What is Riot Games’ New Ambitious MMOFPS Project T?

Riot Games, the company behind the popular game League of Legends and Valorant, is reportedly working on a new game called Project T.

The ambitious project is rumored to be an MMO-FPS (Massively Multiplayer Online First-Person Shooter) set in the VALORANT universe and drawing inspiration from Bungie’s popular FPS game Destiny 2.

While Riot Games has yet to make any official announcements about Project T, the initial leaks had already set the rumor mill in motion.

How Did We Learn About Project T?

We first heard about Project T in early 2023 when a Discord user named NanoPIX#7517 spotted job listings on Riot’s website that mentioned an “unpublished R&D product.”

This job listing ad suggests that Riot Games is looking for talent with experience in AAA PvP FPS games. They mentioned positions for key areas of expertise like:

• Combat design
• Character and world-building
• Competitive multiplayer

While these listings were quietly altered to remove any mention of Project T, the internet buzzed with speculation and theories about a grand-scale MMOFPS.

Key Features of Project T

In May 2023, a fan-made Riot Games news website called Riot MMO analyzed this job ads and came up with some exciting details about the game.

They compared Project T with established games like Destiny 2 and Planetside 2 and provided key features that Project T might include:

1. Expansive World

• Expect diverse and dynamic locations that players can explore, similar to the maps in VALORANT but on a much larger scale.

2. Multiplayer Experience

• The game will likely feature both player vs. player (PvP) and player vs. environment(PvE) modes, offering a blend of competitive and coop gameplay.

3. Character Customization and Progression

The game’s focus on RPG elements means that players will have a significant degree of control over their characters, including:

• Customizable Characters: Players can personalize their avatars with unique gear, abilities, and appearances.
• Progression Systems: As players advance through the game, they’ll unlock new equipment, skills, and perks, enhancing their combat capabilities and gameplay experience.

4. Live Service and Seasonal Content

• Similar to games like Destiny 2 and Fortnite, Project T will likely feature seasonal updates that introduce fresh challenges, storylines, and rewards.

5. Diverse Gameplay Mechanics

Project T is designed to appeal to a wide range of players, from newcomers to seasoned FPS veterans:

• Multiple FPS Player Audiences: The game’s mechanics and controls will cater to different skill levels, making it accessible yet challenging for all types of players.
• Dynamic Camera Perspectives: The inclusion of various camera angles suggests interactions with vehicles, NPCs, or special abilities that alter the player’s view, adding depth to the gameplay.

6. In-Game Economy and Player Housing

Riot’s approach to Project T includes building an in-game economy that supports player interactions:

• Trading System: Players may have the ability to trade items with NPCs and other players, possibly through a global market similar to World of Warcraft’s auction house.
• Player Housing: Personal quarters or player housing could serve as customizable spaces for players to manage their gear, decorate, and prepare for missions.

Speculated Platforms

According to Riot MMO, Project T is expected to be available on multiple platforms:

• PC: As with many of Riot’s previous titles, PC will likely be a primary platform for Project T.
• Consoles: The game may also be released on major consoles like Xbox and PlayStation, broadening its reach and appeal.
• Mobile: There is speculation that a version of Project T could be adapted for mobile devices, although this remains unconfirmed.

Current Status of Project T

As of July 28, 2024, a datamining team named 404 LEAK confirmed that Project T remains in active development.

Riot Games is working on a First Person Shooter PVP title.

— 404 LEAK (@404LEAK) July 28, 2024

Concerns about Project T’s development arose following significant layoffs at Riot Games, and a reported “reset” in the direction of their Runeterra MMORPG. These events led to speculation about the project’s future.

However, Riot co-founder Marc Merrill reassured fans in March that their MMO team would be “going dark,” to concentrate fully on development, free from external distractions.

Resetting our development path also means we will be “going dark” for a long time—likely several years. This silence will help provide space for the team to focus on the incredible amount of work ahead of them. We understand the excitement and anticipation that surrounds new…

— Tryndamere (@MarcMerrill) March 20, 2024

When Might We See Project T Released?

Given how long it takes to make MMO games, we might not see Project T until 2026 or 2027. But remember, that’s just a guess!

In other Riot Games news, they recently revealed 2XKO, a fighting game set in the League of Legends world. Previously codenamed Project L (Riot like to follow this naming system) the game will be playable on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation, and feature LOL champions like Ahri, Darius, and Jinx. No official release date yet, but it might launch in 2025.

For more information, keep an eye out for official announcements from Riot Games on X. And don’t forget to subscribe to Gaming Foodle for more gaming news!