Riot Games Error Briefly Disables League of Legends Due to License Lapse
The popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, League of Legends, faced a temporary outage due to a digital license expiration. The game’s digital certificate, which is crucial for verifying its authenticity, was valid from January 7, 2016, to January 4, 2026. As the date switched to January 5, 2026, the certificate became invalid, rendering the game unplayable worldwide.
Temporary Workaround Discovered by Players
Some resourceful players found a workaround for the outage. By adjusting their system clocks back to a date before the license expired, they were able to trick League of Legends into launching again. While this method provided a temporary solution for dedicated fans, it risked causing issues with other applications on their systems.
Resolution and Broader Implications
This issue has since been resolved, highlighting a recurring challenge in the digital services landscape. According to a Digicert survey from last year, nearly half of the companies surveyed reported facing outages due to digital certificate expiration. This is not an isolated problem; for instance, Steam Deck users experienced a similar “Device Not Supported” bug last year caused by digital certificate issues.
Future Developments for League of Legends
Looking ahead, League of Legends is preparing for significant changes. A new version of the game is set to launch in 2027, with additional information expected soon. These adjustments come alongside a new seasonal structure aimed at enhancing the gaming experience.
Company Challenges and Changes
The revitalization of League of Legends follows a difficult period for Riot Games. In 2024, the company underwent two rounds of layoffs, citing unsustainable costs as the primary reason. Executives expressed that this financial strain left little room for experimentation and innovation.
Key Takeaways
- League of Legends briefly unplayable due to license expiration.
- Players used a clock adjustment workaround to access the game.
- Digital certificate expirations cause widespread issues for companies.
- A new version of League of Legends is scheduled for release in 2027.
- Riot Games recently faced layoffs to address financial challenges.
