Riot Games is facing growing scrutiny in Europe’s consumer rights landscape following a unique escalation: a League of Legends player challenged the premium pricing of Morgana’s Exalted skin by bringing the complaint to official European authorities. The case has already prompted formal replies from EU bodies and Austria’s national consumer agency, marking one of the rare instances where dissatisfaction over in-game purchases may drive legal conversations about the standards and transparency of digital content.
How the Spirit Blossom Morgana Skin Sparked a Legal Debate
The controversy began in mid-2025 with the release of the Spirit Blossom Morgana Exalted skin. Retailing at an effective price of around $250 through event and loot systems, the skin was criticized for offering less value than previous Exalted-tier cosmetics. While it includes a cinematic intro, a toggleable mask feature, and visual changes to Morgana’s Q and R abilities, it only has two visual forms. In contrast, earlier Exalted skins had multiple evolutions, enhanced animations, and exclusive effects, raising concerns among players that the Morgana skin didn’t justify its premium price point.
One Player’s Complaint Reaches European Authorities
Rather than letting the issue fade, Reddit user LoveForNuWa, a dedicated Morgana main, published their concerns on the League of Legends subreddit r/MorganaMains. Citing inconsistent features, questionable value, and potential bugs, they submitted a formal complaint to the European Commission. Their aim wasn’t to obtain financial compensation but to urge Riot Games to establish clearer quality standards for their highest-priced digital goods and to better inform consumers about what they’re purchasing.
Response from the European Commission Highlights Legal Ambiguities
The European Commission reviewed the complaint and clarified that purchases made directly from Riot Games are not governed under the Digital Services Act. However, it emphasized that the Digital Content Directive and other consumer protection regulations still apply. These frameworks mandate that digital products must meet specific expectations in quality and performance. Although Riot was not found to be in direct violation of EU law, the Commission acknowledged the potential for consumer refund or warranty claims if similar complaints accumulate across EU member states.
Austria Joins the Conversation and Suggests Three Legal Routes
Because enforcement is handled by individual countries, the case was transferred to Austria, where LoveForNuWa resides. Austria’s consumer protection agency offered three possible avenues:
- Forwarding the complaint to Ireland, home to Riot’s EU headquarters
- Initiating action based on EU competition law
- Collecting further complaints to establish a wider consumer protection case
LoveForNuWa chose to crowdsource additional complaints, inviting other players to voice their dissatisfaction and bolster the legal basis for further action.
View the image of the official complaint response from Austria
Lack of Consistent Standards in Exalted Skins Fuels Frustration
Exalted skins are meant to represent the apex of cosmetic offerings in League of Legends. However, players frequently note a lack of parity across releases. Some skins include layers of transformational stages, dynamic ultimates, or distinctive voice lines, while others are limited to a flashy intro or minor VFX adjustments. This inconsistency is particularly glaring given the premium cost associated with these cosmetics and has led to increasing calls from the community for Riot to disclose key features transparently before real-money purchases are made.
Potential Outcomes: Transparency, Refund Eligibility, or Policy Changes
If enough players submit similar complaints, Austria may escalate the matter to Ireland, prompting Riot Games to reconsider its policies around premium skins. While it is unlikely that the case leads to sweeping refunds or penalties, it could influence future product descriptions, event pricing strategies, and consumer transparency protocols. For other developers, this may also signal the increasing importance of clearer disclosures in line with EU consumer expectations.
What to Expect Moving Forward
As it stands, the case remains in a holding pattern while community interest grows. The Austrian consumer authority advised that a greater volume of submissions could justify forwarding the issue to Ireland under broader EU oversight. This has led to increased organization among players through community threads, Discord groups, and petitions demanding more detailed cosmetic breakdowns and purchasing guarantees from Riot Games.
FAQ
What is an Exalted skin?
An Exalted skin is a premium cosmetic tier in League of Legends that can include multiple forms, special animations, or unique toggles. The exact features vary between champions.
Did Europe say Riot broke any laws?
No. The European Commission stated Riot did not violate the Digital Services Act but indicated that EU consumer and digital content protection laws could still apply under certain conditions.
Could players receive refunds?
Possibly, but only if a local authority determines the product failed to meet promised standards or implied features and compels Riot to issue compensation. Riot’s default policy does not allow refunds.
Why are players upset about Morgana’s Exalted skin?
Players argue the skin lacks multiple forms and advanced features common in previous Exalted skins, making it feel overpriced relative to its $250 effective cost.
What should players do before buying premium skins?
Players should review Riot’s official showcases and third-party gameplay previews to ensure all features, animations, and effects align with their expectations before making a purchase.
For ongoing updates on this developing story, premium skin reviews, and more League of Legends news, visit LoLNOW.gg.
