Next Year's Changes: Haven't We Already Done This Before?

We all need to start off any conversation about this with an acknowledgement that the Jungle role is statistically overpowered.

But it's not correct to simply leave it at that and nerf the jungle. Why? Well, because we've already done this before, multiple times to count. In S13, can't remember exactly when, Phreak determined that the jungle should be nerfed. He later walked back the nerf because jungle pick rate plummeted, and "League of Jungle" became "League of Autofill", and it doesn't matter how good or bad jungle is as a role when your jungle is a Soraka main and their jungle is a Rengar OTP. You will be stomped, and paradoxically the jungle only influences the game more. Player skill at the role matters a lot more than role power, overall.

So what is Riot thinking with these changes? Jungle is more popular than it's ever been, do they think that this will absorb the shock, along with autofill QOL improvements? I think this is extremely optimistic, especially given factors like all the new toys other lanes are getting. I think we are likely headed straight back to League of Autofill.

I think it's critical to pair any Jungle nerfs with corresponding fun "buffs". This was most recently accomplished by Phroxon's (overall) successful pet update in S12. They managed to take power out of the jungle, but kept playrate up by introducing agency with the system and providing QOL. With this buff introducing... bonus move speed and gold for monster kills (oh boy) I think we are going to absolutely have a S13 moment, not a S12 moment.