Introduction:
Riot Games, the creators of the popular League of Legends (LoL) and VALORANT games, has been through a series of ownership changes over the years. From being a startup founded by Mark Merrill and Brandon Beck to its current status as a subsidiary of South Korean conglomerate SK Hynix, Riot Games has undergone significant transformations. In this article, we will delve into the history of Riot Games’ ownership and explore how it has evolved over time.
History of Ownership:
Riot Games was founded in 2009 by Mark Merrill and Brandon Beck. The company initially operated as a startup with limited resources and was eventually acquired by Tencent, the Chinese internet giant, for an undisclosed sum. Under Tencent’s ownership, Riot Games continued to grow and expand its portfolio of games, including the launch of VALORANT in 2019.
However, in 2021, Riot Games was acquired by South Korean conglomerate SK Hynix for $3.6 billion, marking a significant change in ownership. This acquisition came after Tencent faced criticism over its perceived control of the gaming industry and concerns about data privacy.
Impact on Game Development:
The change in ownership has had a significant impact on Riot Games’ game development. Under SK Hynix’s ownership, Riot Games has been given more autonomy to make decisions regarding the direction of its games. This has led to the launch of new games and updates to existing ones. Additionally, the acquisition has provided Riot Games with access to SK Hynix’s resources and technology, which will help the company continue to innovate and improve its games.
Summary:
Riot Games’ ownership has undergone significant changes over the years, from being a startup founded by two friends to being acquired by a multinational conglomerate and then another. The latest acquisition by SK Hynix has provided Riot Games with the resources and autonomy needed to continue innovating and expanding its portfolio of games. While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear – Riot Games will continue to be a force in the gaming industry for years to come.
