Originally Posted by
Krommm
I think my only disagreement with GC here this time is that LoL is one of the most casual games ever created. You can play games all day in League sure, but the same applies to WoW, Farmville, Hearthstone, ARPGs (D3/PoE/TL etc), Pacman, Tetris, etc.
I would argue that it is easier to become great at WoW than it is to become excellent at LoL. WoW content starts off easy, then throws players into much tougher content. (arguably easy or moderately challenging for those of us who aren't bad or new to the genre.)
LoL is a mixed bag even if you discount ranked games. There is a very brief tutorial, the controls are simple, but you will get completely wrecked until you learn item choices, team synergies, champion strengths/weaknesses, general champion gameplay, and mostly get some experience. You'll get matched against professional hardcore players and the most terrible of teammates/opponents.
Both games are difficult when matched against equal or better opponents. Or in the case of WoW PvE, some of the heroic content can be challenging as well. Neither game does well on the accessibility and teaching front. Part of the issue stems from the majority of players not caring if their performance dictates victory or defeat.
At any rate it sure seemed like Riot really wanted to attract casual gamers with 4 hero abilities, 2 picked universal spells, mouse clicking/camera movement and the recall button being the only keys available in playing the game. The fights are flashy and for many it is easy to watch. Disregarding WoW's PvP imbalances, the UI is really poor for PvP formats and is really awful to watch. (Imbalance + Skill Bloat + Poor easy to read UI = Very few tournaments)
Anyways, I'd rather he just tell us what he did if he is going to prattle on. "I made people's jobs easier, was in charge of balance and features, but also had no bearing on how good or bad things turned out."
Note: I don't think LoL or WoW are hardcore at all. For the most part they are largely casual, which is why I can't take GC's comment seriously about not having "to have to worry about attracting casual gamers." I also don't blame him for any imbalances, just his staunch defending of some poor decisions as he seemed to bear the "messenger" role well.