Riot Games Concept Artist Shares the Creation Process Behind the Champions Collection 2024
To celebrate the highly anticipated Valorant World Championship, Riot Games has proudly unveiled their latest championship skin collection. Recently, lead concept artist Denis Lakhanov, the creative mastermind behind this stunning set, graciously shared a glimpse into the preparation and development process that brought these skins to life. Lakhanov’s passion for his craft is palpable as he describes the meticulous attention to detail and the artistic vision that went into each champion’s unique design. From carefully considering the character’s lore and personality, to meticulously refining the visual elements, the creation of the Champions Collection 2024 was a labor of love for the talented team at Riot. “When we start conceptualizing a new championship skin line, the first step is to fully immerse ourselves in the Valorant universe,” Lakhanov explains. “We dive deep into the backstories and defining traits of each agent, exploring how we can elevate their visual identity to reflect the prestige of the World Championship.” The team spent countless hours sketching, iterating, and collaborating to bring their vision to life. “It’s not just about making the skins look visually stunning,” Lakhanov adds. “We want each design to capture the essence of the character, weaving in narrative elements that resonate with the players.”
Through Lakhanov’s insights, players are granted a deeper appreciation for the artistry and the storytelling that infuses these special skins, elevating the overall Valorant experience. From the intricate details of the weapon finishers to the dynamic champion animations, every aspect of the Champions Collection 2024 has been meticulously crafted to celebrate the pinnacle of Valorant esports. As the world championship approaches, this latest skin collection promises to not only dazzle fans, but also serve as a fitting tribute to the skill and dedication of the Valorant community. “We poured our hearts into this project, hoping to create something truly special that players will cherish long after the final match has been played,” Lakhanov concludes.
Riot Games Unveils Stunning New Skin Set with Narrative-Driven Design
Riot Games recently unveiled the highly anticipated Valorant Champions Collection 2024, and the community has been abuzz with excitement. Included in the set are skins for the Phantom, transforming the iconic weapon into a sleek katana, along with a matching weapon charm and player card. Just days after the release, Riot Games graciously invited players behind the scenes, offering a glimpse into the creative process. Senior concept artist Denis Lakhanov, the visionary mind behind the collection, took to his official ArtStation account to share the inspirations and artistic decisions that shaped this stunning set. In his detailed post, Lakhanov explained that the overarching theme for this year’s Champions Collection was the “Player’s Journey” – a challenge that required him to capture the essence of a Valorant player’s highs, lows, determination, and growth. After much contemplation, the artist landed on the idea of using player statistics as the central visual element, with a bold red line snaking across the weapon’s surface to represent the entire journey. “This year’s theme was both a new challenge and a step forward in my understanding of design,” Lakhanov shared. “I spent a long time searching for the right way to convey the player’s path, until I realized that graphs and data visualizations could perfectly reflect the ups, downs, and unwavering spirit of the Valorant community.” The idea of using player statistics as the core design element quickly gained traction within the Riot Games team. Lakhanov and his colleagues recognized the power of these numbers to tell a story – not just about individual performances, but the collective experience of Valorant players around the world.
“Statistics don’t just represent cold, hard data,” Lakhanov explained. “They’re a tangible representation of the trials, tribulations, and triumphs that define the Valorant experience. We wanted to celebrate that journey, to honor the dedication and resilience of our players.” As the team delved deeper into the concept, they realized the potential to imbue the skins with deeper narrative elements. The red line winding across the Phantom’s surface, for example, was designed to evoke a sense of momentum and progression, mirroring the player’s own path to success. “We didn’t want these skins to feel like mere visual upgrades,” Lakhanov said. “Each element was carefully crafted to resonate on an emotional level, to make players feel a genuine connection to the design.”
Beyond the weapons themselves, the team also devoted considerable thought to the accompanying player card and weapon charm. The player card, depicting a stylized graph against a backdrop of swirling data, was intended to serve as a kind of “data visualization trophy” – a tangible representation of the player’s journey. Similarly, the weapon charm features a miniature version of the red line graph, creating a sense of continuity and personalization. “We wanted players to feel a sense of ownership and pride when equipping these items,” Lakhanov explained. “They’re not just cosmetic additions, but extensions of the player’s unique story within Valorant.” The attention to detail and narrative depth didn’t stop there. Lakhanov and his team also worked closely with Korean culture experts to ensure that the katana design for the Phantom skin felt authentic and respectful. “It was important to us that we honored the cultural significance of the katana, rather than simply using it as a visual gimmick,” the artist said. Through extensive research and collaboration, the team was able to incorporate subtle nods to traditional Japanese swordsmithing techniques, from the intricate tsuba (hand guard) to the distinctive hamon line along the blade’s edge. These cultural references, combined with the overarching “Player’s Journey” theme, elevate the Valorant Champions Collection 2024 to a new level of storytelling and artistic expression.
Lakhanov was quick to acknowledge the contributions of his team, praising the collective effort that went into bringing this vision to life. “I may have been the lead concept artist, but this was truly a collaborative process,” he said. “From the 3D modelers to the VFX artists, everyone poured their heart and soul into these designs.” As players eagerly await the upcoming World Championship, this latest skin set promises to be a stunning celebration of the game’s competitive spirit and the unwavering dedication of its global community. The Champions Collection 2024 not only dazzles with its visual flair, but also serves as a powerful testament to the passion and resilience that define the Valorant experience. “Our goal was to create something truly special, something that would resonate with players long after the final match has been played,” Lakhanov concluded. “We wanted to capture the essence of what it means to be a Valorant champion, and I believe we’ve done that in a way that honors the legacy of the game and its incredible community.”
