In a groundbreaking move, acclaimed fantasy author Brandon Sanderson and his company Dragonsteel have ventured into the world of esports by forming a unique partnership with Maryville University’s North American Challengers League (NACL) team.
Addressing Challenges in NACL
The tier-two division of League of Legends in North America has faced significant challenges in recent times, with concerns raised about the future of NA’s tier-two scene. Critics have highlighted issues such as the shortcomings of the LCS’s Academy system and declining viewership of the NACL, signaling a need for innovation and revitalization within the league.
A Bold Announcement
However, the announcement made by Maryville University on X (formerly Twitter) on June 3 has brought renewed hope to the NACL community, unveiling an exciting collaboration between Brandon Sanderson’s Dragonsteel and the university’s NACL team.
While specific details of the partnership are yet to be revealed, one thing is clear—this is a partnership driven by purpose and vision.
The Power of Collaboration
Travis Gafford’s announcement video on YouTube on June 3 hinted at Riot Games’ proactive approach to fostering partnerships between forward-thinking companies like Dragonsteel and NACL teams, underscoring a shared commitment to advancing the esports ecosystem.
Embracing the Unexpected
The partnership between Brandon Sanderson, renowned for his captivating fantasy novels, and the NACL team has sparked widespread enthusiasm among League of Legends enthusiasts. Fans have eagerly embraced this unexpected crossover, expressing eagerness to support the collaboration and its impact on the NACL.
A Transformative Journey
Notably, the Dragonsteel-Maryville University partnership is just one of two significant alliances announced on June 3 as part of the revamped NACL partnership model introduced by Riot during the midseason break.
Starforge Systems, a custom PC company, has also joined forces with the NACL team Cincinnati Fear, aiming to enhance the team’s competitive edge and visibility within the esports community.
For fans eager to witness the fruits of these partnerships, the wait won’t be long. LoL Esports recently unveiled the lineup of teams for the NACL 2024 Summer season, with matches set to kick off on June 15, coinciding with the start of the 2024 LCS Summer campaign.
Conclusion
As the esports world eagerly anticipates the impact of the Dragonsteel-Maryville University partnership and other collaborations, one thing is certain—the landscape of NACL esports is poised for a transformative journey into a new era of innovation and growth.