Oct. 27, 2009 (Business Wire) -- Riot Games, an independent developer and publisher of premium online video games, has launched the League of Legends^® "Pre-Season" for the highly anticipated multiplayer online battle arena game for Windows PC. League of Legends is rated "T" for Teen and now available for free via download at www.leagueoflegends.com. A Collector’s Pack is also available for $29.99 via download at www.leagueoflegends.com and at retail outlets nationwide through Riot’s retail campaign partner THQ Inc.

League of Legends will operate in seasons to help facilitate the best in competitive gaming and communities. The League of Legends “Pre-Season” will allow time for players to learn the game, build teams, as well as develop advanced strategies and tactics, when Season One begins in the first half of 2010. Players can also look forward to the addition of clans, teams, tournaments, ladders, draft mode, as well as additional content such as new Champions and maps, between now and the start of Season One.

The League of Legends Collector’s Pack, containing exclusive items such as 20 Champions, a selection of Runes and $10 worth of Riot Points, is now available for download at www.leagueoflegends.com. The retail League of Legends Collector’s Pack available at all major retail outlets for $29.99, additionally includes an exclusive poster-size fold out map of Valoran with detailed champion portraits and bios on the other side, a $10 pre-paid game card for in-game purchases and an exclusive champion skin.

In celebration of the launch of the game, Riot is unlocking all 40 champions for immediate play on October 27 for a limited time. During the launch celebration, Collector’s Pack customers will get an experience boost, allowing them to level quickly. After the Launch Celebration ends, the in-game store will go live and owners of the Collector's Pack will continue to have access to the exclusive items packaged in the collector's edition. All players will be able to unlock exclusive items and content through the in-game store by using Influence points earned by playing during the Launch Celebration and after, or by purchasing Riot Points.

"I am excited to welcome all gamers to join us in League of Legends, which builds on the fast-paced, team based, player vs. player gameplay pioneered in DotA-Allstars, one of the most popular mods of all time," Brandon Beck, co-founder and CEO, Riot Games, said.