YouTuber unearths LoL’s original investor pitch from Onslaught

Remember when a champion could just be built like a brick wall on roids? That kind of fundamental presence defined an era, tracing its roots back to games like Onslaught: War of the Immortals. Today, we get to take a closer look at how that foundational concept has morphed into something incredibly complex and visually stunning in League of Legends.

The journey from those ancient concepts to the modern masterpiece is fascinating, especially when you examine the original vision delivered by Riot Games. A recent presentation by tuber Necrit and Riot’s Paul “Pabro” Bellezza offered a unique glimpse into the game’s most primordial state—an ancient investor pitch filled with video footage, design documents, lore breakdowns, and breathtaking screenshots.

This wasn’t just a retrospective; it was an invitation to re-examine the core identity of the world. Instead of Summoner’s Rift, players entered a cartoony cityscape split sharply between realms of “order” and “chaos.” These were worlds defined by intense duality, where allegiance to one side had to be declared at the start of the game.

While much of the art style has evolved, some key figures remain delightfully recognizable. Annie still carries her flaming teddy bear minion, but even established heroes like Sion have acquired wonderfully unexpected features—a beard is now a fixture! Even characters like Singed have undergone subtle yet significant transformations, leading to hilarious modern nicknames.

The depth of the lore is what truly anchors this universe. It’s a story where two factions existed in uneasy neutrality until an apocalyptic event, caused by an “antichrist of sorts,” tore a rift in reality. This cosmic chaos now threatens to consume all existence, adding a dramatic layer that contrasts beautifully with the vibrant, cartoony aesthetic.

Riot Games’ own logo was even drenched in blood during this pitch, signaling that the themes of conflict and consequence are woven deeply into the fabric of the game’s narrative. Looking back at these foundations, it’s clear that while we have achieved massive growth, the journey to true classic-ification—complete with a highlighter-orange beard for Sion—is still ongoing.