Riot Games Lays Off Staff from League of Legends Development Team

In a recent announcement, Riot Games disclosed yet another wave of job reductions within the company, with this round specifically targeting the developers working on its popular PC MOBA title, League of Legends.

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— Tryndamere (@MarcMerrill) October 15, 2024

Marc Merrill, co-founder of Riot Games, took to his X account to explain that the company has “adjusted its teams and operational methods to enhance the League experience both currently and for the future.”He further elaborated:

“As part of this restructuring, we have made the difficult choice to eliminate certain positions. This decision is not merely a cost-saving measure—it aims to ensure we have the appropriate expertise in place so that League can thrive for another 15 years and beyond.”

Merrill confirmed that those affected by the layoffs will receive a severance package, which includes six months of salary, an annual bonus, and additional benefits. However, he did not disclose the exact number of League of Legends team members impacted.

He reassured fans of League of Legends that they “should not expect any slowdown in the game’s development.”Merrill expressed optimism that these adjustments would ultimately lead to a development team larger than the current one.

In a subsequent update, Merrill stated:

“Although the League team will grow larger as a result of these changes, the crucial element is not just size but having the right team, priorities, and a sustainable strategy for meeting player needs. Addressing the incorrect problems won’t improve the situation even with more resources. It’s about building a stronger and healthier organization, not just increasing its size.”

Earlier this year, Riot Games revealed plans to reduce its workforce by 530 employees, which represented approximately 11% of its total headcount at the time, while also shutting down its indie publishing branch, Riot Forge.

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