For fans of League of Legends: Wild Rift, the chance to hear directly from one of the minds behind the game is both rare and exciting. In a recent exclusive interview, Duy Nguyễn, a character designer at Riot Games, opened up about his creative process, professional journey, and what it means to “Dream Beyond” in the world of digital art.
As part of Apple’s Here’s to the Dreamers campaign, this conversation shines a light on not just the mechanics of character design but also the heart, grit, and collaboration that bring these champions to life.
From Intern to Impact
Duy began his journey like many artists—driven by passion and inspired by games like Final Fantasy and Blizzard’s iconic titles. Early on, he realized that art didn’t have to be confined to traditional forms. Monsters, robots, and fantasy worlds could be just as expressive as anything in the real world.
His first step into the industry came through encouragement from his cousins, avid League of Legends players. What started as an internship eventually led him to create props—like a few simple rocks on the battlefield. While that may sound small, a mentor’s perspective shifted everything: “Millions of players will see those rocks every time they play.” That moment taught Duy that even the smallest contributions matter—and that principle has stayed with him to this day.
The Art of Simplicity and Clarity
One of Duy’s key principles is clarity. When designing characters, he focuses on making the visual identity instantly understandable. For example, strength might be conveyed through sharp angles and bold shapes, while agility is shown with smoother, sleeker forms. Too much backstory or too many visual cues can clutter the design, making it harder for players to connect. Simplicity doesn’t mean basic—it means memorable.
From Gameplay to Identity
According to Duy, gameplay always comes first. His team begins with what the game needs—mechanics or roles—and then builds a character around that. Once a basic gameplay concept is locked in, the worldbuilding begins: origin, weapons, region, personality. The journey then moves into 3D modeling, rigging, animation, VFX, and sound.
The process is long and filled with passionate discussions. And while it’s challenging, it’s also what makes the characters feel real and unforgettable.
Teamwork Makes Magic
Duy emphasizes that true teamwork doesn’t revolve around individual egos. Instead, it’s about amplifying what others have started. When people come together with mutual respect and shared goals, they can create something far greater than what any one person could achieve alone.
Tools of the Trade
For his creative workflow, Duy uses Procreate on the iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil, citing its flexibility and natural feel. His process begins with defining key attributes or “keywords” for the character, followed by reference gathering and 2D sketching. This mobile setup allows him to sketch anytime, anywhere—essential for a dynamic design process.
Cultural Influence and Creative Freedom
Though Duy’s Vietnamese heritage doesn’t always directly influence his studio work, it profoundly shapes his personal projects. He notes that while game development often follows specific needs, his cultural background gives him a unique lens—and a powerful voice—when it comes to personal expression.
Leading With Purpose
Transitioning from artist to team leader wasn’t easy. As an individual contributor, Duy found satisfaction in daily progress. Leadership, however, requires patience. Success isn’t always visible right away. But for Duy, the joy now comes from lifting others up.
He recalls a moment where he helped bring a teammate’s concept art to life in 3D while they were away. Seeing that teammate’s reaction reminded him of the power of collaboration—to realize someone else’s vision is a victory in itself.
What “Dream Beyond” Means
To Duy, the phrase “Dream Beyond” is about finding beauty in all things—just like his teacher once told him: “Draw a flower, and it’s beautiful. Draw a trash bag, and it’s beautiful too.” It’s the artist’s job to see the extraordinary in the ordinary and bring it to light.
Final Thought
Duy Nguyễn’s story is more than a behind-the-scenes look at game design—it’s a masterclass in humility, persistence, and purpose. His journey reminds us that creativity isn’t about working in isolation or seeking personal glory. It’s about shaping shared worlds, collaborating with care, and using one’s craft to inspire. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or a lifelong gamer, Duy’s insights underscore a universal truth: great things begin with a dream—and even greater things happen when that dream is shared.
