What began as a modest indie project has become one of the most influential games in modern esports history. League of Legends, Riot Games’ flagship title, didn’t just start a new chapter in competitive gaming—it helped define it. But when exactly did this phenomenon begin, and how did it grow from a niche idea into a global entertainment empire?
This article dives into the origins of League of Legends, its public release, and how a small studio’s gamble turned into one of the most played games in the world.
The Spark: Early Development (2006–2009)
The story of League of Legends starts in 2006, when a group of game developers and former Defense of the Ancients (DotA) modders, including Steve “Guinsoo” Feak and Steve “Pendragon” Mescon, teamed up with Marc Merrill and Brandon Beck to form Riot Games in Los Angeles.
Their goal? To create a standalone game inspired by DotA that was more accessible, regularly updated, and better supported by developers. This idea laid the groundwork for a new genre—what we now call the MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena).
The game entered alpha testing in 2008, followed by closed beta in April 2009 and open beta in October of the same year.
The Official Launch: October 27, 2009
League of Legends officially launched on October 27, 2009.
The release featured around 40 champions, a single 5v5 map (Summoner’s Rift), and a novel concept for the time: a free-to-play model with microtransactions for cosmetic content like skins. This business approach, once viewed skeptically, became a cornerstone of its long-term success.
Despite modest expectations, the game gained traction quickly thanks to its competitive appeal, frequent updates, and strong community engagement.
The Rise of a Giant: 2010s and Beyond
The early 2010s saw League explode in popularity. By 2011, Riot hosted its first World Championship at DreamHack Summer in Sweden, with a prize pool of $100,000. A year later, Riot was acquired by Chinese tech giant Tencent.
By 2014, League of Legends boasted 67 million monthly players, cementing its status as the world’s most-played PC game.
The game’s ecosystem expanded with:
- Esports leagues in North America, Europe, China, Korea, and more
- Hundreds of champions, skins, and modes
- Cinematic universe expansions, including the Netflix series Arcane
- Spin-off games like Teamfight Tactics and Legends of Runeterra
League of Legends Today
Now, more than 15 years after its release, League of Legends is a multimedia juggernaut. Its annual World Championship rivals the Super Bowl in viewership. Riot Games has grown into a multi-title publisher. And League continues to evolve with new champions, patches, and features released regularly.
Even as other games have come and gone, League’s unique blend of strategy, skill, and community engagement has allowed it to remain relevant—and dominant—in the ever-shifting gaming landscape.
Final Thoughts
So, when did League of Legends start? Officially: October 27, 2009. But its story began years earlier—in the minds of gamers who believed that a better version of DotA could exist.
Today, League is more than just a game. It’s a legacy. And its beginning marked the dawn of a new era in online competitive gaming—one that continues to shape the future of esports and interactive entertainment.
Written by:
Christian