Riot Softens Gragas’ Ability Name in League of Legends Amid Ratings Concerns

In a quiet but noteworthy update, Riot Games has made a small change to League of Legends that reflects growing sensitivity around content regulation. The champion Gragas, long known for his drunken antics and beer-fueled combat style, has had one of his abilities renamed to meet international age rating standards.

Previously called "Drunken Rage," the ability has now been shortened to simply "Rage." The move aims to avoid direct references to alcohol, which can affect a game’s rating in certain countries. Even a single word—"Drunken"—can make a difference when it comes to how a game is classified for younger audiences.

Gragas, a fan-favorite for his chaotic energy and oversized beer barrel, has always embodied the role of a loud, carefree brawler. His burps, staggering movements, and booze-based toolkit painted a clear picture of a lovable in-game drunk. However, this name tweak doesn’t change his behavior—it’s just a cosmetic adjustment meant to better align with evolving content guidelines.

Riot approached the change with a tongue-in-cheek tone. In a playful statement, the developers reassured fans: "Don’t worry, he still loves his drinks—he’s just a bit more subtle about it now."

However, as many players pointed out—particularly on Reddit—the move highlights some inconsistencies in content moderation. While alcohol references are being toned down, far more graphic and violent elements remain untouched. For instance, newcomer Ambessa boasts a brutal ability named "Public Execution," while Evelynn, a demonic succubus, delivers chilling combat lines like: "Peel off their skin alive, tear the body apart."

It’s a reminder that even in fantasy games, the line between acceptable and questionable content is often drawn not by lore or logic, but by ratings boards and regional sensitivities.