Riot games axes 530 staff in shocking cutback
Jan 23, 2024 7:48 AMRiot Games, the esteemed developer behind hit titles such as League of Legends and Valorant, has announced the dismissal of about 530 employees which approximates to 11% of their workforce. This decision primarily impacts non-core development teams, as the company aims to refocus on key areas that promise the highest impact on their future success. Despite the sweeping layoffs, Riot assures continued support for their mainstays like League of Legends, Valorant, Wild Rift, and Teamfight Tactics, while scaling back on Legends of Runeterra and dissolving the Riot Forge publishing label after the release of their upcoming title Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story.
The restructuring initiatives reflect a trend in the gaming industry where 2023 witnessed several significant layoffs across various gaming companies, a trend that now extends into 2024 with similar announcements from other major industry players such as Unity, Twitch, Embracer, and Bossa Studios. Riot Games aspires to enhance their strategic focus amidst these widespread industry shifts to reinforce their commitment to core projects and overall sustainability.
What titles will Riot Games continue to support after the layoffs?
Riot Games has committed to the ongoing support of their major games including League of Legends, Valorant, Wild Rift, and Teamfight Tactics, even as they navigate through the layoffs and refocus their development efforts.
Background information: Riot Games, established in 2006, is an American video game developer, publisher, and esports tournament organizer notable for their flagship game, League of Legends. The game was released in 2009 and has since become a global esports phenomenon. Riot has expanded its IP with various games and has ventured into the digital collectible card game genre with Legends of Runeterra, as well as the tactical shooter space with Valorant. The company's commitment to their core titles showcases their dedication to maintaining and growing their established online gaming communities, despite the economic pressures necessitating workforce reductions.
Casey Loh
Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.
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Rolling R!ck commented on: 2024-01-23 08:30:06
It's a tough time in the gaming industry, and even behemoths like Riot Games aren't immune to the shifting currents. Refocusing on their core titles seems like a smart survival tactic, ensuring that fan favorites stay in the limelight while the industry weathers the storm.
Miss Peachy commented on: 2024-01-23 08:15:14
Tough times in the gaming world, huh Riot's layoffs are a bummer for the industry, but it's good to see they're keeping their iconic titles in the limelight; fingers crossed for those affected and for the games we love to keep thriving With the shifting sands of the gaming biz, it's a wild ride for devs and players alike, but Riot's laser focus on their biggest games might just be the play that keeps them on top of their game.
