Riot recently faced backlash from League of Legends fans over the introduction of a $500 cosmetic skin, designed to honor renowned player Faker’s induction into Riot’s Hall of Legends. Many players were disappointed by the high price point, feeling it excluded a significant portion of the community from participating in the celebration.

During a Q&A session at Summer Games Fest, the game director, Pu Liu, addressed the controversy surrounding the expensive Ahri skin. Liu acknowledged the concerns raised by players, emphasizing the shift in pricing for a longstanding product like League of Legends can be unsettling, especially for those accustomed to lower price ranges.

In response to the criticism, Riot released a video explaining that the elevated price tag was intended to support esports initiatives and honor iconic professional players. While the majority of League’s cosmetic bundles are priced reasonably, with the Champions Bundle at $35/£35 and the Digital Collector’s Pack at $20/£20, the $500 Ahri skin stood out for its premium cost.

Riot clarified that the cosmetic items sold in the game are purely aesthetic and do not provide any competitive advantage. Despite this assurance, some skins have inadvertently caused issues in professional play, leading to their exclusion from tournaments. Skins like Frostfire Annie, Eternum Nocturne, and Super Galaxy Rumble have been deemed problematic due to their visual effects.

While Riot aims to maintain a fair and competitive environment in League of Legends, the controversy surrounding the $500 Ahri skin has sparked discussions about pricing strategies and player expectations in the gaming community. As the company navigates the delicate balance between offering enticing cosmetics and ensuring an inclusive experience for all players, the future of premium skins in the game remains a topic of interest for fans and industry observers alike.