Parents' Guide to League of Legends

Game Windows 2009
League of Legends Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Carolyn Koh By Carolyn Koh , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 14+

Online fantasy warfare game with bloody violence, text chat.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 14+?

Any Positive Content?

  • League of Legends Game: Screenshot #1
  • League of Legends Game: Screenshot #2
  • League of Legends Game: Screenshot #3

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 72 parent reviews

Parents say that the game can be both addictive and frustrating, with many warnings about the toxicity of its community which ranges from rude behavior to severe bullying. While some players enjoy it and recommend it for its strategic elements, numerous reviews emphasize the detrimental effects it can have on young players, including increased anxiety, anger issues, and negative impacts on social interactions and relationships, suggesting it is not a suitable choice for children.

  • toxic community
  • addictive gameplay
  • negative social impacts
  • parental caution
  • recommendation to avoid
Summarized with AI
 

 

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age 12+

Based on 61 kid reviews

Kids say this game is incredibly addictive and fun when played with friends, but it is plagued by a highly toxic community that can lead to negative experiences, such as harassment and frustration. While many reviews suggest that the game lacks explicit violence and nudity, the overwhelming presence of toxic players and the potential for addiction have made several users advise against its play, especially for children.

  • addiction issues
  • toxic community
  • fun with friends
  • toxic players
  • gameplay experience
Summarized with AI
 

 

See all 61 kid reviews

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What's It About?

LEAGUE OF LEGENDS is a competitive online game that blends real-time strategy with elements of role-playing. Known as MOBAs -- multiplayer online battle arenas -- the genre is based on Blizzard's Warcraft series of games. Players pick characters known as champions from a stable, form a team, select an arena (all are similar, with three lanes through which players can move toward enemy forces), and are pitted against either another team of players or, if they choose, a computer-controlled team. The goal is simply to rack up kills and destroy the opponents' base. Launched in 2009, several expansions to League of Legends have extended gameplay with the addition of new characters, new arenas, and new game modes. The growth of e-sports (complete with sponsors, large prizes, and commentators) has brought the popularity of the game to a new high, with events held across the world and telecast on the Web.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 72 ):
Kids say ( 61 ):

Part of the reason behind MOBAs' popularity is that everyone starts on a level playing field. All characters begin at Level One, with a set amount of gold with which to purchase items and upgrades. High kills net the player more gold to upgrade their characters and allow them to move to higher levels, opening up new skills and powers. This allows new players to be competitive with established players once they learn the game.

Now over a decade old, League of Legends is an established game that has worked out its early quirks, bugs, and balance issues. Kids will find it visually attractive and appreciate the broad selection of characters. Plus, the low computer-specification requirements and free-to-play nature of the game make for a low barrier to entry. This game is popular for a reason.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the team-based aspect of League of Legends. Do you enjoy cooperative games? Do you play with your friends or strangers?

  • Families also can discuss the importance of online safety and what kids should or should not be sharing with strangers.

Game Details

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