Riot Games Accusations: Paid Lootboxes Vs. Free Hextech Chests

The popular game developer, Riot Games, has been severely criticized over alleged hypocrisy associated with the monetization policies of their prominent game, League of Legends. Riot Games recently stopped the provision of League of Legends’ free Hextech Chests, but continued with paid lootboxes. This move has made the gaming community furious as they see it as a conflict in monetization policies.

‘Sustainability’ Excuse Backfires

The decision to remove Hextech Chests was initially defended by Riot Games, stating that these free bonus containers were “unsustainable”. They contended that the existence of the free Hextech Chests brought down the number of skin purchases, affecting their in-game microtransaction revenues. Quite expectedly, this justification was not well-received by the ardent gaming community who quickly pointed out certain contradictory facts.

Community Reaction Against Riot Games

The gaming community promptly countered Riot Games’ statement by pointing out that the Hextech Chests system had been operating for roughly eight years, and that period was by no means financially unproductive for the company. The game provider had seen its most profitable period during those years. This includes the years when the company generated magnificent revenues to the tune of $1.8 billion, which was in 2024.

The Debate Over Masterwork Chests

As Riot Games continued to offer paid options, such as Masterwork Chests, even after discontinuing the free Hextech Chests, the criticism from the gaming community expanded. The players feel it is unfair of Riot Games to pose this contradiction in their policy and call out the company’s hypocritical stance on this matter.

Doubled Down Accusations of Double Standard Practice

Players are angered by the perceived double standard approach of Riot Games when it comes to their monetization tactics. According to them, maintaining paid lootboxes while discarding the free Hextech Chests is an unjust move. Overall, the controversy over Riot’s decision threatens to tarnish the reputation of this well-loved game provider. Their next steps will be keenly watched by both players and industry observers alike.