Riot Games Announces Transition from Summoner Names to Riot IDs
In a significant move, Riot Games has announced that it will be phasing out the usage of "Summoner Names" and transitioning all players exclusively to Riot IDs. This change, set to take place on November 20, 2023, aims to create a more unified experience across all Riot games. The decision has been made to better align with the evolving lore of Runeterra and League of Legends and to streamline the naming system from a technical perspective.
The Rationale Behind the Change
The lore surrounding Runeterra, League of Legends, and Summoner’s Rift has undergone several changes over the years. Initially, players were known as Summoners, who summoned the original roster of Champions to the Rift. However, this concept became restrictive as the game's world and its characters evolved. By 2014, the narrative focus shifted towards the Champions themselves, moving away from the all-powerful Summoners. Despite the term "Summoner" still appearing in various in-game references, it no longer aligns with the current lore. This transition to Riot IDs is designed to reflect the modern world of League of Legends and offer a more cohesive experience across all Riot titles.
What Players Need to Know
Players don't need to take any specific action for this update. Every player already has a Riot ID, which can be checked by logging into their account on the official Riot Games website or through the League of Legends game client.
In light of this change, Riot Games is also updating its name-change policy. Once the transition to Riot ID is complete, players will receive a free name change every 365 days. Those wishing to change their names more frequently will incur a fee, similar to the existing Summoner Name system. This decision aims to add significance to player identity in the game and address challenges associated with frequent name changes, especially for those with extensive friends lists.
Additionally, immediately after the shift on November 20th, all players will be granted a free name change. Subsequent name changes can be purchased on the accounts page, costing roughly $10 USD in in-game currency. Initially, only Riot Points and Legends of Runeterra Coins will be supported for this purchase, but other in-game currencies, such as VALORANT Points, Wild Rift Cores, and TFT Coins, will be added in the future.
Community Concerns
The announcement has sparked a range of reactions from the community. Many players are concerned about losing the uniqueness of their Summoner Names, while others fear that the new system might make impersonation easier. As with any significant change, it will be crucial for Riot Games to address these concerns and ensure a smooth transition for its player base.
Changing Your Riot ID Step-by-Step
For players looking to change their Riot ID, the process is straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide based on the information provided:
1. Accessing the Riot Account Page:
- Begin by visiting the official Riot Games website.
- Click on the "Sign in" icon located at the top right corner of the screen.
- Log in using your current Riot account credentials.
2. Navigating to the Riot ID Section:
- Once logged in, you'll be directed to the account management page.
- On the left-hand side, click on the "Riot ID" tab.
3. Changing Your Riot ID:
- In the Riot ID section, you'll see your current Riot username and tagline displayed.
- Click on the "Edit" button next to your Riot username.
- Enter your desired new Riot username.
- You'll also have the option to change your tagline, which is a series of numbers and letters that appear after your username, separated by a "#". This tagline ensures that even if two players choose the same Riot username, they can still be differentiated.
- After making your desired changes, click on the "Save Changes" button.
4. Confirming the Change:
- A confirmation message will appear, indicating that your Riot ID has been successfully updated.
- It's essential to note that once you change your Riot ID, you won't be able to modify it again for 30 days.
Conclusion
Riot Games' decision to transition from Summoner Names to Riot IDs marks a significant shift in the player identity landscape. While the change aims to modernize the naming system and offer a unified experience across all Riot titles, it remains to be seen how the broader community will adapt to this new era.
