LEC is listening to fan backlash over its scrim streams with Los Ratones and other potential teams being prevented, and a new rule has been announced that will allow viewers to see their favorite team’s scrims live.
Earlier in March, Riot Games prevented a scrim stream between Los Ratones and LEC team Giantx because of LEC regulations. This caused a significant outrage among fans, with many claiming this is self-sabotage by Riot Games and that it’ll harm the game in the long-term. There was also the question of whether viewership would be affected by this move as scrim streams are popular among fans.
It looks like Riot and the LEC have considered the criticism offered by fans. They have backtracked on their decision to disallow scrim streams, as a new LEC rule will allow teams to stream their scrim sessions, but they will have to follow the set rules decided upon for what’s intended to be a trial phase.
The LEC will allow teams to stream scrim sessions publicly, though everything will be monitored to ensure this decision benefits all parties involved.
LEC commissioner Artem Bykov tweeted the update on his X account. He informed fans that from March 15 to March 23, LEC teams will be allowed to stream their scrims. Bykov elaborated that each team will be allowed to stream only one scrim during this phase. Teams will also be required to ensure that the scrim streams don’t overlap with any EMEA Masters broadcasts, not wanting the broadcasts to cannibalize other official streams.
Bykov stated that the LEC will monitor how the scrim streams affect competition, the teams, and league fans. He said the goal of the test phase is to make an addition that is positive for everyone involved. He also explained why scrim streams have been restricted globally to date.
The LEC commissioner claimed that these scrim streams could cause oversaturation when schedules are already overflowing with pr omatches. He claims that key matches might not feel as special if viewers can see scrims streams between the involved teams. He then explained that the Americas region recently had a scrim stream trial and the impact was positive, leading the LEC is considering changing its approach.
Bykov went on to say that the LEC has discussed the new scrim stream rules with teams and is willing to adapt and improve as it’s able to. Time will tell whether these scrims streams become a permanent part of League of Legends, but fans are excited that the Los Ratones and Giantx scrim stream can be scheduled now.
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