Riot Games Celebrates Poppy’s Debut with Mockumentary

China – Riot Games has launched a mockumentary-style campaign to celebrate the debut of champion Poppy and her new skin in League of Legends: Wild Rift. The campaign, titled “BTS: Y.A.P.S | Skin Trailer – League of Legends: Wild Rift,” coincides with April Fool’s Day, offering a humorous behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Poppy’s new skin.

The mockumentary showcases the fictional Yordle Advancement and Play Style (Y.A.P.S.) team, highlighting their efforts to enhance the mechanics and playstyle of yordles in Wild Rift. This playful approach not only introduces Poppy but also strengthens the connection between Riot Games and its player community.

“April Fool’s Day is a chance for brands to connect with fans, and we took a different approach. Instead of an over-the-top stunt, we created a fictional team that shares the same passion and dedication as our fans,” said Mustapha Zainal, creative director of experience for APAC at Monks.

Fans have speculated about the arrival of Poppy, a well-loved yordle champion, with many wondering if she would ever make it to Wild Rift. The anticipation was teased during an October 2024 Patch Preview by Wild Rift Creative Director Ke, who cryptically stated, “…and see what pops in my head.”

The resulting mockumentary is filled with easter eggs and is designed to entertain while emphasizing the creative process behind the game. It features real Riot Games staff alongside fictional team members, all while showcasing the dedication involved in skin design.

“The concept for this skin originates from a meme shared among Wild Rift fans. We aim to give back to the community by creating mockumentary developer logs that showcase how Wild Rift takes their ideas seriously,” said Eunice Ying, lead producer at Monks China. “This approach fosters a remote dialogue with our fans, enhancing their engagement in an organic way.”

Poppy’s skin, designed specifically for this April Fool’s Day event, incorporates unique elements inspired by other yordles, resulting in a quirky and playful appearance. Developers spent nearly a decade analyzing social posts, fan discussions, and champion lore to create an authentic experience for viewers.

The campaign not only engages long-time fans but also invites newcomers to participate in the excitement surrounding Poppy’s introduction. With plans for further episodes and content to come, Riot Games aims to create a lasting connection with its audience.