LeagueBot: A Voice LLM Companion of Cognitive and Emotional Support for Novice Players in Competitive Games

Abstract: Competitive games pose steep learning curves and strong social pressures, often discouraging novice players and limiting sustained engagement. To address these challenges, this study introduces LeagueBot, a LLM-based voice chatbot designed to provide both informational and emotional support during live gameplay in league of legends, one of the most competitive multiplayer online battle arena games. In a within-subjects experiment with 33 novice players, LeagueBot was found to reduce cognitive challenge, performative challenge, and perceived tension. Qualitative analysis further identified three themes: enhanced access to game information, relief from cognitive burden, and practical limitations. Participants noted that LeagueBot offered context-appropriate guidance and emotional support, helping ease the steep learning curve and psychological pressures of competitive gaming. Together, these findings underscore the potential of voice-based LLM companions to assist novice players in competitive environments and highlight their broader applicability for real-time support in other high-pressure contexts.