Who is League of Legends owned by?
League of Legends, one of the most popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games in the world, has a complex ownership structure. The game was created by Riot Games, a subsidiary of Tencent Holdings, a Chinese conglomerate.
Riot Games
Riot Games was founded in 2006 by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill, two passionate gamers who wanted to create a game that would bring people together. The company’s initial focus was on developing a game that would revolutionize the MOBA genre, and after years of development, League of Legends was launched in 2009.
Tencent Holdings
Tencent Holdings, on the other hand, is a Chinese conglomerate that was founded in 1998. The company has grown to become one of the largest and most successful technology companies in the world, with a diverse portfolio of businesses that include WeChat, a popular social media platform, QQ, a popular instant messaging service, and Tencent Games, a gaming division that includes Riot Games.
Acquisition
In 2015, Tencent Holdings acquired a majority stake in Riot Games, valuing the company at $430 million. The acquisition was seen as a strategic move by Tencent to expand its presence in the gaming industry and to gain access to Riot Games‘ expertise in the MOBA genre.
Ownership Structure
So, who owns League of Legends? The ownership structure of Riot Games is as follows:
- Tencent Holdings: 80% ownership stake
- Riot Games founders: 20% ownership stake
Key Points
Here are some key points to summarize the ownership structure of League of Legends:
• Tencent Holdings owns 80% of Riot Games, giving it significant control over the company and its operations.
• Riot Games founders, Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill, own 20% of the company, but have limited control over the direction of the company.
• League of Legends is a subsidiary of Riot Games, which is owned by Tencent Holdings.
Why is this important?
The ownership structure of League of Legends is important for several reasons:
• Financial support: Tencent Holdings has provided significant financial support to Riot Games, allowing the company to continue developing and updating the game.
• Global reach: Tencent Holdings has a significant presence in Asia, giving Riot Games access to a large and growing market.
• Competition: The acquisition by Tencent Holdings has increased competition in the gaming industry, as Riot Games is now able to compete with other major gaming companies.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the ownership structure of League of Legends:
Q: Who owns League of Legends?
A: Tencent Holdings owns 80% of Riot Games, which is the parent company of League of Legends.
Q: Who founded Riot Games?
A: Riot Games was founded by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill in 2006.
Q: How much did Tencent Holdings pay for Riot Games?
A: Tencent Holdings acquired a majority stake in Riot Games for $430 million in 2015.
Q: What is the significance of the acquisition?
A: The acquisition by Tencent Holdings has provided Riot Games with significant financial support and access to a large and growing market.
Q: How does the ownership structure affect the game?
A: The ownership structure has allowed Riot Games to continue developing and updating the game, and has given the company access to new resources and expertise.
Q: Is League of Legends available in China?
A: League of Legends is available in China, and is one of the most popular games in the country.
Q: Is Tencent Holdings involved in the development of League of Legends?
A: Tencent Holdings is involved in the development of League of Legends, and provides strategic guidance and support to Riot Games.
Q: What is the future of League of Legends?
A: The future of League of Legends is uncertain, but it is likely that the game will continue to evolve and grow, with Tencent Holdings and Riot Games continuing to work together to develop new content and features.
Conclusion
In conclusion, League of Legends is owned by Tencent Holdings, a Chinese conglomerate that acquired a majority stake in Riot Games, the parent company of the game. The ownership structure has provided Riot Games with significant financial support and access to a large and growing market, and has allowed the company to continue developing and updating the game.