Brazilian law restricts minors from playing League of Legends, Riot says fix on the way

Brazil, home to one of the world’s most passionate League of Legends fanbases, will see a large portion of users unable to play the game from today (March 17), as it faces sweeping changes to how young players access Riot Games titles.

Under the newly enacted ECA Digital law, a statute aimed at protecting children and adolescents, most games published by Riot Games (and other publishers) will now require age verification. Players must prove they are 18 or older to access their accounts. Those under 18, in some casese, are blocked from playing entirely.

Brazil stops minors from playing League of Legends and TFT

The change affects League of Legends and Teamfight Tactics both of which have large followings in Brazil. But crucially, it will also affect the CBLOL competitive league.

While VALORANT has been affected, players between 12 and 17 can continue playing with parental authorization. For younger fans of Riot’s other games, however, there are no similar alternatives.

Riot said in a statement that current age classifications for its games are expected to be revised by 2027. It's unknown if this is because they're making modifications to their games in those markets, or for another reason. Until then, underage players will be unable to access its titles, while adults will be able continue playing after verifying their identity.

The ‘ECA Digital’ legislation specifically targets game systems such as loot boxes and gacha mechanics, which regulators argue encourage gambling-like behavior among minors. These systems offer randomized rewards and have long faced criticism for potentially exploiting younger players.

League of Legends introduced its Hextech Chest system in 2016. Recent updates have expanded randomized and high-cost cosmetic systems, including prestige skins and collectible items.

Critics say the law’s broad approach punishes players rather than addressing monetization systems directly. Others point to the wider move, across the globe, to push for age verification on platforms like social media, as instead of a way of curtailing bots and other bad actors.

The restrictions will likely impact Brazil’s esports pipeline. Wallyson Francisco "Duduhh" Queiroz da Silva is currently unable to use his account, or the game itself removing him from contentionf for his team, Los Grandes (LOS).

For now, young Brazilian fans and players are left on the sidelines, able to watch League of Legends but not play.