Entertainment
Riot Games Developing a League of Legends Physical Card Game in 2025
2024-12-06
Andrew Webster, an entertainment editor with a focus on streaming, virtual worlds, and Pokémon video games, has been with The Verge since 2012 and has written over 4,000 stories. Now, the League of Legends universe is expanding with a physical card game.

Unveiling the Physical Card Game Adventure in the League of Legends Universe

Project K: A Unique Gaming Experience

The physical game currently goes by the codename Project K and is set to launch in China in early 2025. Riot Games' announcement today reveals that they are developing a physical trading card game within the League universe. This game is being led by director Dave Guskin and producer Chengran Chai. According to Riot, Project K has unique gameplay that truly shines when played with friends in person. Just take a look at the images below to get a sense of what this game has to offer.There aren't many details available yet about Project K, but it's clear that Riot is taking their time to ensure its success. They are working with an unnamed partner in China to make this launch happen. As for a global release, Riot is being cautious and looking for the right publishing partners.

The Expanding League of Legends Universe

The League of Legends universe has been expanding rapidly in recent years. So far, we've seen mobile games like Teamfight Tactics and Wild Rift, the Netflix series Arcane, and the competitive fighting game 2XKO, which is expected to launch next year. However, not all of these spinoffs have been successful. In January, Riot announced that they were cutting more than 500 jobs, which included shutting down Riot Forge Games and making some changes to Legends of Runeterra. Legends of Runeterra, a mobile card game that launched in 2020, didn't perform as well as needed.

Card Games' Moment and Project K's Timing

The news of Project K comes at a time when card games are experiencing another surge in popularity, largely driven by the new smartphone version of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. This presents an exciting opportunity for Riot to enter the physical card game market with their own unique offering. With Project K, Riot hopes to capture the hearts and minds of card game enthusiasts around the world.
Thatcher Demko Expected to Join Canucks' Lineup in Next 3 Games
2024-12-06
Vancouver's Thatcher Demko has expressed his hope of rejoining the team's lineup within the next three games. The 28-year-old goaltender, who resumed team practices nearly three weeks ago, has been progressing well from the knee injury he sustained last season. On Thursday, he had his own net during practice, indicating his readiness.

Thatcher Demko's Road to a Comeback with the Canucks

Progress from Knee Injury

Demko's recovery has been on a day-to-day basis, which is a positive sign as he has moved out of the week-to-week stage. He believes he is now in a position to have a discussion with coach Rick Tocchet about potentially backing up in the upcoming games. This shows his determination and eagerness to get back on the ice.

Since last season, when he was injured in Game 1 of the Western Conference First Round against the Nashville Predators on April 21, this is only the third time he has spoken to the media. He had previously missed 5 1/2 weeks due to a different left knee injury during the regular season.

Although he resumed skating during the Canucks' second-round match against the Edmonton Oilers and expected to return for the Western Conference Final if they hadn't lost in seven games, it has been 6 1/2 months since he last played a game.

Learning from the Experience

During this time, Demko has gained a lot of knowledge about his body and how to manage his health. He admits that sometimes knowing too much about the body can be a bit torturous, but through his experiences with different injuries over the years, he has learned valuable lessons.

He can now tweak certain aspects of his preparation and workload, whether it's during practice days or goalie ice sessions. This allows him to manage himself better and be in a better position when he does return.

Last season, Demko was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy as the League's top goalie. He set NHL career highs in wins (35), shutouts (five), and save percentage (.918) despite being limited to 51 games due to his first knee injury on March 9. This shows his exceptional skills and potential.

Teammate Kevin Lankinen

When Demko does return, he will be playing alongside Kevin Lankinen, who signed with the Canucks as a free agent after training camp. Lankinen has been outstanding, with a 12-3-3 record and an NHL record 10-straight road game wins to start the season, having a.906 save percentage.

This has given Demko the confidence to not rush back and manage expectations. He gives credit to Lankinen and understands that it will take time to get back to his best form.

He doesn't expect to come back and be immediately at his A-game. Instead, he sees it as a gradual process of getting game reps and fully recovering from rehab. This approach shows his maturity and understanding of the situation.

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Live Nation Launches First Southeast Asian Live Music Venue in Singapore
2024-12-06
Live Nation is all set to make a significant mark in Southeast Asia with the launch of its first live music venue. This venture, in partnership with Lendlease Global Commercial REIT and supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, is set to redefine the live entertainment scene in the region.

Unleashing the Power of Live Music in Southeast Asia

Unique Features of the Venue

The 3,000-capacity music hall stands out with its state-of-the-art facilities and multiple rooms and stages. It is designed to accommodate both emerging and established international touring acts along with local artists, providing a diverse platform for musical talent. The addition of a café and bar within the venue transforms it into a dynamic hub, capable of hosting smaller events and adding to the overall entertainment experience.

Live Nation's global expertise will ensure that the venue operates at the highest standards, creating significant local employment opportunities and contributing to Singapore's economic growth. This is not just a venue but a cultural and economic asset for the community.

Benefits for Local Audiences

Local audiences will now have access to a whole new world of live music and cultural activities. The distinctive venue performance spaces will host a variety of events, from live music concerts to meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. This will enhance the cultural fabric of the region and provide a unique experience for locals and visitors alike.

With Live Nation's commitment to expanding the live music market in Singapore, audiences can look forward to a continuous stream of exciting events and performances, making Singapore a must-visit destination for live entertainment.

Impact on the Local Economy

The development of this venue is expected to have a profound impact on the local economy. It will create jobs in various sectors, from operations to hospitality. The increased footfall and economic activity around the venue will also boost the surrounding areas, contributing to the overall growth of the region.

Live Nation's partnership with Lendlease Global Commercial Trust Management and the Singapore Tourism Board showcases the collaborative efforts to drive the live entertainment industry forward. This initiative is a testament to Singapore's position as the live entertainment capital of the region.

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