Riot Games has announced a significant update to the system requirements for “League of Legends” and “Teamfight Tactics,” mandating players to upgrade their operating systems to continue enjoying these games. This change, set to take effect with patch 14.4 on February 21, 2024, marks a shift in the gaming experience for many users.
The upcoming 14.4 patch will see “League of Legends” and “Teamfight Tactics” no longer supporting Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. This decision aligns with the broader tech industry’s move away from older operating systems. Microsoft itself ceased supporting these versions over four years ago, and Valve announced the end of Steam support for Windows 7 and 8 last year. Riot Games’ move, while necessary for technological progress, may affect a segment of the player base still using these older systems.
The update to the minimum system requirements means that “League of Legends,” one of the best PC games, will now only support Windows 10, Windows 11, and future operating systems. This change is aimed at enhancing the stability and performance of the game by focusing on more current and widely used operating systems.
Implications for Players
Players still using Windows 7 (and the less popular Windows 8/8.1) will need to consider upgrading their operating systems to continue accessing these games. This requirement may pose a challenge for some users who are attached to their current setups or face constraints in upgrading.
Riot Games, in its full statement, explained the rationale behind this decision: to maintain and improve the game’s stability and performance, it is sometimes necessary to discontinue support for legacy operating systems with dwindling user bases. This approach allows the company to redirect its resources and efforts towards more current technologies, benefiting the majority of its players.
Preparing for the Transition
Players who have not yet upgraded to Windows 10 or 11 are advised to do so before the patch rollout to ensure uninterrupted access to “League of Legends” and “Teamfight Tactics.” This transition period offers an opportunity for users to update their systems, not only for gaming purposes but also to benefit from the security and performance enhancements offered by newer operating systems.
