Riot Games steps up League of Legends support with player salaries

League of Legends, the world’s most popular MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena), will get millions in support for its third season. Developer Riot Games released some of its plans for next year (2013). Elite players will be buffing their champions all the way to the bank.

Starting early 2013, players can join the League of Legends Championship Series. Top squads will compete for prize money and the glory of being the best players in the world.

Riot hasn’t given a specific dollar amount for its prize pool but indicated “millions” will be on the line. The developer promised the world’s best players will be able to live every gamer’s dream: A full-time career playing video games. The championship series will have its own regular season with several matches every week. That will lead up to regional tournaments and eventually a world championship. Fans can watch these matches in free HD streaming.

Since its 2009 debut, League of Legends has only gained momentum. It now boasts moire than 11 million players. The competitive scene has grown tremendously, with more than $5 million in the Season 2 prize pool. In the game, teams battle to destroy the opponent’s nexus. Heroes called champions do the heavy lifting. There are currently over 100 champions in the game.

Season 2 still has to crown champions though. The European regionals will take place August 16 through 19, 2012, at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany. North American regionals will take place August 30  through September 2, 2012, at PAX Prime in in Seattle, WA.

Read [Joystiq] Also Read [Neoseeker]