"We wanted to make sure he had a flexible identity" Teamfight Tactics devs discuss Kobuko, what makes TFT special, beginner tips, and more (Exclusive)

Teamfight Tactics recently released the brand-new Inkborn Fables update, completely changing the game. Using a theme of mythic legends and fantastic spirits, it launched back on March 20, 2024, for both PC and mobile players. Originally teased during the TFT Remix Rumble Championship Finals, it’s now available to play for everyone.

We had a chance to sit down with several developers of the Teamfight Tactics: Inkborn Fables set to learn more about the new characters, what makes it special, and what the secret sauce is that keeps the Autobattler relevant. With many of the original Autobattler/Autochess games falling off in popularity, TFT remains a popular option.

We spoke to Lynda Tang (Set Lead Designer/Senior Tech Designer), Michael Sloan (Game Designer), and Michael Sherman (Head of Teamfight Tactics Esports) to learn more about the game. While sadly we have no idea if the new Kobuko will be available in League of Legends in the future, he would certainly fit right in.

Q. Hello! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us. Teamfight Tactics continues to go strong with the latest update, Inkborn Fables. It has a unique aesthetic, and a wealth of new content, but what inspired the visual design?

Lynda Tang (Set Lead Designer and Senior Tech Designer): I wanted Inkborn Fables (Set 11) to feel like a refreshing vacation after the amazing party that was Remix Rumble (Set 10), and to capture that setting in a way that felt different than the previous sets we’ve shipped.

I went to our Senior Art Director Tori Ero and our Senior 3D Environment Artist Phillip Zhang with the idea of exploring League of Legends champions in a painting. They created a beautiful world for the set with different biomes and their individual