Riot Games recently made some big changes, including slashing 530 jobs and closing down Riot Forge publishing arm. Read more about it on ENBLE.
Tencent-owned Riot Games Announces Layoffs of Approximately 530 Employees, Equivalent to 11% of Workforce at League of Legends Developer
Riot Games Announces Layoffs and Shutdown of Riot Forge Publishing Group
In a shocking announcement, Riot Games, the renowned creator of League of Legends, has revealed that it will be laying off approximately 530 employees, which accounts for 11% of its workforce. As a result of this restructuring, Riot Forge, the company’s five-year-old publishing group, will also be discontinued. 📢
A Sad Moment for Riot Games
CEO Dylan Jadeja expressed his deep sorrow regarding the layoffs, acknowledging the impact it will have on the affected employees and their families. In an open letter to the employees, Jadeja outlined the generous severance package and additional benefits offered to support them during this difficult time. These benefits include access to job placement services, counseling, visa support, and even new laptops to replace their work computers if needed. It is important to note that the most affected teams are those outside of core development. 💔
An Unavoidable Necessity
Addressing the players, Riot Games emphasized the necessity of these changes. Jadeja stated unequivocally that these actions were not driven by appeasing shareholders or meeting quarterly goals, but rather as a response to the company’s current circumstances. The CEO highlighted two areas that will experience an immediate impact due to these organizational changes: Riot Forge and the digital collectible card game Legends of Runeterra. 🃏
Farewell to Riot Forge
Riot Forge, established in 2019 as a collaborative platform for independent developers to create new stories set in the League of Legends universe, will officially shut down. Despite releasing five games under the Riot Forge label, such as ConENBLEnce, Hextech Mayhem, The Mageseeker, Ruined King, and Song of Nunu, the publishing group will conclude its operations after the release of its sixth game, Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story, which revolves around our beloved Yordles. This game will launch on Nintendo Switch and PC before the unfortunate closure of Riot Forge. Farewell, Riot Forge! 🎮
Legends of Runeterra Struggles, but Survives
Legends of Runeterra, Riot Games’ digital collectible card game, will not be shut down. However, Jadeja candidly admitted that the game did not meet the company’s expectations in terms of performance. As a result, Riot Games plans to reduce the size of the team and focus on enhancing its single-player adventure mode, the “Path of Champions.” 🎴
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A Trend in the Gaming Industry
Unfortunately, Riot Games is not alone in implementing layoffs and organizational changes. Other prominent video game publishers, such as Epic Games, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, and Activision Blizzard, have also made the difficult decision to downsize their workforce. These actions illustrate the challenges faced by the gaming industry and its constant demand for innovation and financial stability. 🌐
Q&A: What Readers Want to Know
Q: How will Riot Games assist the employees who are being laid off?
Riot Games is providing a comprehensive severance package to the affected employees, which includes access to job placement services, counseling, visa support, and the option to receive new laptops to replace their work computers if necessary.
Q: What is the reason for Riot Forge’s shutdown?
Riot Forge is being discontinued due to the company’s inability to sustain the costs associated with the project. Riot Games believes that eliminating this venture will provide more room for experimentation and failure, which are vital elements for a creative company like theirs.
Q: Will Legends of Runeterra continue to be available to players?
Yes, Legends of Runeterra will remain operational. However, Riot Games plans to downsize the team and focus on improving the game’s single-player adventure mode, the “Path of Champions.”
Q: Is it common for gaming companies to engage in layoffs?
Yes, layoffs have become a recurring trend in the gaming industry. Many major game publishers, including Epic Games, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, and Activision Blizzard, have experienced workforce reductions in recent times. These actions are often taken to ensure financial sustainability and adapt to evolving market conditions.
Q: What are some recommended articles to read about the gaming industry?
- “The Future of Gaming: Trends and Predictions”
- “The Impact of COVID-19 on the Gaming Industry”
- “Exploring the Rise of E-Sports”
- “How Video Games are Shaping the Creative Industry”
- “The Power of Gaming Communities: Uniting Players Worldwide”
The gaming industry is a dynamic environment that requires constant adaptation and adjustment. The recent layoffs at Riot Games and other prominent publishers demonstrate the challenges faced by companies in this field. However, it is essential to remember that these changes are necessary to ensure long-term sustainability and foster innovation and creativity.
As gamers and supporters of the industry, let’s continue to stand strong and appreciate the hard work of the developers and employees who bring joy to our lives. Share your thoughts on this news and spread the word about the resilience of the gaming community! 💪🎮
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References: – Riot Games Official Announcement – League of Legends – Epic Games Layoffs – Ubisoft Layoffs – Electronic Arts Layoffs – Activision Blizzard Layoffs
