Riot Games, Inc.
Riot Games, Inc. is a prominent American video game developer, publisher, and esports tournament organizer based in Los Angeles, California. It was founded in September 2006 by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill primarily to develop League of Legends. Over the years, Riot Games expanded its portfolio with several spin-off games and the unrelated first-person shooter game, Valorant.
League of Legends
The flagship title of Riot Games, League of Legends, is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game. Inspired by Defense of the Ancients, a custom map for Warcraft III, the founders aimed to develop a stand-alone video game that could capture the essence of competitive gaming. League of Legends quickly became a leading game in the esports scene, with its World Championship being one of the most prestigious events in the industry. The 2024 League of Legends World Championship and 2025 League of Legends World Championship are examples of such tournaments, drawing global participation.
Valorant
Riot Games diversified into other genres with the release of Valorant, a tactical hero shooter game. As with their earlier business model, Valorant is a free-to-play game that takes inspiration from Counter-Strike with unique elements rooted in character abilities. The Valorant Champions Tour showcases Riot's commitment to fostering an esports ecosystem around Valorant, featuring multiple events that span the globe.
Riot Forge
In an effort to expand their game offerings, Riot established Riot Forge, a publishing label designed to partner with third-party developers. This initiative allows Riot to fund and publish games that are set in the League of Legends universe, further enriching the lore and expanding the game's world with new narratives and gameplay experiences.
Esports and Tournaments
Riot Games has been heavily involved in the organization and promotion of esports events. The League Championship Series (LCS) is a premier competitive League of Legends league serving the United States, Canada, and Northern Latin America. The structure of this league, divided into splits, has become a model for competitive gaming across various titles.
Corporate Culture and Controversies
Despite its successes, Riot Games has faced significant challenges, particularly concerning workplace culture. The company has encountered several allegations and lawsuits related to a toxic work environment, including gender discrimination and sexual harassment. These issues have prompted widespread industry discussions about workplace ethics and corporate responsibility.
Global Reach
With 23 offices worldwide as of 2023, Riot Games has expanded its influence across multiple regions. It continues to sell corporate sponsorships, merchandise, and streaming rights, leveraging its games' popularity and the esports market's growth. This global presence underscores its status as a major player in the gaming and entertainment industry.