This latest patch brought with it a new queue system to help with the “Server Busy” downtimes, putting players into a queue with an estimated time that they could log in. Problem is, it doesn’t always work so well. In my experience, I’m still seeing the busy screen and remain unable to reach the queue until I mash F5 or bypass the busy server.

Once past the launcher, the login queue seems extremely erratic. At one point, I had an estimated login of 10 minutes or so and got into the queue immediately. This afternoon, I saw the screen pictured. Yes, indefinite approximate wait. Granted, I think this was a bug, but it’s one of many, and that doesn’t even get at one of the queue’s biggest problems.

The LoL client can be pretty buggy for certain people. I rarely have problems beyond random chat disconnects, but I’ve seen the occasional Bug Splat crash. When that happens during the queue period, there’s no reconnecting. You’re stuck waiting in line until you can get back in and hopefully recover from the disconnect. In most cases, though, I’d bet you just get a leave mark, and that’s not so cool.

There are definitely some things I think Riot needs to address with the system. It’s a good idea, and the times that the crash-to-queue situation should be relatively rare, but when it happens on an individual level, it’s a pretty terrible experience.

It’s finally patch day, and for real this time. Unfortunately this patch has one very serious problem – it can completely trash your installation. There are now several posts on the forums filling rapidly with reports of trashed installations after attempting a patch. I’ve experienced the same problem and had to reinstall, a long and painful process with the number of players forced to do the same.

I don’t hesitate to say that I’m a little worried for Riot. The company is having huge scaling issues. Between the server crashes, the large number of bugs/exploits that come with each patch, and the string of nerfs and buffs that seem out of line due to a lack of testing, I can’t help wondering when they’ll catch up. The list of open positions is enormous and shows some gaping holes in current company structure. Here’s a short list of what Riot’s missing: Technical Director, Database Administrator, Director of Operations, System Administrator, Senior Game Designer. That’s a short list, obviously not including junior level positions. All of those gaps are presumably being filled along with other regular duties by the current staff.

As excited as I was for this patch, I can’t help feeling more than a little miffed by all the problems. Oh, did I mention the Jax buff? Yuck.