Riot Games has added a second broadcast studio to its Berlin facility, the Riot Games Arena, to prevent scheduling conflicts between Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) EMEA and League of Legends European Championship (LEC) events. The new Studio Stage operates without live fans but allows concurrent streaming during major tournaments.
The new broadcast studio enables concurrent streaming during major tournaments without live fans
The expansion targets VCT EMEA Stage 2, which will host 16 teams including four from the Tier 2 Valorant Challenger League circuit. Playoffs begin at the Studio Stage before moving to the Arena Stage for week one of the event.
Riot Games confirmed that the dedicated broadcast space ensures fans can follow matches online without interruption while increasing live event investment across both products. The company noted that creating this separate venue addresses fan disappointment over missing in-person attendance at Studio Stage matches.
VCT EMEA Stage 2 Finals will take place in Barcelona, marking the first time these finals are held outside Berlin. Riot Games stated this move represents a major step forward for VCT EMEA by taking finals on the road for the first time alongside continued LEC Roadtrips support.
While Western League of Legends fans have expressed criticism regarding the limited expansion of LEC match schedules relative to other regional leagues, there is speculation that the new studio stage could eventually support broader scheduling opportunities for the league in subsequent years. Riot Games has not confirmed any direct impact on LEC beyond preventing immediate clashes with VCT EMEA events.
The addition of a Studio Stage allows Riot Games to accommodate concurrent esports events without compromising broadcast quality or fan engagement. The company continues to invest in infrastructure that supports both Valorant and League of Legends competitions across Europe.
Source: Insider Gaming
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