For players in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, this year is shaping up to be a game-changer. If you’re a League of Legends (LoL) Esports or Teamfight Tactics (TFT) Esports enthusiast in MENA, get ready for some exciting updates. This summer, teams from your region will have the chance to compete at the Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh. Furthermore, Arabic localization is on its way for League of Legends, making the game more accessible than ever. But perhaps the most anticipated news for many is the upcoming launch of new Lol Me Servers in the Middle East in 2024, promising a significantly improved gaming experience.
MENA Teams to Shine at the Esports World Cup
While the Esports World Cup is not an official Riot Games event, its inclusion of League of Legends and TFT is a significant step for the MENA esports scene. It’s important to understand that Riot Games is not producing the EWC and will not be directly selecting participating teams. However, recognizing the importance of this international stage, Riot has decided to support the inclusion of LoL and TFT within the EWC.
This decision wasn’t taken lightly. Riot Games carefully considered its responsibility to explore marketing and commercial avenues for esports teams and players. The potential impact of the EWC on the MENA player base was also a key factor. Ultimately, several compelling reasons led to the decision to participate.
A Premier Esports Spectacle for MENA Fans
The Esports World Cup is set to be a monumental event, bringing together over 20 of the world’s leading games. This creates a unique, cross-game esports festival for fans globally. For players in MENA, this is a particularly exciting opportunity. Feedback from both the MENA player community and Rioters based in the region highlighted the immense value of witnessing top-tier international teams compete live in their own backyard. Supporting such experiences is crucial to Riot’s core mission: to make it better to be a player. The EWC offers MENA fans a chance to engage with global esports at a major tournament hosted locally.
Empowering Professional Teams and Players
Riot Games acknowledges the current economic headwinds facing many esports organizations and players. With this in mind, denying teams and players the chance to participate in a major event like the EWC, with its significant economic and brand-building potential, was not a desirable option. The EWC presents not just a competitive platform on an international scale but also a chance to compete for a substantial prize pool, contributing to greater financial stability for participating organizations.
Looking ahead, Riot Games envisions third-party international events playing an increasingly important role in the esports landscape, echoing the early days of League of Legends. The community has consistently voiced a desire for more international competition, and the EWC is part of a broader strategy to facilitate additional high-impact tournaments within the esports calendar. Previous events in 2023, such as the Asian Games and Red Bull League of Its Own, demonstrated the significance of such tournaments for teams, players, and fans alike. This first year of EWC participation will serve as a valuable learning experience for Riot Games to evaluate the tournament format, assess the benefits for professional teams, and gain a deeper understanding of the EWC’s overall value to the global player base.
Enhancing the Player Experience in MENA with Localized Servers
Riot Games and League of Legends were founded on the principle of providing the best possible gaming experience for players worldwide. This commitment is reflected in their extensive global presence, with over 20 offices dedicated to regional publishing efforts. While Riot has maintained an office in Dubai since 2018, focusing on impactful publishing initiatives, delivering an optimized in-game experience for League of Legends players in MENA has been an ongoing goal.
Back in 2019, Riot Games pledged to bring Arabic localization to League of Legends for MENA players. After some time, this promise is becoming a reality this summer. The localization process involved more than just translating text; it required careful attention to linguistic nuances and ensuring champion voiceovers felt authentic in Arabic. Technical challenges also needed to be overcome, such as adapting game interfaces to accommodate right-to-left text. The process has been lengthy, but the Arabic localization is nearing completion. Alongside this, the highly anticipated launch of local lol me servers in the Middle East is also on the horizon. For players tired of frustrating skillshot misses and carousel selection delays due to high ping, these new lol me servers promise a significant reduction in latency when playing League of Legends and TFT.
Riot Games expresses gratitude to the MENA player community for their patience in awaiting a better, more localized League of Legends experience. They also acknowledge that participation in the Esports World Cup is a matter of personal choice, respecting those who may choose not to watch. However, Riot Games firmly believes that the collective benefits of EWC participation for esports teams, professional players, and the broader MENA player base justify their involvement. The upcoming launch of lol me servers and Arabic localization underscore Riot’s dedication to making League of Legends and TFT a truly exceptional experience for players in the Middle East and North Africa.
