League of Legends Criticized For Introducing New $250 Arcane Skin

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developers Riot Games is being criticized for launching a new gacha-like mechanic that can cost unlucky players up to $250. The launch of the new method of getting skins corresponds to the upcoming second season of the animation which is coming to Netflix next month. Unfortunately, this revelation of a new method also follows a large number of layoffs at the game company, drawing ire from the community for this insensitive timing.

The Arcane Fractured Jinx exalted skin is the first special cosmetic to become available through this new system, which will use a new type of currency called Ancient Sparks to draw loot similar to how games like work. The skin was previewed on the Riot Games YouTube, while more information about the Sanctum system was revealed on the League of Legends website.

The exalted tier skin is meant to be a special treat for "" but the chances of getting it are extremely low. Although Riot Games has implemented a few failsafes into the system to ensure fans are eventually guaranteed to get the skin they're aiming for, the number of pulls possibly needed can set players back as much as $250 USD.

This news does not sit well with fans, since the company has recently gone through a round of layoffs. In the comments to the developer video, YouTube user Dandy_ notes that "" Shadrock takes this a step further, calling it""

Riot Games Co-Founder and CPO MarcMerrill addressed the layoffs on X, stating that the layoffs do not mean that is slowing down or in danger. On the contrary, Merrill notes that the decision was made to "" to ensure that they have "" He goes on to state that the team will ""

EA has canceled a Mandalorian-led FPS title that was in development at Respawn Entertainment amidst a company restructuring and layoffs.

This message seems to contradict itself, implying that in order to grow, the team needs to be downsized. Merrill follows up his message by explaining that "" which makes the timing of the potentially extremely expensive Jinx skin