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Riot Employees Laid Off

Riot Games CEO Dylan Jadeja Announces Workforce Reduction Amid Financial Challenges

Author

Zion Meiko
January 24, 2024

Riot Games CEO Dylan Jadeja Announces Workforce Reduction Amid Financial Challenges

On January 22, Dylan Jadeja, the CEO of Riot Games released a message notifying his team and everyone else, that they will be letting go of 11% of their workforce globally. Riot has grown tremendously over the past few years, however, their recent investments seem to have backfired and they aren't where they need to be financially. Resulting in a cut in costs. Nonetheless, they attempted to reduce this and prevent this possibility, as mentioned below.

 “We asked leaders to make tradeoffs in the things their teams are working on. We rolled out hiring slowdowns, and in some cases hiring freezes…it’s become clear to all of us that these changes aren’t enough. We have to do more to focus our business and center our efforts on the things that drive the most player value – the things that are truly worth players’ time. Unfortunately, this involves making changes in the area where we invest the most — our headcount.”  “We asked leaders to make tradeoffs in the things their teams are working on. We rolled out hiring slowdowns, and in some cases hiring freezes…it’s become clear to all of us that these changes aren’t enough. We have to do more to focus our business and center our efforts on the things that drive the most player value – the things that are truly worth players’ time. Unfortunately, this involves making changes in the area where we invest the most — our headcount.” 

- Dylan

Further in this letter, he states that an email was to be sent out, letting everyone know if they will be impacted, and to then meet with their Senior Leader over the next several weeks to discuss how they will move forward. Luckily, they aren't going away empty-handed. they will be offered the following:

  • Severance pay

  • Cash bonus

  • Health benefits

  • Equity

  • Computer

  • Career support

  • Trained counselors who can help with emotional, legal, and financial concerns

  • Visa support

This news isn't the end of Riot, however, it is a tough time for any recently terminated employees. As for players, changes are affecting them as well. Legends of Runeterra and the Riot Forge publishing division are being terminated. Their other games such as League of Legends, VALORANT, Wild Rift, and more will remain unchanged.