Riot Games Reduces Workforce to Focus on Core Games

by Arthur Herring
in *EN, News-PL, Release
on 23 stycznia 2024

Riot Games, the renowned video game developer responsible for League of Legends and the popular Netflix series, Arcane, is making significant staff reductions worldwide. The CEO of Riot Games, Tyler Jadeja, believes that this decision is crucial for the company’s future.

Approximately 530 employees, which account for about 11% of the global workforce, will be affected by these layoffs. In a note addressed to the players, Tyler Jadeja and Co-Chairman Marc Merrill explained that the company is refocusing its efforts on fewer, high-impact projects to ensure long-term sustainability. This strategic shift aims to prioritize games at the core of Riot Games’ operations.

League of Legends, a free-to-play multiplayer online battle game that was first released in 2009, has gained immense popularity over the years. Its success has extended to the animated series Arcane, which became the first streaming series to win an Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program in 2022. The series has been renewed for a second season set to premiere in November.

The impact of these workforce reductions will be felt immediately in two of Riot Games’ projects. The company will be reducing the team size for Legends of Runeterra and ceasing new game development for Riot Forge after the release of Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story.

According to a statement by Riot Games CEO Dylan Jadeja, the company realizes that the current lack of focus and excessive number of ongoing projects are hindering its progress. Some of the company’s investments have not yielded the expected results, leading to unsustainable costs. This situation leaves no room for experimentation or failure, which are integral to the creative process.

However, the executives at Riot Games maintain a bold vision for the future, with an increased commitment to their core live games, including League of Legends, VALORANT, Teamfight Tactics, and Wild Rift. By streamlining their operations, Riot Games aims to strengthen and ensure the success of these essential gaming experiences.

FAQ:

1. Why is Riot Games making staff reductions?
– Riot Games is making staff reductions to refocus its efforts on fewer, high-impact projects and ensure long-term sustainability. The company believes this strategic shift is crucial for its future.

2. How many employees will be affected by the layoffs?
– Approximately 530 employees, which account for about 11% of Riot Games’ global workforce, will be affected by these layoffs.

3. Will the reductions have an immediate impact on any projects?
– Yes, the reductions will have an immediate impact on Legends of Runeterra and new game development for Riot Forge, which will cease after the release of Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story.

4. What are Riot Games’ core live games?
– Riot Games’ core live games include League of Legends, VALORANT, Teamfight Tactics, and Wild Rift.

Definitions:

1. Refocusing: Shifting one’s attention or efforts to a different area or objective.
2. Sustainability: The ability to maintain or support something over the long term.
3. Streaming series: A television or web series that is available for immediate viewing online, typically through a streaming platform.
4. Emmy: An Emmy is an award given for excellence in the television industry.

The source of the article is from the blog meltyfan.es