Riot Games is expanding its iconic League of Legends universe with a new venture—a physical trading card game currently codenamed “Project K.” The game, slated for an early 2025 release in China, marks the first time Riot has entered the realm of physical card games. The company is collaborating with a yet-to-be-named partner in China, while plans for a global release remain in progress. Riot has stated that it’s “taking time to find the right publishing partners” for international distribution.
Project K is being developed by a team led by director Dave Guskin and producer Chengran Chai. Riot describes the game as having “unique gameplay” designed to be most enjoyable with friends and in-person play. While specific mechanics remain under wraps, early glimpses of the project suggest a departure from conventional trading card game norms.
This move comes as part of Riot’s broader strategy to expand its League of Legends franchise into diverse media and gaming formats. The company has previously ventured into mobile games like Teamfight Tactics and Wild Rift, as well as other genres such as the fighting game Project L and the Netflix series Arcane. However, not all of Riot’s experiments have succeeded. Earlier this year, the company laid off more than 500 employees and discontinued projects under its Riot Forge publishing label. Among the casualties was Legends of Runeterra, a digital card game launched in 2020, which struggled to meet performance expectations.
Despite these setbacks, Riot’s foray into physical card gaming signals its confidence in the enduring popularity of the League of Legends universe. The company’s strategic approach to crafting a product tailored for in-person social gaming could help differentiate Project K from competitors in an increasingly saturated market.
As fans eagerly await more details about the game, it’s clear that Riot remains committed to innovating within its franchise. Whether Project K becomes a global hit or a niche favorite, it underscores the company’s ongoing efforts to broaden the appeal of its flagship universe.
