After the massive global success of
Arcane, Riot Games has decided to continue capitalizing on its new franchise by launching an immersive musical show, currently exclusive to China. Titled
Immersive Arcane, or "Battle of Two Cities", the project is led by Tencent and
Punchdrunk, a British company specializing in immersive theater, notably behind
Sleep No More, its most famous production. Launched in early January after nearly two years of development, the show has already toured several cities in China before settling in Shanghai in early March, where it will now run continuously for an as yet undetermined period.
Following casting calls launched across China in mid-2024, spectators from around the world can now head to the Shanghai Annex to experience this new production and relive the series from the inside. Lasting around 120 minutes, the show immerses fans of the series, as well as
League of Legends enthusiasts, in Zaun and Piltover, the two iconic cities brought to life by the French studio Fortiche in the Netflix series.
Spectators are free to move through the different sets, following characters such as Jinx, Vi, Silco, and Caitlyn, and discovering their parallel storylines as they unfold. The organizers also explain that fans may need to attend multiple times, as several scenes take place simultaneously across different areas of the venue.
In addition to offering a new way to experience the series, with scenes performed by actors, the show also makes extensive use of Arcane’s soundtrack, which accompanies the nearly two hours of immersive theater. Esports fans may also find something familiar with the inclusion of
Heavy is the Crown, RISE, Legends Never Die, and other
Worlds anthems.
According to an article by
Jiefang Daily, the production combines musical performance, theater, stunt work, and three-dimensional mechanical stage devices to further enhance immersion and storytelling possibilities. The Chinese outlet also reports that the show features nearly 30 dancers and actors who, together, bring Arcane back to life for fans of the series.
