Riot Games Cuts 530 Jobs From Global Workforce

Riot Games announced a significant restructuring in January 2024, resulting in the elimination of 530 positions, which represents approximately 11% of its global workforce. The primary objective of these layoffs is to refocus the company’s resources on its core gaming properties, including League of Legends, Valorant, Wild Rift, and Teamfight Tactics. The reduction in staff disproportionately affects teams operating outside of these primary development areas.

The organizational shift includes specific changes to the company’s product portfolio. The title Legends of Runeterra will undergo a staff reduction and pivot its development focus toward player-versus-environment content due to ongoing financial challenges. Additionally, the company is discontinuing new game development under the Riot Forge label following the release of its final planned title. Despite these cuts, Riot Games confirmed that other major projects, such as the fighting game Project L and the second season of the animated series Arcane, remain in active development.

To support the affected employees, the company implemented a comprehensive severance package. This includes a minimum of six months of salary, a cash bonus equivalent to 100% of the individual’s 2023 annual performance bonus target, and extended health benefits. Furthermore, departing staff are provided with job placement services, emotional and financial counseling, and support for those on work-related visas. This restructuring reflects a broader strategic pivot toward prioritizing high-impact internal projects while streamlining operations across the global organization.