Riot Games has officially revealed the name of their new trading card game (TCG), Riftbound, along with key details that have fans eagerly awaiting its release. However, it wasn’t just the game that grabbed attention — it was the story behind the name Riftbound that became a topic of discussion.
The Challenges of Naming Riftbound
When it came to naming their upcoming League of Legends-inspired TCG, Riot Games initially set their sights on Riftbound. The name had an immediate appeal to the team, as it evoked the essence of Summoner’s Rift, the iconic map in League of Legends where players battle in 5v5 matches. It felt like a perfect fit for their new card game that would reflect the same competitive spirit.
However, Riot Games ran into an unexpected hurdle — Barrel Smash Studios, an independent Australian game development company, had already claimed Riftbound for their own project. This presented a challenge for Riot Games, as they had to come up with a solution to keep the name they were so passionate about.
A Surprising Collaboration: How Riot Games Got the Name Riftbound
Instead of abandoning the name Riftbound, Riot Games took a proactive approach by reaching out to Barrel Smash Studios. Riot’s game director, Dave Guskin, and his team explained their vision for the game and why they were so attached to the name Riftbound. After understanding Riot’s commitment and passion for the project, Barrel Smash Studios graciously agreed to transfer the rights to the name to Riot Games.
In an official statement, Guskin expressed his gratitude:
“They generously took the time to meet with us to hear our game vision, listened to why we loved the name of Riftbound so much, and agreed to transition the Riftbound name to us. We look forward to bringing Riftbound into the TCG and League of Legends community by getting decks into the hands of players later this year.”
Thanks to this collaboration, Riftbound was able to keep its name and move forward with development, marking a new chapter for Riot Games in the trading card game world.
The Significance of the Riftbound Name
The journey behind the name Riftbound is more than just a simple naming issue — it showcases the passion and collaboration within the gaming community. Riot Games, despite facing a potential setback, managed to overcome the challenge through a respectful and transparent conversation with Barrel Smash Studios. This willingness to collaborate ultimately paved the way for a more meaningful and memorable experience for players, both new and old.