Cover-Credits:
Riot Games has announced that Jackie Felling, former director of product for the Call of Duty League at Activision Blizzard, will be joining North America’s League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) as its commissioner. Riot revealed that Felling will officially take upon the post of Head of North American League of Legends (LoL) Esports in addition to her duties as the league’s commissioner.
I am thrilled to share that I have joined Riot Games as the Head of North American League of Legends Esports and the LCS Commissioner. This opportunity couldn’t be more exciting for me. When considering my next move, I knew I wanted to be somewhere where I could make a real impact, and where my passion for community and players could be fueled. Throughout the last 16 years of my game development and esports career, I have admired Riot for their dedication to players and esports."Jackie Felling
Jackie Felling talks about LCS’ future
Riot’s hiring of Felling follows the appointment of Chris Greely as the company’s Head of Esports for North America (NA) and Oceania (OCE).
“It would be easy to be intimidated by the challenge of leading the LCS product with its decade-plus history, passionate fans, engaged owners, and high expectations for North America – but instead I feel genuinely excited to listen and learn and take time to understand what this ecosystem needs and wants,” stated Felling in a statement released by the LCS.
Felling added that she would be working closely with Greeley over the coming months, and ease into her new role as the Commissioner before the LCS 2022 Summer Split kicks off.
Jackie Felling said that player development would be the top priority for the league. She talked about the Champions Queue system and noted that it was a “great start” to hone amateur talent at home. She added, “I look forward to continuing to push what is needed for pipeline development, quality practice/scrim opportunities, and pro player support.”
As LCS’ new commissioner, Felling stated that diversity and innovation would be important initiatives that she would embark upon. She also aims to raise the bar when it comes to the league’s live broadcasts, events, and community engagement.
Jackie Felling engages with the League of Legends community
In a Reddit thread discussing Fellings’ new role as the interim commissioner of the LCS, one of the Redditors shared context on her past roles. While linking a Tweet, they wrote, “You’re free to form your opinions, but here is a bit of added context (that probably should have been in the press release) about her roles in previous leagues.”
In response to the comment, Felling thanked them and said she hoped to earn the trust of the community through listening to them and by showing results.
Another user said they hoped that the LCS team tasked with handling the operations would pay heed to the community’s insights to potentially improve the league. They said, “I hope you and the others with decision making power look at things the community has been saying to improve LCS (less downtime between games, return to bo3, etc) and take it into real consideration. I'm looking forward to what you can accomplish!”
Responding to the comment, Felling wrote that she would soon be starting a thread seeking feedback from the community.
Jackie Felling’s past roles
Felling has been in the video game and esports industries for the last 16 years. She has taken up multiple roles including that of a game producer and global esports head. Felling was formerly the director of product for the Call of Duty League (CDL) and over the course of her tenure also served as product lead for the Overwatch League and Global Esports Head for Gears of War.
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