In 2021, the true measure of a big gaming IP is having your own animated series on an established streaming platform. And tomorrow, League of Legends (LoL), is getting a Netflix animated series in the form of Arcane.
Arcane is a nine-part series broken down into three acts. The first act will be released after the finals of this year’s LoL World Championship; the second will be released a week later (13th Nov) and the third a week after (20th Nov). It will also be streamed concurrently on Twitch; perhaps the first Netflix show to do so, and probably more in keeping with its users’ viewing habits.
Arcane is somewhat like a prequel to the events of LoL, establishing the origin stories of two key champions in the game Jinx and Vi. The series is set in Piltover and Zaun, two cities that share a symbiotic yet tenuous relationship of the light and dark variety. In Arcane, it’s hinted that both cities are on a verge of a major conflict. In the midst of impending war, Vi sets out to save Jinx; while it’s not explicitly mentioned, it’s probably to save Jinx from herself.
More significantly, it’s an event that commits to the canon that Jin and Vi are sisters (by blood or otherwise, nobody knows yet) – probably the best gesture of fan service to the devotees who have been constantly ‘shipping’ (advocating) the pair as such.
Even if you have no interest in the franchise, do check it out for the animation alone, which is quite a head-turner. If you find it strangely familiar, then you’re not the only one. Is it pure coincidence (and somewhat amusing)that the art style of Arcane is somewhat reminiscent of another world produced by Lyon-based Arkane Studios – Dishonored? Not that we’re complaining, by the way. The lush, brooding animation was done by Paris-based Fortiche (Rocket and Groot, 2017), who has worked with Riot Games for League of Legends animations, including the K/DA project. Maybe it’s just a French thing.
Arcane the series will also be part of a massive tie-up with the main game where you can earn rewards by being part of the proceedings. Find out more here .