Riot Games’ partnership with Amazon’s Prime Gaming has come to a close and that means that players will have to get items in Valorant and League of Legends in different ways now.
One of the most lucrative rewards for League of Legends players was Prime Gaming capsules. These bundles usually offered easy access to new skins and champions, as well as in-game currency. Valorant players also got a lot out of Prime Gaming, with free sprays and gun buddies.
When Riot and Amazon extended their partnership in 2023, Prime Gaming director Josh Dodson stated he was thrilled to continue working with Riot, citing their success in the past. Despite that, the two companies are now set to split which leaves players of League of Legends, Valorant, Teamfight Tactics, and other titles left without as many free skins as they’re used to.
Prime Gaming will stop offering items for League of Legends, Valorant, and other Riot Games titles in March 2024. Riot acknowledges this news is “disappointing” for fans and opted to let them know as soon as possible. Riot clarified that loot would still be claimable until March 2024, and will remain unlocked even after the partnership ends.
Prime Gaming has also been criticized by some users of late. A new, awkward user interface and sometimes difficult reward-claiming process have left some frustrated.
For many, the free Valorant cosmetics and LoL skins and champions were one of the biggest reasons to use Prime Gaming. It’s unclear why the partnership is being ended, but this comes after a difficult stretch for Amazon Games. The retail giant has significantly dialed back its efforts in the gaming space, laying off hundreds in the process.
Riot stated that it has plans to find some sort of replacement for some of the items that were offered via Prime Gaming.
“We know how much players loved all the sprays, gun buddies, and player cards from this program, and while they’ll discontinue after March, Valorant will continue to find different opportunities to reward you for all the ways you play and engage,” Valorant executive producer Anna Donlon said in a statement.
While Donlon suggested that this content will continue being available in Valorant, that’s not necessarily going to be the case for League of Legends, Wild Rift, or Teamfight Tactics. It’s unclear whether players will still have the opportunity to get free monthly capsules, or if this will just disappear when Riot Games is off Prime Gaming.
League of Legends still offers several ways for players to get free champions. While Prime Gaming will no longer be giving out items, the weekly rotation always has free champions to try out. Players will continue to get Blue Essence from normal gameplay, which can be spent on unlocking champions.
Valorant offers several ways for players to get free agents. Much like League of Legends, Valorant has its own currency and progress system. Though most games of this nature are heavily monetized and emphasize microtransactions, players can unlock agents in Valorant for free without much trouble. They can be purchased outright for currency, however.
Riot Games continues to maintain a partnership with Xbox Game Pass. Game Pass subscribers don’t get free skins or cosmetic items, but do get access to every LoL champion and every Valorant agent, albeit with some restrictions. Players need to unlock or purchase champions and agents permanently before they can use skins on them.
It’s possible that this offering will be made available on Xbox Game Pass instead of through Prime Gaming.
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