Key information
Riot Games announced in the League of Legends 26.20 update notes that the feature allowing players to share private replays is being removed. Starting with this version, players will only be able to watch match replays from games they personally participated in, while third-party applications and websites will completely lose the ability to download replays. Watching VODs through the game client remains unaffected.
The developer explained that this change is an information security measure designed to restrict third-party access to game memory. This adjustment patches security vulnerabilities recently exploited by cheat developers and malicious actors to create unauthorized game data tools.
The removal has raised concerns among content creators, coaches, and professional figures. Critics argue the change will eliminate YouTube highlight and analysis videos of professional and specialist players, hinder aspiring players from showcasing their skills to teams, and disrupt tactical analysis content. Former pro player and G2 content creator Jankos publicly questioned the decision on Twitter, stating that watching top players is a direct way to improve and asking what the removal aims to achieve.
Riot Games has not yet issued further comments regarding the community's reaction to the decision.
