Riot Games, the creators behind the popular tactical shooter VALORANT, have unveiled plans to roll out dedicated servers for the burgeoning player base in South Africa. This heralds a long-awaited shift from the days of high ping and lag spikes, providing players with an immersive and truly competitive experience right from their own backyard.
The news broke through a tweet from none other than Anna Donlon, the Senior Vice President and Executive Producer on VALORANT, from her official Twitter handle. The message was concise but brimming with promise, stating, “Hello, South Africa!! We know it’s been a long wait, but the time has finally come to bring local servers your way! More info coming soon.”
The revelation has been met with an outpouring of elation from South African gamers who have, until now, endured a considerable disadvantage due to the geographical gap between them and the European servers. Players from the region, who were compelled to queue on servers situated in cities such as Frankfurt, Paris, and London, often faced ping rates exceeding 110ms. This issue led to a noticeable disadvantage in gameplay, with lag and synchronisation issues frequently impeding their performance.
With the imminent introduction of dedicated South African servers, these worries are slated to become relics of the past. The promise of minimal ping, no more lag spikes, and the eradication of the aforementioned disadvantages has sparked a wave of optimism throughout the gaming community. Competitive gamers are particularly jubilant, as the upcoming transition is poised to breathe new life into South Africa’s VALORANT competitive scene.
Anna Donlon’s tweet was not just an announcement; it was a call to arms for the South African gaming community. The arrival of localised servers is anticipated to level the playing field and pave the way for a more equitable and competitive environment. Gamers from the region have long yearned to demonstrate their talents on an even footing, unhampered by technical hindrances. The newfound parity is expected to catalyse the emergence of hitherto untapped gaming prowess, potentially ushering in a fresh wave of South African talent to the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT).
Riot Games’ decision to introduce dedicated servers for South African players underscores the company’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and fairness across its gaming platforms. The move also echoes a broader industry trend where developers are acknowledging the significance of localised servers in nurturing a thriving gaming community.
As anticipation mounts for further information from Riot Games about the launch of these dedicated servers, the South African VALORANT community stands on the precipice of a monumental shift. No longer will players have to contend with the shortcomings of high ping and lag. Instead, they will have the opportunity to showcase their skills, forge new connections, and leave an indelible mark on the ever-evolving world of competitive gaming.