Directed by Marie Hyon and HANZOHANZO, the 2.5D-animated music video for the World Championship, set to a new track by Riot Games, features K-Pop girl group NewJeans and places viewers at the center of the battlefield field as DRX and Deft triumph in the greatest finals in LOL history.
Psyop directors Marie Hyon and HANZOHANZO co-directed Riot Games’ League of Legends 2023 World Championship anthem music video - set to a new track by Riot Games featuring juggernaut K-Pop girl group NewJeans, the 2.5D-animated film places the viewer at the center of the battlefield as the story of team DRX and esports hero Kim Hyuk-kyu (김혁규), better known as Deft, triumph over the competition in what is widely regarded as one of the greatest finals in League of Legends history.
“The film is a beautiful collaboration with Riot, who created such an amazing story,” explained Hyon. “The Psyop team on this were quite literally an amalgamation of mega anime fans, NewJeans lovers, and LoL addicts. We were all so honored to celebrate a young player as the protagonist of his own story - you just can’t get better than that.”
HANZOHANZO’s passion for gaming and Hyon’s talent for emotional storytelling contribute to the film’s impact.
“Amongst the jam-packed action in this film, what was most important for us, and Riot, was that the heart of Deft’s journey break through it all,” added Hyon. “We had our goals set on building an artistic, elevated expression of his story’s most powerful truths— emphasizing his unbreakable heart, his courage to fight on despite getting knocked back and having the conviction and perseverance to never give up.”
HANZOHANZO considers the film a love letter to League of Legends players everywhere.
“This is a story that resonates with all of us, and it carries so much weight within the League of Legends community,” noted HANZOHANZO. “We can all relate to that struggle and grind. This project was born out of admiration for the fans and players who make it all possible.”
The film's long-awaited release kicks off the event, sending the season into full swing with Worlds 2023 games beginning October 10 through to the finals on November 19.
Source: Psyop
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
