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Kinda lame they don't show they alternative champion concepts like they used to, seeing the different "could have been" versions of champions like sett was cool
Kinda lame they don't show they alternative champion concepts like they used to, seeing the different "could have been" versions of champions like sett was cool
We didn't include it here but the exploration for K'Sante was mainly focused on his weapons, hair, and costuming. They knew they were going to make a Black, West African-inspired man from the start. So there wasn't the standard three direction spread we've shared in the past.
That point about how all the other black characters in League are defined by their struggle is one that I've never considered. Yes, character problems drive growth and create interesting story opportunities, but that doesn't mean that's all they have to have (nor does it make the ones that do bad characters by any stretch of the imagination).
I'm an African-American kid who's grown up around stories where very rarely do people who look and talk like me get to be the protagonist or hero just because, especially in fantasy and fantasy adjacent settings. K'Sante is a well crafted and interesting character beyond the color of his skin of course, but when you add that in the first feeling I get is "See! People like you are welcome here! You've got every right to exist in this place." It may seem trite or unnecessary to some but I can't tell you how much I wish I had this type of character to identify with growing up.
Representation matters.
I'm sorry that entertainment media has failed you and other BIPOC folks so holistically in the past (and will probably do so in the future). K'Sante isn't, and can't be, the solution to all the missed opportunities for diverse and inclusive storytelling. But I hope this is a step in the right direction.
These stories matter. Diverse stories matter. I'm glad you've found representation in K'Sante, and I know the team will be as well. They put so much care and thought into him, and it's such an honor to be able to help show that.
Question for the gameplay designer if they are here, how much of a consideration was to make K'Sante a viable support? Clearly it looks like he's focused on being a Top Laner, but having a new tank to try is really cool as a support main.
Not to mention whenever Tope inevitably releases as his own champ we get the Tope + K'Sante botlane.
It was in the back of our minds. His power curve requires him to be somewhat gold reliant to succeed, so his support isn’t likely to be his main role. It is possible that in certain matchups he’d be a reasonable support pick, but his kit is working against him there.
That point about how all the other black characters in League are defined by their struggle is one that I've never considered. Yes, character problems drive growth and create interesting story opportunities, but that doesn't mean that's all they have to have (nor does it make the ones that do bad characters by any stretch of the imagination).
I'm an African-American kid who's grown up around stories where very rarely do people who look and talk like me get to be the protagonist or hero just because, especially in fantasy and fantasy adjacent settings. K'Sante is a well crafted and interesting character beyond the color of his skin of course, but when you add that in the first feeling I get is "See! People like you are welcome here! You've got every right to exist in this place." It may seem trite or unnecessary to some but I can't tell you how much I wish I had this type of character to identify with growing up.
Representation matters.
I’m very glad to hear this resonated with you. I know it won’t hit for everybody, but that’s why we need different takes on different types of characters, and I’ve been acutely feeling the lack of this one for a long time as well. I also wish I had more like this in the games I played growing up—kids deserve better.
Follow up question: how’s his jungle clear looking? Are we talking “viable jungler”, “you can make him work if you want”, or “balance team is under instructions to break his kneecaps if he looks at smite funny”?
This is actually a tough question, because his kit was locked way before the new jungle was designed. We ran some tests, but it was with the current items and things. I’m sure we ran more tests since but I’m not the person who would’ve done it.
I appreciate Riot having RIGs for their minorities, but did you really need to name them Riot Noir and Rainbow Rioters?
The RIGs (ERGs) name themselves!
Yeah at 6'7" he would probably be closer to 320 with next to no bodyfat
Maybe gravity works different in Runeterra ;D
Another question! How is K'Sante's mana in lane? He's got the same Q mechanic that the windshitters have, but they can spam theirs as much as they want being manaless and all. I see it's only ten mana in the video you guys included but that does add up when you're playing such a scrappy champion.
In fact, how is his laning phase in general? Does he get kicked around when his ultimate isn't up? How is his all-in? Can he 1v2 a gank if he gets ahead?
His mana is alright. You definitely can’t waste your W, but unless you spam q AND e you probably aren’t running out.
His laning is strong. Not top class early game champ but can definitely fight you and trade effectively. With his ult, he can definitely turn around a 1v2 if the enemy doesn’t respect the angles of the knockback
what is the asian group called? how many groups are there?
There is FAR, the Filipinos at Riot RIG, who recently put on a Night Market in partnership with Riot Unidos, the Latino Rioter RIG. API is for Asian & Pacific Islander Rioters. There's one for underrepped genders and gender identities, and also one for veterans. I think there could be more, but I'll admit I'm not super active with RIGs.
His mana is alright. You definitely can’t waste your W, but unless you spam q AND e you probably aren’t running out.
His laning is strong. Not top class early game champ but can definitely fight you and trade effectively. With his ult, he can definitely turn around a 1v2 if the enemy doesn’t respect the angles of the knockback
unless you spam q AND e you probably aren’t running out.
😰
Did you research any other West African countries for inspiration?? Or did the idea of basing K'Sante on Ghana come early in the development?
The team wanted to create a West African-inspired champ from early on, and Ghana was chosen very early. West Africa isn't a monolith of culture, but there's some overlap between some of the countries--especially considering much of the modern borders in Africa were drawn by white European nations and ignored a lot of the differences between different groups of peoples.
They did look at the region overall, and highlighted a lot of the regional traditions, but tried to stick closely to Ghanaian inspirations.
What about midlane?
Could he fit a niche as a counterpick in mid to burst champs who would blow their cooldowns into his “defensive stance” before he ults and pummels them back?
I would love it if that were the case. He’s probably susceptible to getting poked out because he doesn’t have great ways of getting in without heavy telegraphing.
u/riot_llama would know more I think
I appreciate Riot having RIGs for their minorities, but did you really need to name them Riot Noir and Rainbow Rioters?
We chose the name Rainbow Rioters. There were a lot of other names in consideration back in the day, but this one felt best. We used to be called LGBTQIA+ @ Riot and that wasn't the easiest thing to say over and over haha
Luckily that won't stop me from forcing him bot like I do every other champ!
K’Sante would want you to live your truth
That point about how all the other black characters in League are defined by their struggle is one that I've never considered. Yes, character problems drive growth and create interesting story opportunities, but that doesn't mean that's all they have to have (nor does it make the ones that do bad characters by any stretch of the imagination).
I'm an African-American kid who's grown up around stories where very rarely do people who look and talk like me get to be the protagonist or hero just because, especially in fantasy and fantasy adjacent settings. K'Sante is a well crafted and interesting character beyond the color of his skin of course, but when you add that in the first feeling I get is "See! People like you are welcome here! You've got every right to exist in this place." It may seem trite or unnecessary to some but I can't tell you how much I wish I had this type of character to identify with growing up.
Representation matters.
To read this from THE IcyColdStare means so much. Thank you for sharing this inspirational message.
what do you mean by three direction spread that was standard?
In the past we've shared some of the classic early concept spreads that show three different directions for a character. It's usually three spreads (but sometimes there are more) because three is just a perfect number :)
Riot Cashmiir is a writer and Gold support main. When she isn’t doing words, she’s stealing kills from her ADC and wondering why she’s hardstuck.
lol, you and me both my friend
A fellow Zyra appreciator🙏
wait so how long has this riot noir n other stuff been a thing i feel like i dont recall hearing this kinda race oriented consideration stuff for previous black champs like lucian or whatever. Or maybe its just been to long and i dont remember
Senna was the first champion that we starting collaborating with RIG groups on Champions
Naruto being a great source of inspiration as always
Truly a wealth of inspiration
As a primarily tank player who does everything to try to carry the carry, but is sometimes left with carries who do nothing with the space they're given... this is my "fine I'll do it myself" moment.
That is a paraphrase of one of his VO lines for exactly that reason
Sooo... Fasting Senna with K'Sante bot?
oooooooooo