A new cinematic from Riot Games, in collaboration with Fortiche Production, the studio behind the hit animated series Arcane, has been released, showcasing the brutal and complex world of Noxus, one of the major political empires in the League of Legends universe. Titled “Welcome to Noxus,” this five-minute video serves as a hype piece for the game’s upcoming season and a continuation of plot threads from the critically acclaimed show Arcane.
Noxus: A Region of Strength and Ambition
Noxus, known for its fearsome reputation, is an empire that values strength in all its forms. While outsiders view it as a brutal and aggressive society, those within its borders see a land where talent and power are cultivated, and merit is rewarded regardless of social standing or background. This meritocratic ideal is a core tenant of the Noxian way of life, though old noble houses still wield significant influence. The cinematic delves into the political intrigue and power struggles that define this region.
A Look at the Featured Champions
The cinematic features several prominent champions from League of Legends, bringing their unique skills and lore to life in Fortiche’s signature animation style.
- Darius: The imposing general is shown as a powerful military leader, wielding his signature axe and demonstrating his commanding presence. His confrontation with Trundle suggests potential developments in Noxus’s foreign relations.
- Trundle: The ice troll’s inclusion in the cinematic, battling Darius, hints at interesting shifts in Noxian politics and alliances.
- Katarina: The deadly assassin showcases her blade-dancing skills while battling Elise. Her deceptive nature is also highlighted as she eliminates the masked Noxian running the fighting pit during her duel.
- Elise: The Spider Queen displays her unique fighting style and spider-like abilities in a fight with Katarina, further solidifying her role as a key player in the Black Rose.
- LeBlanc: The mysterious leader of the Black Rose, is seen in conversation with Vladimir, hinting at nefarious plans for the Noxian Empire. Her presence suggests deeper machinations at play.
- Vladimir: The crimson reaper is shown in discussion with LeBlanc about a grave matter, alluding to dark events on the horizon.
- Mel Medarda: The character from Arcane is shown with new golden tattoos, confirming the timeline of the cinematic as after the events of Arcane Season 2. Her return to Noxus is a central part of the story.
Fortiche’s Unique Animation Style
Fortiche Production’s animation style is a blend of 2D and 3D techniques, known as the “Touche Fortiche”. This unique style has captivated audiences in their previous projects, including music videos for Gorillaz and various League of Legends cinematics and trailers such as “Get Jinxed” and “K/DA POP/STARS”. Their work on Arcane further solidified their reputation, and the studio continues to push boundaries in the animation industry. This signature style is once again on display in the new cinematic, with fluid movements and expressive characters.
A Possible Teaser for a Future Show?
The “Welcome to Noxus” cinematic has sparked excitement among fans, with many viewing it as a potential teaser for a future League of Legends TV show focused on Noxus. Following the conclusion of Arcane, Riot Games and Fortiche have hinted at future TV shows exploring other regions of Runeterra, including Noxus, Demacia, and the Freljord. The cinematic’s focus on Noxian characters and storylines could be a preview of things to come.
Continuing the Story From Arcane
The cinematic also serves as a direct continuation of Mel’s story from Arcane. Her return to Noxus and her new golden tattoos suggest a significant shift in her character arc, with possible motivations of revenge and power. The presence of LeBlanc, who appeared disguised in Arcane Season 2, further ties the cinematic to the TV show’s plotlines, suggesting that the Arcane narrative will expand beyond the borders of Piltover and Zaun.
The Three Principles of Strength
Noxus is governed by the three principles of Strength: Vision, Might, and Guile. The cinematic showcases these principles, with characters like Darius embodying Might, LeBlanc representing Guile, and Mel demonstrating Vision. These principles drive the ambitions and actions of the Noxians, influencing their conquests and political struggles. It also highlights the meritocratic nature of the society where anyone who shows talent can rise to positions of power.
The Broader Implications for the League of Legends Universe
The cinematic’s release coincides with the start of League of Legends’ 2025 season, with the season itself being themed around Noxus. This signals a shift in focus for the game, introducing new narratives and challenges centered around the empire. The cinematic also hints at broader storylines within the League of Legends universe, including the machinations of the Black Rose and the looming threat of a mysterious power that has been foreseen by the Grand General of Noxus, that motivates the nation’s aggressive expansion.
Music and Sound Design
The cinematic also features an original song titled “Bite Marks,” performed by TEYA. This further enhances the atmosphere of the video, combining intense visuals with compelling music.
Fortiche’s Rise to Prominence
Fortiche Production, the French animation studio behind this cinematic and Arcane, has become a significant creative force in the industry. From their early work on music videos and advertisements, they have moved on to create full-fledged animated series and cinematic trailers. Their unique blend of 2D and 3D animation, coupled with a focus on character emotion and storytelling, has set them apart from other studios.
Upcoming Projects
In addition to their continued work with League of Legends, Fortiche is also developing their own IPs, including an upcoming animated feature film called Penelope of Sparta, further establishing their commitment to original storytelling and stylized animation.
Conclusion
The “Welcome to Noxus” cinematic is not just a promotional piece for the new League of Legends season; it’s a deep dive into the lore and characters of the game, created in partnership with the talented team at Fortiche Production. The video provides a feast for the eyes and leaves fans eager for more. It hints at potential future projects set within the world of Runeterra, promising new and exciting expansions to the League of Legends story, while also continuing narratives that were introduced in Arcane. The cinematic is available for viewing on YouTube and other platforms, providing fans with an opportunity to speculate and analyze the intricacies of the Noxian empire.
