League of Legends news:

Did you just feel that? The space-time continuum, man! My groovy time travelling buddies were supposed to come over and help me polish off all of this extra pizza I ordered. Guess my eyes were way bigger than my stomach – must be all that speeding up and slowing down of time. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’ll finish it off when it tastes better in the morning, whenever that is…

Whoa. Rewind that thought! I just had, like, the greatest idea of all time, man. I know champions, you know champions. Let’s spread this pizza love around with our buddies, dude! You tell me who is chill and we’ll invite them over to nosh at a far-out pizza party, and I’ll put them on sale. I totally have the power to do that.

• Vayne’s one cool cat, man. She never bogarts minion kills in bottom lane and lets ol’ Groovy Zilean take a last hit or two. Support is all about sharing and love, ya dig? 487 RP.
• So, like, Kennen’s a little mouse dude or something? What’s up with that? Hey little mouse dude! I bet he loves pizza. I can’t get over this little ninja! 487 RP.
• Tryndamere and I made a late night burger run to bottom lane and ran into some gnarly teamfights totally harshing our burger buzz. He puts away a lot of burgers. 292 RP.

With the Season Two World Championship only two months away and the Regional tournaments about to heat up, all eyes will be on some of the most exciting matches in League of Legends history. Everything’s on the line for teams looking ahead to Season Three. The top three teams from the EU & NA Regionals at Gamescom and PAX will each qualify for the League of Legends Championship Series, a completely new league coming in Season Three.

The League of Legends Championship Series is a global league of the top professional, salaried teams and will feature a structured season with multiple matches per week and playoff events leading up to the World Championship. Even better, all of this coverage will be free to watch live in HD. The best eight teams from North America and Europe, plus top teams from each Asian region, will compete for regional dominance. Winners from each region will then battle for the World Championship title with millions of dollars in prizes up for grabs. Furthermore, our Challenger Circuit partners will be back and better than ever, hosting major tournaments that will act as the proving grounds for the next generation of teams vying for a shot at competing in the League of Legends Championship Series.

In our discussion about The Creation of Diana, we looked at the how the Scorn of the Moon was inspired by another story within the League. This impact isn’t limited to personality, art or sound. Diana’s complicated tale affected her gameplay as well. Her kit reflects her tragic story and her relationships with Leona, the Solari and the moon. We spoke with a few of the Designers involved in execution of Diana’s gameplay and they explained this aggressive champion’s origins.

• David “Volty” Abecassis (Champion Designer)
• Mike “IronStylus” Maurino (Senior Concept Artist)
• “Davin” Pavlas (User Researcher)
• Ryan “Morello” Scott (Lead Champion Designer)

How did Diana’s story and relationship with Leona affect gameplay design?

Morello: Draven was born from a personality. Zyra was born from a gameplay hook. Diana was born from a story. She was a story before she was those other things. The inspiration comes from many places and all those things can inform gameplay, but it doesn’t always start there. Every conversation you have about Diana will be couched in Creative because that’s what started everything.

Challenge: Create comic cleverness that makes us lol.

Summoners!

The artistic handiwork you submitted in previous art contests left us flabbergasted. More than a few comic submissions among these awesome entries had us, quite literally, rolling on the floor laughing. Sadly, we couldn’t usher all these talented comic artists into the winners’ circle, so we created a brand new contest to ensure that comic genius is witnessed and rewarded – especially if your erudite artistry and sophisticated storytelling make us giggle!

The rules:

• Be LoL-inspired: in addition to making us lol heartily,your comic must have a clear League of Legendstheme
• Use the template: we’re going to be sticklers and insist that your comic is created using our template file and submitted in the same format, but incorrigible contrarians may color outside the lines as they see fit (PSD / JPG)
• Buff up: there’s no League of Legends tale to tell without an in-game buff or power-up of some sort, so draw, paint or mention at least one of them in your comic; Baron, the Lizard Elder and the Ancient Golem are the usual suspects, but feel free to throw in a Storm Shield or two if you’re feeling a little creative
• Don’t cheat: these contests are about creativity, so tracing outdated online comics won’t win you points; submit your original work, created in the contest timeframe, or face the wrath of our elite team of anti-fraud ninjas
• Keep it clean: we all enjoy a dirty joke now and then, but for equal-opportunity fanfare and celebration, these comics need to be age-appropriate for the youngest summoners
• Be colorful: we’re drawn to bright colors, so the more the better!
• No English? – No problem! Submit a translated transcript with your entry, and we’ll take care of it!

Zekent, our newest featured streamer, is broadcasting live right now! Not only is Zekent a talented support player, but he plays a mean Poppy as well. Come check out advanced tactics and unorthodox support play from one of the best on Summoner’s Rift. Up your game and learn a thing or two to make your next match even more epic!

Zekent is streaming live solo/duo queue ranked matches today from 19:00-12:00 UK Time and fan games from 12:00-3:00 UK Time.

In another world where flesh is replaced by techmaturgy, Battlecast Prime Cho’Gath is the most feared and deadly construct to crush his way across the battlefield. This new version of the Terror of the Void comes to the fight as a mechanical menace, firing missile salvos instead of Vorpal Spikes, bellowing a distorted version of Feral Scream from powerful speakers and launching subterranean missiles that Rupture underneath your foes. With a mechanized model and brand new effects, sounds, and animations including a new recall, you’ll be ready to claim the future for the truly evolved.

Dudes!

There are some totally gnarly waves out there today. Last week it was so low tide that this beach was drier than Shurima Desert, but now there’s waves so huge that everybody’s doing airs and just killing it. No flat seas this week – it’s totally cranking! Just watch out for the chop or you’ll get worked. Mix, mix, swirl, dude!

Oh man, but some of these champions have way too big of an ego. Like, I’ve seen some of them paddling out there to some real epic sets off on the horizon. Not today bros! You fall off your board, and it’s the big wipeout – you’re going on sale!

• Divine Soraka is way overdressed for this party. Sorry, babe, but the dress won’t cut it out on the surf. Where are your flippy-floppies? Keep her off the waves for 487 RP.
• Lil’ Slugger Trundle showed up in the wrong gear. This ain’t baseball, dude, leave the bat at home next time. Get him back to the dugout for 260 RP.
• Mad Scientist Ziggs tried to use explosives to get some extra swell. Sick wave dude, but careful not to lose the tube or you’ll take your dirty lickings! When he surfaces you can pick him up for 487 RP.

Warning! This mechanical menace has been sighted stomping through nearby cities and battlefields, crushing anyone and everything in his destructive path! Metal is, indeed, perfection.

Warning! This mechanical menace has been sighted stomping through nearby cities and battlefields, crushing anyone and everything in his destructive path! Metal is, indeed, perfection.

League of Legends v1.0.0.144

Diana, Scorn of the Moon

• Pending the completion of some further testing on PBE, Diana will be released at a future date

Inspiration for a champion’s artistic design comes from many places: gameplay mechanics, champion personalities or a walk in the wilds, just to name a few. Sometimes new champions are even inspired by other champion stories, and so was the case with Diana, Scorn of the Moon. While her artistic motif naturally pays homage to the moon, the art was further influenced by her relationship with Leona and its transforming effect on her personality. The artists, animators, sound designers and creative designers envisioned Diana as a character long before they knew her as the champion we see today. A few of them came together to discuss Diana’s origins and evolution through art, story and sound.

Yeah, see, Gangster Twitch here.

You know why dey call me the Plague Rat? It’s cause I poison rats. You ain’t squealin’, are ya? I jump outta the shadows and you’ll never know what hit ya. I put the "rat" in "rata-tat-tat," give them squealin’ squishies some of the ol’ one-two venom lead injection, heeheehuuhaahaa… But I digress.

I’m off to visit some “clients” of mine to “extort money” from them and “end their lives.” It’s just business, folks. Wanna come with? If they won’t pay up, maybe you will. I’ll even give you the family discount. Who’s up foist?

• This sad sack Amumu here, he cried to the coppers about the location of a certain valuable, illegal package meant for the illegal possession of yours truly. Did I say illegal? I meant "totally legit." You wrap up this mummy for me for 292 RP.
• Irelia, Willada Blades. Thinks she can triple-cross the boss with those steak knives of hers? No dice, Ionian. How about you dull up them blades for ol’ Twitch for 487 RP?
• Look at this bazoon, Varus, plinking those arrows into ‘tree of my best guys. I made him an offer he couldn’t refuse – pay up or get a mouthful of poison. Wisely, he paid up, so he’s only 487 RP. I’m watching you, pal.

Yeah, see, Gangster Twitch here.

You know why dey call me the Plague Rat? It’s cause I poison rats. You ain’t squealin’, are ya? I jump outta the shadows and you’ll never know what hit ya. I put the "rat" in "rata-tat-tat," give them squealin’ squishies some of the ol’ one-two venom lead injection, heeheehuuhaahaa… But I digress.

I’m off to visit some “clients” of mine to “extort money” from them and “end their lives.” It’s just business, folks. Wanna come with? If they won’t pay up, maybe you will. I’ll even give you the family discount. Who’s up foist?

• This sad sack Amumu here, he cried to the coppers about the location of a certain valuable, illegal package meant for the illegal possession of yours truly. Did I say illegal? I meant "totally legit." You wrap up this mummy for me for 292 RP.
• Irelia, Willada Blades. Thinks she can triple-cross the boss with those steak knives of hers? No dice, Ionian. How about you dull up them blades for ol’ Twitch for 487 RP?
• Look at this bazoon, Varus, plinking those arrows into ‘tree of my best guys. I made him an offer he couldn’t refuse – pay up or get a mouthful of poison. Wisely, he paid up, so he’s only 487 RP. I’m watching you, pal.

Every tournament has standout champions. ECC Poland one was no exception! Malphite, Urgot, Shen, Alistar, and Karthus made their marks, being picked or banned more often than all of the other champions. Additionally, every team has their favorite champions that they enjoy using. With ECC Poland now over, here’s a quick look at some statistics about the tournament and each of the teams that participated.

ECC Poland

• 49 total champions were picked or banned
• Urgot was banned in 21 out of 22 games
• Corki was picked in 13 out of 22 games, tied with Nunu
• Corki killed 65 enemy champions, the most in the tournament
• Alistar assisted in 137 kills
• Nunu died 41 times, tied with Alistar for most deaths

Summoners!

We are pleased to announce that Zekent, Poppy-player extraordinaire and support for team 4Not, is our newest featured streamer! Known for executing unorthodox strategies and bringing underrepresented champions into the spotlight, Zekent’s competitive play and positive commentary will teach and entertain players of all skill levels.

Zekent’s gameplay will inspire support players to try some of the more out-there champion choices for their roles. He’s played LeBlanc, Ashe, Morgana, and even Kennen as supports with surprisingly effective results. Take note of Zekent’s ward placement and gank-prevention techniques – it could save your life in your next game! And, if you haven’t seen Zekent play on his Poppy-exclusive SpamHappy account, you’re missing out on some awesome armored yordle action. Get ready to see intense support, Poppy pummeling tactics and a few of the greatest Ashe arrows ever.

ECC Poland saw two distinct sets of teams competing for a chance at the $15,000 first place prize. On one hand were the upstart teams, three from Poland and one from Spain, all attempting to achieve victory against all odds and see their place in the Season Two World Championship come one step closer. Opposing them were names recognized by any League of Legends fan: CLG.eu, Moscow 5, SK Gaming and Curse. Despite glimmers of hope for the underdogs, the semi-finals bracket saw only the names of the veteran teams up on the scoreboard.

Dr. Mundo’s known for many things: unwavering lunacy, going where he pleases and tossing cleavers at enemies’ backsides. Now, we’re ratcheting up Mundo’s brutality and fearsomeness with Rageborn Mundo, a completely new take on the Madman of Zaun. More at home on the battlefield than in the laboratory, Rageborn Mundo’s equipped with a brand new model, barbaric armor, and a deadly axe that’s got just as much slowing power as his iconic cleavers. Rageborn Mundo also has a slew of updated animations and a devastating new throw for Infected Cleaver that will have your enemies running away (slowly) in fear.

Get out!

Can’t you see there’s no room? What do you mean there’s nobody here? Of course not! My tea parties have been so very empty and droll ever since that brat Alice turned the March Hare into a bear. Or was it Annie? Who remembers?! Since that pair ran off, my only guest has been that sleepy dormouse, and he can’t even finish a story without nodding off. It’s made me so angry I’m splitting in half!

Invite more guests? I tried my best. But who would have guessed it’d be so hard to fill the shoes of a hare in a vest. One by one each new friend would fall flat. I even tried a magic trick to pull another rabbit from of my hat. And every time one of these callers would fail, I’d have to go to such trouble to put him on sale!

• Vandal Twitch can’t tell the difference between a dormouse and a rat. He should count himself lucky I didn’t pounce on him like a cat. Perhaps you’ll take him for 487 RP.
• Major Ziggs kept regaling us with tales from his days as a bombardier. It got so insipid I threatened to slit his throat from ear to ear! You can hear all his stories for 487 RP.
• Big Bad Warwick thought a costume might make him less of a bore. But, how shall I ever to find a new hare when there’s a wolf at the door? Take him to your tea party for 260 RP.

Get out!

Can’t you see there’s no room? What do you mean there’s nobody here? Of course not! My tea parties have been so very empty and droll ever since that brat Alice turned the March Hare into a bear. Or was it Annie? Who remembers?! Since that pair ran off, my only guest has been that sleepy dormouse, and he can’t even finish a story without nodding off. It’s made me so angry I’m splitting in half!

Invite more guests? I tried my best. But who would have guessed it’d be so hard to fill the shoes of a hare in a vest. One by one each new friend would fall flat. I even tried a magic trick to pull another rabbit from of my hat. And every time one of these callers would fail, I’d have to go to such trouble to put him on sale!

• Vandal Twitch can’t tell the difference between a dormouse and a rat. He should count himself lucky I didn’t pounce on him like a cat. Perhaps you’ll take him for 487 RP.
• Major Ziggs kept regaling us with tales from his days as a bombardier. It got so insipid I threatened to slit his throat from ear to ear! You can hear all his stories for 487 RP.
• Big Bad Warwick thought a costume might make him less of a bore. But, how shall I ever to find a new hare when there’s a wolf at the door? Take him to your tea party for 260 RP.

The tide of battle is turning, summoners. With ceaseless aggression, powered and protected by the lunar light, Diana, Scorn of the Moon, controls and chases her enemies through the battlefield, leaving them no sunlight for solace.

Back in June, we announced the most rockin’ Songs of the Summoned contest yet, and you all responded big time! You honored your favorite champions while giving us all a chance to get up and dance, and I couldn’t be happier because, you know, these songs will make you hop out of your chair.

Thank you for all of your awesome tunes and cacophonic creativity! Here are the winners of Songs of the Summoned III: Champion Rocks!

Two Grand Prize winners are walking away with a Native Instruments Komplete 8 bundle, 16,000 RP (for Pentakill skins, naturally), and a major feature on the League of Legends Facebook page!

• Area of Defect (Escasvalius, Hangmans Hands, SlainAmIO, the H31P, and Itamu) - 6v4
• Phonebill - Stone Love

Not all creatures of the night are the sort that lurk in the shadows. A select few leap headlong into the fray, leaving enemies begging for sunshine. Shunned by the people of the sun, Diana turned in isolation to the cold power of the moon’s glow. She hurls herself into the heat of the fight, wielding her crescent blade and unleashing lunar energy with merciless ferocity. If you’re awed by the darkness of the night, but never one to hide in the shadows, you’re sure to be drawn to this knight of the moon and her relentless pursuit of vengeance.