Riot Games has recently made a significant announcement outlining organizational changes, including the unfortunate layoffs of approximately 530 staff members, around 11% of the company’s total workforce.
This realignment is part of Riot Games’ efforts to refocus on areas that resonate more with players, while concurrently scaling back commitments to less impactful endeavors.
Riot Games announced the closure of Riot Forge
In a comprehensive player update, Riot Games elaborated on its commitment to concentrate on player-centric initiatives and disclosed the specific impact on two prominent projects. The Runeterra card game, Legends of Runeterra, and the Riot Forge initiative are set to undergo substantial alterations.
Riot Forge, a platform enabling players to delve into the rich lore of League of Legends through single-player experiences, will halt new game development after the launch of its sixth title, “Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story” on February 21.
Riot Forge, functioning as a publisher, collaborated with various independent studios, each contributing distinct styles and gameplay approaches to create 6 titles that expanded upon the continually evolving narrative of League of Legends.
Alongside the cessation of Riot Forge’s new game development, Legends of Runeterra will transition its focus towards sustainability rather than introducing new updates. Financial challenges are cited as the primary reason for this shift, prompting the game to emphasize the PvE Path of Champions mode.
This pivot allows the remaining development team to explore and experiment more extensively within that space.
While the announcement leaves the future of Riot Forge uncertain, with no clear indication of revival in the near term, Riot Games remains committed to prioritizing projects that align with player interests.
Single-player projects in a similar vein may not be immediate priorities for the company, emphasizing its dedication to strategic realignment and optimization of resources. The company’s ongoing commitment to its player community, combined with these organizational adjustments, aims to ensure a more focused and impactful approach to game development in the future.