Riot Games' Marc Merrill Calls Arcane Budget Disputes 'Silly'

Riot Games co-founder Marc Merrill has addressed the ongoing discussions about the significant $250 million budget for the animated series Arcane, emphasizing that these debates are "silly." Despite being described as the most expensive animated series ever, Merrill points out that the cost per minute of Arcane is competitive when compared to animated films from studios like Pixar. He clarified that the project was initially planned for two seasons and defended the budget, noting that the vast majority is allocated to talent, ensuring high-quality animation. He reiterated that every frame is hand-animated, showcasing Riot’s commitment to quality over quantity in animation. As for the future of League of Legends adaptations, while possibilities exist, nothing concrete has been confirmed.

The budget for Arcane largely goes towards hiring skilled talent, including animators, voice actors, and other creative professionals, with roughly 80% dedicated to character animation. This approach underlines Riot Games' commitment to quality in its storytelling and production values.

Arcane, which first premiered on Netflix, is based on the hugely popular League of Legends universe. The series has received critical acclaim for its animation quality, storytelling, and character development, quickly establishing a dedicated fanbase. With its first season's success, it has paved the way for discussions about potential future projects set in the expansive Runeterra universe.