Riot Games Layoffs: Company Plans to Cut 530 Jobs Globally, Focusing on Main Games
In the ever-evolving world of video games, Riot Games has announced that it will be laying off 11% of its global workforce, totaling approximately 530 employees. This decision directly impacts the future scope of Legends of Runeterra and marks the end of Riot Forge’s development.
On January 22, 2024, Riot Games made the announcement that it plans to cut around 530 jobs worldwide, which accounts for approximately 11% of its workforce. The announcement also included a link to an email that the company sent to its employees, highlighting the various benefits that those affected by the layoffs will receive.
In response to this email, Riot Games CEO Dylan Jadeja and co-founder Marc Merrill published a statement for players, discussing the situation, its impact on employees, and the consequences for the company’s games.
The statement emphasized Riot Games’ commitment to the development of its main games (League of Legends, Valorant, Teamfight Tactics, and Wild Rift) and stated that Project L is making significant progress. Unfortunately, it was also announced that after the release of Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story, Riot Forge’s development will come to an end. As for Legends of Runeterra, it was revealed that the game costs “significantly more to develop and support than it generates in profits.” As a result, the team responsible for this game will be downsized, with efforts focused on The Path of Champions.
Prior to today’s layoffs, Riot Games had already let go of 46 employees in January 2023 as part of “strategic changes,” but these recent layoffs appear to be something different. According to information shared with players, Riot Games had to make these cuts in order for the company to continue functioning:
“This is not just to appease shareholders or meet quarterly financial targets—it is a necessity. Over the past few years, we have doubled our headcount, spreading our efforts across more and more new projects without enough precision in choosing what players need most. These changes are aimed at refocusing us on the areas that have the biggest impact on your experiences, while limiting investments in those that do not.”
Today’s layoffs are not the only shocking occurrence in the gaming industry. Last week, Google, Discord, and Twitch also announced their own layoffs, and many employees lost their jobs last year as well. We will keep you informed of any further developments in this matter.
FAQ
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What information did Riot Games provide about the layoffs?
Riot Games announced that it plans to lay off approximately 11% of its global workforce, which accounts for around 530 employees worldwide. These layoffs will impact the scope of Legends of Runeterra and result in the discontinuation of Riot Forge’s development. -
What are the benefits for individuals affected by the layoffs?
In an email sent to employees, Riot Games highlighted various benefits for those impacted by the layoffs. However, the article does not provide specific details about these benefits. -
What did the Riot Games co-founders state in their statement to players?
In their statement to players, CEO Dylan Jadeja and co-founder Marc Merrill discussed the situation, the impact of the layoffs on employees, and the consequences for the company’s games. They expressed their commitment to the development of core games such as League of Legends, Valorant, Teamfight Tactics, and Wild Rift. -
What are the consequences for Legends of Runeterra?
It has been revealed that Legends of Runeterra generates less profit than the costs associated with its development and support. As a result, the team responsible for the game will be downsized, and efforts will be focused on The Path of Champions. -
Has Riot Games conducted layoffs in the past?
Yes, Riot Games laid off 46 employees in January 2023 as part of “strategic changes.” However, today’s layoffs seem to have a greater impact on the company. -
Why is the company conducting layoffs?
According to information shared with players, Riot Games had to conduct layoffs in order for the company to continue functioning. The goal of these changes is to prioritize areas that have the greatest impact on player experiences and reduce investments in areas that do not.
Definitions
- Workforce: The number of employees employed by a particular company or industry.
- Riot Forge: Riot Games’ initiative to support independent game developers by investing in their projects and providing infrastructure.
- Legends of Runeterra: An online card game set in the League of Legends universe, created by Riot Games.
- Valorant: An online tactical first-person shooter game, created by Riot Games.
- Teamfight Tactics: An auto battler game set in the League of Legends world, created by Riot Games.
- Wild Rift: The mobile version of the game League of Legends, created by Riot Games.
- The Path of Champions: An upcoming game project from Riot Games that will be the focus after the development of Legends of Runeterra.
Recommended Links
- Official Riot Games Website
- Legends of Runeterra Website
- League of Legends Website
- Valorant Website
- Teamfight Tactics Website
- Wild Rift Website
The source of the article is from the blog kunsthuisoaleer.nl