Riot Games Replaces Studio PCs After VCT EMEA Technical Issues

Following a series of technical problems that disrupted the VCT EMEA matches, Riot Games has announced a major upgrade to its studio equipment. In a statement released earlier today, Riot confirmed that it is replacing the old PCs on stage with new, updated systems, aiming to prevent further disruptions during the tournament.

Player Frustrations Spark Changes

The announcement comes after players, including Team Vitality's Derke, voiced their frustrations regarding the outdated hardware. The issues culminated during the match between Team Liquid and Karmine Corp, which was ultimately canceled due to severe technical failures. Players had reportedly raised concerns about the studio equipment several times over the past few years, citing that the hardware was no longer adequate for professional FPS competition.

In response, the VCT EMEA team stated:

“Our team has been working diligently since the postponed showday on Friday to resolve the on-site technical issues we encountered during Stage 1. We are making infrastructural changes, swapping out the PCs on stage with updated models. New equipment has been ordered and is either already at, or en route to, the studio for testing.”

Internal and Pro Player Testing

Two shipments of new PCs — one from the United States and one from Europe — are scheduled to arrive at the studio by the end of today. The testing phase will unfold over the next two days:

• Internal Playtest: Conducted by Riot staff to ensure baseline functionality.
• Professional Stress Test: Scheduled for April 30, involving selected VCT pro players to assess real-world performance and stability.

Additionally, Riot will closely monitor the game servers for any abnormalities once the new systems are in place.

If everything goes according to plan, offline matches are expected to resume later this week, with a live audience returning for the playoff matches starting May 8.

Riot acknowledged the weight of the situation, stating:

“We understand that at this point, it’s on us to take action and deliver successful results. With updated PCs and a deep look at our infrastructure during the dark days, we will get the competition back on track.”

Compensation for Affected Fans

Riot Games is also making amends to the fans who were impacted by the canceled match day. Those affected will receive a full refund, along with generous additional compensation, including:

• A ticket to the VCT Champions Grand Finals
• Two tickets to future VCT EMEA matches
• A €300 Riot Games merchandise voucher
• An exclusive Riot Gun Buddy

With these changes, Riot aims to restore confidence among players and fans alike, ensuring that the remainder of the VCT EMEA season proceeds without further setbacks.