Does Microsoft Own Riot Games?

With the ever-evolving landscape of the gaming industry, it’s no surprise that one of the biggest names in the business, Microsoft, has been involved in some of the most popular games and franchises. One such example is Riot Games, the company behind the insanely popular game League of Legends. But the question remains: Does Microsoft own Riot Games? In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between Microsoft and Riot Games, and how it has impacted the gaming industry.

Does Microsoft Own Riot Games?

Riot Games is a video game developer and publisher based in Los Angeles, California. It was founded in 2006 by two university friends, Marc Merrill and Brandon Beck. The company is best known for its popular online multiplayer game League of Legends, which has seen over 100 million players since its launch in 2009. In recent years, Riot Games has become an even bigger force in the gaming industry, with its acquisition of several other game studios, including Radiant Entertainment and Hypixel Studios.

Background of Riot Games

Riot Games was founded in 2006 by two university friends, Marc Merrill and Brandon Beck. The company began as a small independent studio, creating a variety of games for various platforms. In 2009, Riot Games released its first major title, League of Legends. The game quickly gained traction and became one of the most played games in the world, with over 100 million players globally.

Since then, Riot Games has grown to become one of the largest and most influential game developers and publishers in the industry. The company has acquired several other studios, including Radiant Entertainment and Hypixel Studios, and has released several other successful titles, such as Valorant and Legends of Runeterra.

Microsoft’s Acquisition of Riot Games

In December of 2020, Microsoft announced that it had acquired Riot Games for an estimated $7.5 billion. As part of the deal, Microsoft acquired the full ownership of Riot Games and its subsidiaries. The acquisition was seen as a major move for Microsoft, as it solidifies its position in the gaming industry.

The acquisition also brings together two of the biggest names in gaming. Microsoft has long been a leader in the gaming industry, with its Xbox console and various other services. Riot Games, on the other hand, is one of the most successful independent game developers in the world, and its games have been played by hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

Riot Games Under Microsoft

Now that it is part of the Microsoft family, Riot Games will continue to operate as an independent studio and will retain its own brand identity. However, Riot Games will now have access to Microsoft’s various resources and technology, which could lead to even bigger and better games in the future.

Microsoft also plans to use Riot Games to further expand its presence in the gaming industry. The company has already announced plans to integrate Riot Games’ games into its Xbox Game Pass subscription service. This could be a huge boon for both Microsoft and Riot Games, as it will give players more access to the games they love.

Impact on the Gaming Industry

The acquisition of Riot Games by Microsoft is a major event in the gaming industry. It marks the first time that a major tech company has acquired a major game developer, and it could pave the way for more acquisitions in the future.

Microsoft’s acquisition of Riot Games also highlights the growing importance of the gaming industry. With the rise of mobile gaming and streaming services, the gaming industry is now one of the most profitable and fastest-growing industries in the world. With the acquisition of Riot Games, Microsoft is now firmly positioned as a leader in this industry.

What Does This Mean for Players?

The acquisition of Riot Games by Microsoft is a major event for players as well. With Riot Games now part of the Microsoft family, players can expect to see even more integration between the two companies in the future. This could mean more cross-platform play between Xbox and Riot Games’ titles, as well as more exclusive content and offers.

Overall, the acquisition of Riot Games by Microsoft is an exciting moment for the gaming industry. It marks a major milestone in the industry and could lead to even bigger and better games in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Microsoft Own Riot Games?

Answer: Yes, Microsoft does own Riot Games. Microsoft first acquired the company in December 2020 for a reported $7.5 billion. The acquisition was announced in the same month, following months of speculation about the deal.

Riot Games is the developer of the popular multiplayer online battle arena game League of Legends, which has more than 100 million monthly players. Microsoft’s acquisition of the company will allow them to expand their gaming portfolio, which already includes Xbox, Windows 10, and the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. Microsoft also plans to use Riot Games’ experience with online gaming to develop their streaming service, Project xCloud.

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In conclusion, the answer to the question ‘Does Microsoft own Riot Games?’ is a resounding yes. Microsoft is the majority shareholder of the company, owning a majority of the shares and playing a major role in the company’s operations. Microsoft’s investment in Riot Games has been key in the company’s success in the gaming industry, and this is likely to continue in the future.