Unleash Team Fights in Reality: League of Legends Trading Card Game Revolution

Riot’s Physical Card Game, Project K, Is Coming to China in Early 2025

In a big month for Runeterra, Riot Games has announced a new physical card game, Project K, which is set to release in China in early 2025. This marks a significant expansion for the League of Legends franchise, which has traditionally been digital-only. The game is a departure from Riot’s usual fare, and we got the chance to speak with game director Dave Guskin about how Project K came to be and what players can expect.

A Physical Card Game with a Lot of Depth

Project K is a traditional 1v1 trading card game with a recognizable mana system, where players collect and trade cards featuring their favorite League of Legends champions. But it’s not just about collecting cards – the game also features a unique battlefield system, where players can move units between different areas of the board. This adds a new layer of strategy to the game, as players need to carefully manage their units and resources to outmaneuver their opponents.

From Concept to Reality

According to Guskin, the idea for Project K was born out of a desire to create a physical game that would allow players to experience the world of League of Legends in a new way. The team developed the basic game engine in just a few months, and then began staffing up with TCG enthusiasts from Riot’s offices in Los Angeles and Shanghai.

Finding the Right Partner

While Project K is set to release in China in early 2025, the game’s availability in other regions is still up in the air. Guskin explained that Riot is looking for a partner who shares their passion for bringing a great game experience to players, and is willing to put in the time and energy to make it happen. "We’re looking for a partner who cares just as much as we do about doing that, who’s willing to put in the time and energy to do it," he said.

What’s Next for Project K

While Guskin couldn’t offer a firm timetable for when Project K might come to the United States, he did make it clear that the goal is to get it out as close to the Chinese release as possible. For now, the game will be playable for attendees of Riot’s Teamfight Tactics invitational tournament in Macao later this month, and Guskin hopes that the team will have more news to share with players soon.

[Image: Jinx’s 5/5 champion card in Project K, featuring the text "When you discard one or more cards, ready me and give me +1 [punching logo] this turn"]

[Image: A battleground, Windswept Hillock, in Project K. The text reads "Units here have Ganking. (They can move battlefield to battlefield.)"]

Check out the images below for a closer look at the game’s cards and gameplay.