The Universe Deep dive

KINGDOM

The corporation that built its empire on Radianite. It lights up the world, and that is precisely what makes it unsettling.

Since it was founded, Kingdom has established itself as the pioneering company in the exploitation and the marketing of Radianite. Thanks to innovative technology and strategic partnerships, it quickly cornered the market, which made it the dominant force in the post-First Light economy.

GEOPOLITICAL INFLUENCE

With its monopoly on Radianite, Kingdom is not only an economic power, but also a major player on the international stage. Its ability to control the supply of Radianite gives it immense bargaining power. The countries and the organizations that stand against Kingdom, or that try to work around its influence, could find themselves in precarious situations.

CORPORATE CULTURE

Prosperous though it is, the internal culture of Kingdom is open to debate. Rumors speak of a strict hierarchy and an obsession with control. Some say the company would stop at nothing to hold on to its monopoly, including the use of methods that are hardly ethical.

WHAT THIS COULD IMPLY

Interpretation

Riot says little about the consequences of that dominance. Here are the leads that the world of the game lets us glimpse:

Social and cultural impacts

The pervasive influence of Kingdom in daily life has deep cultural repercussions. The “Kingdom” brand could be as recognizable as the biggest brands of the 21st century. Its dominance could also breed a certain distrust, though. Artistic, musical or literary movements could emerge, either in support of or in opposition to the dominance of Kingdom.

Ethical questions

Beyond its corporate culture, the monopoly position of Kingdom raises many ethical questions. Is it healthy for a single entity to hold that much power? What checks are in place to make sure that Kingdom acts in the interest of the common good, and not only for its profits?

The opposition to Kingdom

In reaction to the growing influence of Kingdom, resistance movements are likely to appear. Those groups could seek to break up the monopoly of the company, to bring its alleged wrongdoing to light, or simply to find alternatives to Radianite.