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Riot Games reportedly making layoffs

UPDATE: 46 jobs lost.

Riot Games logo.
Image credit: Riot Games

UPDATE: Riot has now confirmed that 46 staff have lost their jobs in this round of layoffs.

"Riot Games implemented strategic shifts within a few teams to sharpen our focus in a number of areas. With these shifts, certain roles were eliminated, impacting a total of 46 Rioters. This is part of our normal course of our business: 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," reads a statement from Riot to Eurogamer.

"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."

The company currently has 150 positions open globally.


ORIGINAL STORY: Riot Games, the Valorant and League of Legends developer, has reportedly made a number of layoffs.

The news comes from esports reporter Jacob Wolf, who tweeted that cuts have been made across a number of departments according to sources.

Riot itself is yet to publicly confirm any reductions to staff, but Eurogamer has requested comment.

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"Riot Games is making layoffs, which started earlier today, multiple people have told me," tweeted Wolf.

"Size and scope are unclear at the moment, so far I've heard of effects across recruiting and human resources, support and esports.

"Riot's historically not made many reductions in force in the past, but it's in line with a broader trend in tech, gaming and entertainment as economic hardship begins to affect many corporations."

Earlier this week, Microsoft announced 10,000 layoffs across the company, including game studios Bethesda, 343 Industries, and The Coalition.

Former staff have accused the company of having "incompetent leadership".

Unity also laid off almost 300 staff due to the current economic climate.

Ubisoft, meanwhile, has reported disappointing financial results and cancelled a number of projects.

Staff have since been called to strike following an email from CEO Yves Guillemot to staff stating: "the ball is in your court to deliver this line-up on time and at the expected level of quality, and show everyone what we are capable of achieving."

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