EN DE CN BR ES RU
Image
Icon

Significant layoffs continue with Riot Games

The video game and esports sectors are going through a difficult time. Several of the biggest names in the... Maria | 20. January 2023

The video game and esports sectors are going through a difficult time. Several of the biggest names in the industry are going through difficult financial situations, resulting in massive layoffs. In addition, the influence of the tightening global economic environment can be seen throughout the gaming business.

Several factors affect the industry, including project postponements and cancellations, lack of investment, massive layoffs, and the apparent failure of development cycles.

Riot Games has recently announced that it will join the list of companies carrying out layoffs, laying off about fifty employees.

Waves of layoffs continue to roll in

We recently discussed the 10,000 Microsoft employees who will soon be laid off. In addition, it has been reported that both Bethesda Game Studios and 343 Industries employees will be affected by these layoffs, which cover a wide range of positions.

Another type of disruption is currently taking place at companies such as Ubisoft. A strike has been planned at the Paris studio as a show of protest after many projects were canceled, and there was general discontent among the staff.

Recently, Riot Games is adding its name to the list of developers now facing layoffs.

Layoffs at Riot Games

According to investigative reporter Jacob Wolf, these layoffs would be the first of many amid a plan to shift priorities.

Most of the staff from the talent acquisition and recruiting divisions are laid off. However, there are also some esports team members and support staff.

A Riot Games corporate affairs executive contacted The Jacob Wolf Report to comment on why nearly fifty employees are currently out of work:

“Riot Games implemented strategic shifts within a few teams to sharpen our focus in a number of areas. … We periodically make changes to our structure and our teams based on what we believe will allow us to deliver the best content and experiences for players.”

On the other hand, the Riot Games representative states:

“We never make these decisions lightly and will always start from a place of wanting to retain Rioters and have them focus on our highest priorities. While that’s not always possible, it’s our primary goal.”

Finally, it is essential to note that Riot Games is not reducing the size of its workforce and is still looking for new staff. On its recruitment website, it has a list of more than 150 open positions.

The fact that the California-based company behind games like League of Legends and VALORANT has historically avoided major job eliminations is a testament to its enduring strength as a video game industry titan.

Header: Riot Games