Call Order Vs. Pick Order: What does Riot Think?

I wrote a little something for the viral “Role Select Queue” picture circulating around the internet. There was much debate on whether this would be a good system for League, or completely ruin the game. Riot has finally come out with an announcement on how they feel about champion select, and how the believe summoners can strategically and peacefully create a team.

Riot Socrates annouced Riot’s stance on call order versus pick order, and elaborated on why they feel the way they do. Ultimately, Riot endorses pick order over call order, but states that pick order is a last resort for champion select. They are not making pick order mandatory, because they believe communication is still key in games.

However, he does bring up really great points as to why pick order is the better option for your games.

When loading in to champion select, not everyone gets in the room at the same time. This could be potentially unfair if call order was mandatory. Also, players shouldn’t race to type what position they want rather than discussing bans and what everyone is best at. Many times, your “mid” shows up first for you, but to everyone else summoner 2 was first to them. Riot Socrates also states that over time summoners have an equal number of opportunities to be first pick. Though it may not feel like it, in solo queue this is true. However, note that if you're queued up with someone in a high league than you, chances are you will not have first pick. 

He goes on to say that pick order is by no means the first thing players should use to determine positions in games. It will also not be strictly enforced. Riot only wishes to settle disputes in champion select that can ultimately determine the outcome of a game. He says that first pick should not ignore their team and pick whatever they please. Their reasoning for endorsing pick order is to hopefully shed some light on the lack of communication due to debating whether it is call order or pick order.

He does suggest having a basic understand of each role before playing ranked, which I believe to be great advice. You never know what you’re going to end up doing in a game, so it is best to always be prepared for the worst. If you find yourself playing a position that you normally don't play, maybe it is time to learn a little more about that positions and the champions along with it.

It is nice to finally have Riot’s stance on this hot debate. To some, this is not the news they wanted. To others, this is a weight off their shoulders. Either way, this has no direct affect on the current game play, but hopefully clears some of the heated discussions on to which system do use.

To check out the full discussion, be sure to visit Riot's Forum on Call Order VS. Pick Order!