It's been a while since we heard anything substantial about Project L, Riot Games' upcoming 2D fighting game set in the League of Legends universe. The fact that the game is still carrying a working title might be an indication that the development is being carried out at a relatively slow pace, but thankfully Riot is eager to provide updates regarding its development from time to time. Recently, Riot confirmed that Project L will be yet another game adopting the studio's formula of success by going the free-to-play route.
Project L was first announced back in 2019 alongside Legends of Runeterra and Valorant, both of which have already shipped. In a trailer that aired in November 2021, Riot stated that Project L will be an assist-based fighting game, with two fighters per team. The game is said to be employing mechanics that are "easy to learn, but hard to master," something that Riot has often used when describing its other games, particularly League of Legends.
In a new dev diary video, executive producer Tom Cannon said that Project L will be free to play, with the goal to remove as many barriers as possible from players enjoying the game. He also noted that the news likely won't surprise anyone already familiar with League of Legends, Valorant, and other Riot's free-to-play titles, and added that Project L will employ monetization schemes that are respectful of both players' time and wallets.
Cannon also shared that the Project L team is currently finishing up work on core mechanics of the game. He explained that most of the team has already moved on to build game features such as competitive play and social system, as well as to further develop the character roster. Cannon also used the opportunity to introduce Illaoi, the Kraken Priestess, as the next League champion coming to Project L.
Illaoi will join five other previously confirmed League champions in Project L: Ahri, Darius, Ekko, Jinx, and Katarina. The Project L team wants each champion to deliver more than what players expect them to. As for which League champions will eventually feature in Project L, the team said that it is committed to bringing a diverse and inclusive roster.
Unfortunately, Riot still doesn't have a firm release window for Project L, but Cannon promises to share one more update about the game later this year. Hopefully, it will be about when players can at least expect to play the game.
Project L is currently in development with no confirmed release date.