Riot Games has announced a new League of Legends-themed trading card game (TCG), code-named Project K, which draws inspiration from Legends of Runeterra. Although Project K is not a physical version of Legends of Runeterra, it shares some design philosophies, including the use of similar champion mechanics and artwork. The game retains the card description style of Legends of Runeterra, using first-person phrasing, setting it apart from other popular card games like Magic: The Gathering.
Project K introduces several unique deck themes based on League of Legends champions. For example, Viktor decks focus on amassing and buffing minions, while Volibear decks emphasize straightforward power, and Jinx decks boost attack power through discarded cards. Riot has designed the game to support both one-on-one matches and more chaotic two-versus-two and free-for-all formats, aiming to make it the "best social TCG."
The game is scheduled for release in 2025, with a staggered rollout starting in China in early 2024. Riot is currently seeking a distribution partner for the U.S. market, and while Magic: The Gathering publisher Wizards of the Coast is a potential candidate, Riot is exploring other options as well. The announcement has sparked excitement among fans eager to see how this new TCG will evolve.