Gaming

League of Legends player count: How many people play in 2024?

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2 weeks ago

September 20, 2024

Bogdan

League of Legends player count: How many people play in 2024?

League of Legends (LoL) has been one of the most popular online multiplayer games in the world for over a decade. Since its launch in 2009 by Riot Games, LoL has consistently maintained a large, dedicated player base.

Understanding the League of Legends player count can give insight into the game’s enduring success, the scale of its community, and why it continues to attract millions of players.

In this article, we’ll explore the current League of Legends player count in 2024, factors contributing to its popularity, and its impact on the gaming industry.

Table of Contents

League of Legends player count in 2024

As of 2024, League of Legends remains one of the most-played video games in the world. Estimates indicate that the League of Legends player count reaches around 150 million registered players, with approximately 12 million active players logging in daily. This impressive figure highlights LoL’s position as a dominant force in the online gaming world.

Monthly active players

Reports suggest that League of Legends maintains an average of 120-130 million monthly active players. This number has stayed relatively stable over the years, thanks to consistent updates, new champions, and engaging seasonal events that keep players coming back.

Peak concurrent players

At its peak times, League of Legends can reach as many as 8-10 million concurrent players globally. Riot Games has designed servers around the world to accommodate these massive numbers, ensuring smooth gameplay even during peak hours.

Historical growth of the League of Legends player base

The growth of the League of Legends player count over the years is nothing short of remarkable. Here’s a quick look at how the game’s player base has evolved since its release:

1. 2009–2011: The early days

When League of Legends was first released in 2009, it was marketed as a free-to-play alternative to other multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games like Dota. Within its first two years, the game had garnered a small but dedicated player base, reaching around 11 million players by 2011.

2. 2012–2015: Rapid expansion

By 2012, the game’s player base had exploded, with more than 32 million monthly active players. The introduction of the eSports scene, along with regular updates and events, led to even more rapid growth. By 2015, the player count had surged to over 67 million monthly active players.

3. 2016–2019: Sustained growth

During these years, League of Legends continued to grow steadily, maintaining around 100 million monthly active players. The game became a staple in the eSports industry, further cementing its place as a cultural phenomenon. Events like the World Championships attracted millions of viewers, which helped draw new players to the game.

4. 2020–2023: The modern era

In 2020, the global pandemic led to a surge in online gaming, including League of Legends, which saw a significant boost in its player base. Riot Games introduced a variety of in-game events, new champions, and the successful launch of Wild Rift, a mobile version of the game, which brought even more players into the League of Legends universe.

By 2023, the player count had surpassed 125 million monthly active players, with consistent engagement from both new and returning players.

Factors contributing to League of Legends’ massive player count

Several factors contribute to the high League of Legends player count, making it one of the most popular games globally.

1. Free-to-play model

One of the biggest reasons for the game’s widespread popularity is its free-to-play model. Unlike many other popular games, League of Legends does not require players to purchase the base game or pay for expansions.

Players can enjoy all core gameplay elements for free, only spending money on optional in-game purchases like skins and cosmetics. This model has made it accessible to a global audience, attracting millions of players regardless of their economic background.

2. Regular updates and new content

Riot Games consistently provides new content to keep players engaged. With regular champion releases, game mode updates, balance patches, and in-game events, League of Legends feels fresh and constantly evolving.

Every few months, new champions are introduced, giving players new strategies and styles of gameplay. Additionally, seasonal events like Worlds or themed events (such as the Star Guardian or PROJECT events) create excitement and boost player engagement.

3. Strong eSports presence

The competitive nature of League of Legends has also contributed to its enduring popularity. LoL has one of the largest and most well-organized eSports ecosystems in the world. The League of Legends World Championship draws millions of viewers annually, and professional players are often seen as celebrities within the gaming community.

This strong eSports presence has kept many players invested in the game, aspiring to improve their skills and compete at higher levels.

4. Community and social features

League of Legends has a vibrant and active community. Players can form teams, join ranked matches, and compete in tournaments, fostering a sense of camaraderie and competition. The social aspects of the game, including friend lists, clubs, and voice chat, make it easy for players to connect and engage with others.

5. Global appeal

LoL’s popularity spans across continents, with significant player bases in regions such as North America, Europe, China, South Korea, and Latin America. Riot Games has localized the game for various languages and regions, making it accessible to players around the world. Events like MSI and Worlds bring together teams from all over the globe, further enhancing the game’s international appeal.

How does League of Legends compare to other games?

When compared to other popular online multiplayer games, the League of Legends player count is consistently impressive. Here’s how LoL stacks up against other major titles:

Fortnite: With around 80 million monthly active players, Fortnite remains one of the most popular games, but it still falls short of League of Legends in terms of consistent player count.
Call of Duty: Warzone: While Warzone boasts millions of players, its numbers fluctuate more significantly, with around 50-70 million monthly players on average.
Valorant: Riot Games’ other major title, Valorant, has grown in popularity, reaching around 20 million monthly players, but it’s still far from matching League of Legends’ player count.

Overall, League of Legends continues to dominate the multiplayer gaming scene due to its consistent updates, competitive community, and global reach.

The future of the League of Legends player count

Given its strong foundation, it’s expected that the League of Legends player count will continue to remain high for the foreseeable future. Riot Games has shown a commitment to improving and expanding the game through new content, better server infrastructure, and a growing eSports scene.

In addition, the success of Wild Rift on mobile and the upcoming League of Legends-based projects like Project L (a fighting game) could introduce even more players to the universe, further boosting its player base.

Final thoughts: League of Legends player count in 2024

The League of Legends player count remains one of the highest in the gaming world, with millions of players logging in daily to experience the game’s strategic depth and competitive thrill.

As of 2024, LoL continues to maintain an active player base of over 120 million monthly players, with consistent growth thanks to its free-to-play model, regular updates, and strong eSports presence.

With a bright future ahead, League of Legends shows no signs of slowing down as one of the most iconic games in history. Also, here are some similar articles that you might find useful: