Riftbound Directors Says Game Used To Be A Lot Like Magic: The Gathering–Until Players Rejected It
Riftbound, Riot Games’ trading card game based on League of Legends, has achieved significant success since its English release in October 2025, drawing a large player base and commanding substantial attention at Gen Con 2026. The TCG arrived during a particularly active period for the genre, joining newer entries like Flesh and Blood and Sorcery, as well as licensed competitors such as the upcoming Cyberpunk TCG and One Piece card game.
In an interview at Gen Con, Game Director Dave Guskin revealed that Riftbound’s development team is surprisingly small—a notable fact given the game’s significant community growth and industry presence. Guskin also noted that the game underwent significant design changes based on player feedback, moving away from its original concept, which was heavily inspired by Magic: The Gathering. Players rejected the MTG-like design, prompting the team to redesign the game into what exists today. Despite launching less than a year ago, Riftbound has cultivated a thriving community and continues to expand its player base, with Gen Con serving as a major showcase featuring exclusive merchandise and direct engagement with the development team.