Meet Gwen, the Next Champion Coming to ‘League of Legends’
The next champion to join “League of Legends'” ever-growing champion roster will be Gwen, the Hallowed Seamstress. On March 26th, Riot Games tweeted out a teaser video of a doll being made by a woman many believe to be Isolde, the wife of “League of Legends'” most recent champion Viego. the Ruined King.
The teaser shows Isolde and Viego happily embracing before she breaks apart into motes of blue light. The doll she created then falls into the sea, drifting until one of those pieces of light enters it, causing the doll to take the shape of a person. Before the teaser was released, many fans speculated that the next champion to join the game would be Isolde. During Viego’s release, Riot had announced that the following three champions would be connected to the Ruined King’s return.
Once upon a time, a seamstress made a darling little doll! 🧵
This doll loved her maker very much, but sadly, tragedy ripped them apart, sending the doll to sink beneath sea and sorrow. Centuries passed, but the doll was not deterred, for she knew love would find her again! ✂ pic.twitter.com/JthVxxeyNs
— League of Legends // UK, IE & Nordics (@LoLUKN) March 26, 2021
But as quickly as the speculation started, Riot just as quickly answered the question. Shortly after the teaser video was revealed, Riot released a gameplay trailer showcasing all of Gwen’s abilities. “Armed with scissors, needles, and thread, Gwen must unravel the mysteries of her past while using her tools to take down evil—wherever he may be,” the trailer’s description reads.
From what is shown in the video, Gwen appears to attack her enemies with a pair of giant scissors and ethereal needles. She also created a zone around her that appeared to render her invulnerable to crowd control abilities. She also appears to have a dash ability, granting her added mobility for fights and escapes. Gwen is expected to fill in the top lane position. The last female top laner released was Camille back in 2016, so Gwen is a welcome addition to the role.
While many are excited for Gwen’s reveal, some fans are disheartened by her design. Some fear that Riot is becoming formulaic with their champion designs, creating characters with the intent to sell cosmetic skins rather than create something wholly unique to “League of Legends.” One of these criticisms is how despite being a doll granted life by the fragment of Isolde (à la “Pinocchio”), Gwen lacks any defining characteristics that would indicate her patchwork origin. While she may have glowing blue stitch lines along her arms and neck, some feel as if the design could use a bit more work.
Regardless, we’re excited to see Gwen, the Hallowed Seamstress hit Summoner’s Rift in the coming weeks.
