VCT EMEA announces studio developments and Pro Player Council for Stage 2

Riot Games has shared insight into several changes and developments arriving in Stage 2 of the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) EMEA.

Following the end of Stage 1, the developer has upgraded its studio and introduced a Pro Player Council to help with feedback.

The improvements to the VCT EMEA studios include upgrades to the player performance rooms, which are now designed to better replicate conditions experienced while competing on stage. Each room will feature high-end PCs and improved peripherals for players to use when preparing for matches.

In addition, Riot Games has also partnered with Herman Miller Gaming, resulting in the furniture manufacturer becoming the Official Chair Supplier of VCT EMEA. The main stage will feature its Embody gaming chairs as part of the deal.

Studio upgrades follow technical issues that plagued VCT EMEA Stage 1 earlier this year. Throughout the event, long technical pauses disrupted the flow of matches across multiple weeks.

The launch of the VCT EMEA Pro Player Council has been designed to offer players an opportunity to provide Riot Games with feedback. Each team will nominate a representative to join the council, providing organisations with a direct line of communication to league operations.

Riot Games says the goal of the council is ‘to serve as the collective voice of players in the league’, and to help the league identify areas for improvement.

Starting with Stage 2, the VCT EMEA broadcast will showcase a range of new features to enhance the viewing experience for fans watching matches at home.

Shorter replays that highlight key moments during a match aim to help fans understand in-game strategies. Moreover, the first week will feature unique introduction graphics to players making their debut.

For fans attending the Riot Games Arena in Berlin to watch matches, Riot Games will host a special activation.

The VALORANT Anniversary Vernissage is a fan experience to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the first-person shooter title. The art exhibition will feature a variety of community artwork, along with opportunities to play against content creators.

Fans can tune into VCT EMEA Stage 2 across the competition’s Twitch, YouTube and TikTok channels.

Alongside the official tournament broadcasts, content creators will co-stream matches to provide an alternative perspective on EMEA’s highest tier of VALORANT esports.