League of Legends' recent Hall of Fame event, celebrating esports legend Faker, sparked outrage with the introduction of an ultra-premium Ahri skin bundle reaching a staggering $500 price point. Players revolted, calling the price predatory and vowing to boycott the skin by permab-banning Ahri in champion select. But did this digital picket line work? Early signs suggest otherwise.

The boycott's core strategy was to disrupt the enjoyment of the skin for those who purchased it. By consistently banning Ahri, players hoped to force Riot's hand on lowering prices. However, reports indicate the strategy fizzled. While some regions saw a temporary rise in Ahri bans, the effect was short-lived. Dedicated Ahri players, even those against the price, found the champion unplayable and abandoned the boycott.

Meanwhile, sales figures remain shrouded in secrecy, but anecdotal evidence suggests strong performance. Streamers showcasing the new skin, boasting unique visuals and effects, garnered significant viewership. Additionally, the limited-edition nature of the bundle likely fueled impulse purchases from collectors.

While the boycott's effectiveness is debatable, it has brought the issue of in-game cosmetics pricing to the forefront. The community's outrage highlights the growing concern over expensive microtransactions, leading to discussions about ethical pricing models in free-to-play games.

So, what's next? While the boycott may not have achieved its immediate goal, it has undeniably sparked a conversation. It remains to be seen if Riot will address player concerns or continue this premium cosmetic tier. Only time will tell if the legend of the $500 Ahri skin becomes a cautionary tale or a trendsetter.