overall health of ranked matchmaking. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the smallest changes can lead to the most significant improvements.
