User blog comment:Ysana/Champion Versatility/@comment-4881935-20130127211306

The fine balance that Riot is trying to do is adding versatility while allowing most champions to be viable.

For example, having a champion who can deal as much magic damage comparable to that of a mage while providing more utility (such as CC and blinks) makes the mage class non-viable.

Assassin Rengar is a good example of this case as when he was at his peak, he was a extremely powerful assassin that overshadowed the actual assassin class. There was no need to ever pick an actual assassin when a tanky bruiser could do that exact same job with better perks.

Lulu with her base damage and ratios was like a mage but far exceeded all mages with the utility she provided. Lulu wasn't intended to take the role of a mage, but her scaling and damage was too high that was overshadowing mages.

I think a better way to view versatility is by not looking how many different roles, such as mage, tank, support, jungler, or carry, a champion can play, but rather, what they offer their team.

A varsity champion is a champion that provides many utility for them team. Someone who can fit in many different team comp due to what they bring. For example, Lulu helps improve a team with engaging with her ultimate, or can be used to play a more protect the Kog team.