League of Legends Classic, set to launch on July 29, will allow players to influence its evolution through community voting, particularly regarding the addition of new champions. Executive Producer Paul Bellezza, in an interview with Polygon, explained that the game will begin with its original 40 champions alongside 20 hand-selected additions that were emblematic of the game's early era. This curated selection intentionally excludes champions like Yasuo, who arrived later in the game's history.
Bellezza confirmed that the pace of champion releases in League of Legends Classic could exceed the original bi-weekly cadence. "No, it might be more," he stated, explaining that the development team can batch champions together in updates based on player votes and internal availability. This approach allows for a more dynamic and community-driven content rollout than in the game's initial years. "We have some things to look back on that we can create a curated experience for people, but again that's gonna be part of the fun, letting them decide who comes back."
The voting process will reward active players, with increased play time granting greater weighting in surveys. This system aims to honor long-time players and those who experienced the game's early days. Bellezza also touched on the balance between recreating nostalgic "broken" champion states and maintaining game viability. "I think it's gonna be a mix of both," he said regarding overtuned champions, expressing trust in the development team to find a balance that honors player memories while ensuring a functional experience.
Regarding the long-term future of League of Legends Classic, Bellezza described it as an "experimental experience" with a "what if" factor, emphasizing that its direction will be determined by player engagement and desires. He did not rule out the possibility of Classic taking on its own parallel path, potentially introducing unique champions or items not found in the modern League of Legends, though he noted this would depend on community demand. "It's truly this opportunity to co-create where it could go, based on so much history and knowledge that people have, but also strong opinions about what should or shouldn't be true."
While League of Legends Classic will not launch with a ranked mode, Bellezza indicated that it is a capability the team has and would consider if player demand arises. Similarly, while the initial launch will focus on Summoner's Rift, older game modes like Twisted Treeline or Dominion could be reintroduced if there is sufficient desire. The team is planning an "ARAM Mayhem" event on the classic map, featuring modern champion kits with Classic-inspired augments, as a way to create a memorable moment.
Bellezza also mused on the game's potential as a unique meta-experiment, noting that modern strategies might not translate directly to the slower, more methodical pace of the original game. "It was a different pace. It was a little more methodical, a little more all-in in some cases than the current League is today," he observed. The game's launch is scheduled for July 29.