HLabs binges latest Netflix series Arcane, whilst reflecting on Red Bull E-Sports partnership

Insights
As Riot Games’ Arcane series takes Netflix by storm, we look back at two dynamic projects HLabs crafted with Red Bull Esports for Valorant and League of Legends.
10th November 2024
5 mins read
Arcane fan and CEO of HLabs, Hannah Springett
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"I love adult cartoons; Beautiful illustrations, amazing storytelling and compelling characters. What's not to love?!" Han, CEO of HLabs.

The recent release of Arcane on Netflix has reignited global interest in Riot Games’ universe, bringing to life the intricate worlds of League of Legends and introducing new audiences to its lore. This highly anticipated, animated series has not only expanded the game’s reach but also inspired fresh excitement around the titles that Riot Games is known for.

To celebrate this launch, we’re revisiting two of HLabs’ standout projects with Red Bull Esports, crafted to engage dedicated Valorant and League of Legends communities through creative, interactive experiences. Let's dive in to gaming inspired storytelling!

What is Arcane: League of Legends?

The worlds of Valorant, League of Legends, and the new Arcane series on Netflix are all part of Riot Games' ambitious vision to create immersive, interconnected universes that resonate with gamers and fans worldwide.

Arcane Season 2 Poster Artwork from Riot Games

While League of Legends established Riot Games as a leader in strategic multiplayer gaming, Valorant brought a fresh, tactical FPS experience to their lineup, expanding their reach into new gaming communities.

With Arcane, Riot Games takes storytelling to new heights, weaving rich narratives and complex characters from the League of Legends universe into a visually captivating animated series. Together, these projects reflect Riot's commitment to world-building and cross-platform engagement, inviting players and viewers into a seamless blend of gameplay, lore, and artistry.

Red Bull E-Sports have celebrated the return of Arcane to our screens by promoting 'Watch Parties', developing interactive online games and even creating special packaging. I love the fact they've taken their own illustration style and even added the Red Bull wings and drinks to the Arcane characters. Here's the original Riot Games artwork they pulled inspiration from:

Riot Games poster artwork for Arcane

How did HLabs get involved?

With Valorant’s entry into the esports arena with Campus Clutch back in 2021, HLabs partnered with Red Bull Esports to create an immersive microsite that both seasoned players and newcomers could enjoy.

The microsite was designed to draw audiences into Valorant’s fast-paced, tactical gameplay, guiding users through team compositions, match highlights, and exclusive tips. Using vivid visuals, interactive elements, character carousels our team crafted a digital experience that reflected the excitement and strategic depth of Valorant, elevating the experience for Red Bull Esports fans. The success of this project demonstrated how a branded microsite can deepen fan engagement and offer a platform for shared learning.

What makes Arcane's artwork different?

Riot Games' distinctive visual style blends vibrant fantasy elements with a modern, painterly aesthetic that ensures clarity and immersion across its franchises.

A sample of artwork showcased by Concept Art World

Each project, from video games to animated series, emphasizes bold colors, exaggerated details, and a combination of 2D and 3D techniques, resulting in visually dynamic worlds that appeal to gamers and viewers alike.

The collaboration with studios like Fortiche for Arcane also showcases a unique mix of traditional and digital artistry, giving Riot's stories a handcrafted, cinematic feel.

  • Painterly, hand-crafted look with a mix of 2D and 3D techniques
  • Bold colors and dynamic lighting for a rich visual impact
  • Clarity-focused design to enhance readability in fast-paced settings
  • Exaggerated details and silhouettes for character distinction
  • Collaboration with animation studios for cinematic storytelling

Even the music videos and albumn art has been branded with this compelling and grungy style.

Read more on 'The making of Arcane'

"From the very beginning, we had a very specific ending in mind, which means the story of Arcane wraps up with this second season. But Arcane is just the first of many stories that we want to tell..." Riot Games to Netflix

What is League of Legends?

Alongside our Valorant work, HLabs also developed an introductory guide to League of Legends for Red Bull Esports. Designed for newcomers and players alike, this guide simplified complex mechanics and gameplay strategies in a way that was both accessible and visually engaging. With intuitive navigation and detailed visuals, the guide demystified League’s characters, abilities, and roles, helping users find a personal starting point in the game. As Arcane continues to attract new audiences to League of Legends, resources like this guide offer an essential bridge for those looking to explore the game’s universe further.

From the Valorant microsite to the League of Legends guide, HLabs’ work with Red Bull Esports showcases how interactive content can captivate audiences and offer deeper connections to the games they love. As Riot Games expands its storytelling through Arcane, we’re excited to see how these projects continue to resonate within the gaming community and inspire new players.

“Designing esports content for Red Bull was exhilerating. It was a totally new industry to dive into for us, and working with such beautifully custom illustrated assets was inspirational” Han, HLabs Founder & CEO.
“Designing esports content for Red Bull was exhilerating. It was a totally new industry to dive into for us, and working with such beautifully custom illustrated assets was inspirational” Han, HLabs Founder & CEO.