Riot Games launched Wild Rift in 2020 for most regions worldwide, with a later release in the Americas in 2021 after years of development. The game was highly anticipated as the next big thing in mobile MOBAs, but interest has waned leading many to question if Wild Rift is dead.
Image Credits: Riot Games
Wild Rift’s History – Anticipation and Disappointment
Developed by Riot Games, Wild Rift was one of their first major mobile-exclusive titles. Although a streamlined version of League of Legends, it promised the same level of competitiveness on Android and iOS. Riot was even considering creating an esports ecosystem for the game, similar to that of LoL.
Despite announcing an esports tournament early on, Wild Rift faced tough competition from Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. MOONTON, the developer behind MLBB, even implemented exclusivity clauses affecting teams in their franchised leagues, potentially hindering financial rewards.
While some teams did sign up for Wild Rift esports, the game failed to gain significant traction.
Why Has Wild Rift Failed to Gain Popularity?
Image Credits: Riot Games
Wild Rift has struggled to match the success of rival Mobile Legends, particularly in the Southeast Asian region where MLBB’s robust esports scene thrives. Riot’s initial plans for Wild Rift esports were later scrapped, leading to speculation about the game’s demise.
Riot’s decision to discontinue Wild Rift esports in the West in favor of an Asia-only tournament has left fans questioning what could have been. Despite the setback in esports, the game continues to maintain a large player base with over 10 million downloads worldwide.
While focusing less on esports, Riot remains committed to updating Wild Rift with new content and balance changes to keep casual players engaged. The game is far from dead, but it hasn’t reached the competitive heights initially predicted.
In conclusion, Wild Rift is not dead, but it has not achieved the level of popularity expected. With upcoming competition from titles like Honor of Kings, Riot still has the opportunity to elevate Wild Rift’s status in the mobile MOBA landscape.
Read Also: Wild Rift vs Mobile Legends: Which is the better mobile MOBA?
