Riot Games has recently announced its second round of layoffs this year, affecting 32 employees. The company confirmed that 27 roles were cut on the League of Legends team, along with five roles in publishing. Riot reassured those affected that they could apply for open positions within the company.
This comes after Riot’s initial layoffs at the beginning of the year, where 530 employees were let go due to what the company deemed a necessity. The latest round of job cuts, however, is not about saving money but about ensuring the right expertise is in place to keep League of Legends successful for years to come.
Riot co-founder Marc Merrill stated that while team effectiveness is crucial, the League team will eventually grow larger as they develop the next phase of the game. Those who were laid off will receive a severance package that includes six months’ pay, annual bonus, job placement assistance, health coverage, and more.
Despite these recent layoffs, Merrill reassured fans that work on League of Legends will not slow down. The company is dedicated to addressing current challenges while also planning for the future of the game.
The gaming industry as a whole has seen a significant number of job losses in 2024, with around 13,000 employees reportedly affected. This adds to the 10,500 workers laid off in 2023. The reasons behind these widespread layoffs have been a topic of discussion, with some industry experts sharing their thoughts on the matter.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve and adapt, it is essential for companies like Riot Games to make strategic decisions to ensure long-term success. While news of layoffs is always concerning, Riot’s commitment to supporting those affected and maintaining its focus on League of Legends’ future is a positive sign for fans and employees alike.
