In the ever-evolving world of multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs), I’ve moved past my gaming prime. My Dota 2 days, totaling over 2,000 hours of gameplay, are now a distant memory. While I dabbled in League of Legends at one point, my gaming preferences have shifted, along with my tolerance for adrenaline-inducing moments. However, the allure of this genre continues to captivate my curiosity.
League of Legends, and its powerhouse developer Riot Games, remain colossal entities in the gaming industry. Riot boasts a substantial financial clout, enabling them to collaborate with animation studio Fortiche to create “Arcane,” a Netflix series that unexpectedly stole my heart. Riot’s subsequent acquisition of a substantial stake in the studio speaks to the project’s success. “Arcane” delivered stellar storytelling, exceptional writing, and animation that rivaled 2018’s “Into the Spiderverse,” only recently surpassed by its sequel.
Enter the latest trailer, featuring the bloodthirsty champion, Briar. Watching her in action doesn’t rekindle my desire for hours of split-pushing lanes, but it certainly ignites a profound craving for the second season of “Arcane.” Riot’s artists continue to push the boundaries of excellence, and Briar’s character design transforms her world into a stylized pink cut-out playground as she descends into a bloodthirsty frenzy.
The paper cut-out aesthetics are reminiscent of “Across the Spiderverse’s” Hobie Brown (Spider-Punk), injecting an exquisite visual dimension into Briar’s cannibalistic rampage within her prison, all in the name of “protecting” her “friend.” Notably, the unique pillory around her arms has become an integral part of her design. In a recent blog post, lead concept artist Sunny Pandita delved into the concept’s origin:
“We needed a visual representation of the struggle inherent in game design, the battle against a potent, monstrous nature. Our focus zeroed in on the idea of a physical restraint, and quite early in the process, Gem ‘Lonewingy’ Lim sketched her in a pillory. We believed in that concept. It depicted her comfort within the restraint, sparking immediate curiosity.”
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The entire blog post is a captivating read, and it appears that Riot’s creative endeavors are back on track after the unusual hiccup with the 2023 season cinematic release in early January, which left many underwhelmed and led Riot to issue an apology. Rumor has it that there have been in-client teasers, including a point-and-click style mini-game that culminated in a delightful jumpscare, featuring Briar presumably devouring an unfortunate cameraman. For those interested, a compilation can be found on the YouTube channel SkinSpotlights.
It’s heartening to witness Riot’s dedication to supporting its creative teams, allowing them the time and resources to craft remarkable content like this. While it may not reignite my desire to wield a mouse and perfect my last-hitting skills, it unquestionably serves as an outstanding teaser for “Arcane’s” second season. For those still immersed in the League of Legends universe, you can anticipate Briar’s arrival in the lanes come early September.
Key Highlights:
- “Arcane,” the Netflix series produced by Riot Games, continues to captivate audiences with its exceptional storytelling and animation.
- The latest League of Legends trailer introduces Briar, a captivating character whose design and gameplay promise an exciting addition to the game.
- Riot’s creative team has demonstrated their dedication to excellence, with a unique character design and a captivating storyline for Briar.
- Despite a minor setback in early 2023, Riot Games appears to be back on track, with teasers and mini-games generating excitement for “Arcane’s” second season.
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