Riot Games Announces 76% Price Increase for Ukrainian Players

Image Credit: Riot Games

In a controversial move, Riot Games has announced a 76% increase in the price of League of Legends: Wild Rift in-game currency for Ukrainian players (which kicked into effect on September 18th). Alongside this they have also announced a 73% price increase for League of Legends PC and Teamfight Tactics in-game currency, 66% price increase in Valorant currency, and a 64% price increase for Legends of Runeterra in-game currency. This change is said to be a part of Riot’s broader effort to standardize regional pricing and adjust for inflation, currency fluctuations, and market dynamics. While price updates are common, especially in the post-COVID era, such a steep increase for Ukraine has garnered significant attention within the gaming community, especially as the country faces ongoing economic challenges due to ongoing conflict within the region.

Why Is the Price Increasing?

Riot’s decision to adjust RP prices in various regions is based on the company’s goal of maintaining a balanced and fair pricing system globally. Ukraine, which is experiencing significant inflation and currency devaluation, is one of the hardest-hit countries in this price update. The company cites the need to adjust to market realities and to address discrepancies in regional pricing across League of Legends and other Riot games, such as Teamfight Tactics and Valorant. While other countries, such as Mexico, have actually seen adjustments in the opposite direction with an up to 9% decrease in prices, Ukraine’s unique economic situation has them in a particularly rough spot.

For Ukrainian players, the up-to 76% price increase will significantly affect their ability to purchase in-game currencies/cosmetics. Given that many Ukrainian players have already been dealing with financial instability due to the ongoing conflict, this price hike could place paid content further out of reach for many. Ukrainian players have expressed concerns over this adjustment, some even calling it insulting, with many fearing that it may reduce their in-game purchases significantly or even completely push them away from the game for good.

Broader Implications for Riot Games

Riot’s decision to implement such a sharp increase in RP prices for Ukraine raises broader questions about how game companies handle regional pricing in the face of global economic challenges. While Riot Games aims to standardize and balance prices across different regions, the approach is not without those who passionately disagree. Some players feel that Riot should take a more nuanced approach, accounting for the unique economic circumstances of specific regions rather than imposing blanket price adjustments based solely on exchange rates and inflation.

On the other hand, some players outside of Ukraine have acknowledged the reasoning behind Riot’s decision, recognizing the need for global companies to adjust their pricing structures in line with local economic realities. However, even these players express sympathy for their Ukrainian counterparts, understanding that such a sharp increase in prices will undoubtedly affect their ability to enjoy the game as they once did, especially at a time where these games may offer some desperately-needed relief.

Riot’s Global Pricing Strategy

As stated earlier the price increase in Ukraine is part of Riot Games' global effort to adjust prices based on local economic factors such as inflation and currency strength, and Riot will continue to regularly reviews its regional pricing structures to ensure fairness and consistency across its player base. In a statement, Riot acknowledged that these changes are never easy for players but emphasized that they are necessary to maintain a fair gaming experience globally.

It is worth noting that Riot’s price update is not limited to Ukraine. Other regions, such as Turkey and Southeast Asia, are also experiencing price adjustments, though none are as drastic as the 76% increase in Ukraine. For example, the Philippines will see a40% rise in RP prices, while regions like India and Mexico are actually seeing price reductions.

Overall, while Riot Games is justified in adjusting prices to account for inflation and currency fluctuations, the impact on Ukrainian players, already struggling with economic hardship, will be significant on the gaming population that loves these games. For Ukrainian players, this price hike may force difficult choices about how they engage with the game, and for Riot, the challenge will be to maintain player goodwill while navigating the complexities of global economics.

If you want to see the entire list of prices changes you can find the Riot Games Regional Price Updates (along with their statement) listed here: https://www.riotgames.com/en/news/2024-regional-price-updates