Riot Games has consistently been transparent about its financing approach for its main titles, League of Legends and Valorant, which will remain free to play, meaning players do not need to spend money to play. However, this raises questions about how game developers fund maintenance, improvements, and changes. The answer lies in the sale of skins. To increase revenue, Riot Games has decided to eliminate free Hextech chests, which previously allowed players to obtain skins without paying for them.
The removal of free Hextech chests is a significant change, as it means that most skins will now only be available for purchase. This decision was likely made because players were relying on these chests to obtain their favorite skins, rather than spending money on them. By eliminating the free chests, Riot Games aims to encourage players to spend money on skins, thereby generating more revenue. However, this move has been met with disappointment from the community, who are unhappy about the change.
The community’s reaction is understandable, given that the free Hextech chests were a popular feature. Some players are wondering why Riot Games chose to eliminate them entirely, rather than simply reducing their availability or making it harder to obtain the best skins through this method. After 10 years, the free chests are now a thing of the past, and players will have to adapt to the new system. The decision highlights the challenges of funding free-to-play games and the need for game developers to find ways to generate revenue while keeping players happy.