Was Riot Games Bought by Epic Games? Debunking the Rumors

The short answer is a resounding no. Riot Games was not bought by Epic Games. The two companies have, however, entered into a collaborative partnership, which might be the source of the confusion. This partnership brings Riot’s popular titles, such as League of Legends, Valorant, Teamfight Tactics, and Legends of Runeterra, to the Epic Games Store. This allows players to access these games through Epic’s platform, but it doesn’t signify an acquisition of Riot Games by Epic Games. Riot Games remains a subsidiary of Tencent Holdings, a Chinese multinational conglomerate.

Understanding the Epic Games and Riot Games Partnership

The collaboration between Epic Games and Riot Games is a strategic move that benefits both companies. By offering Riot’s games on the Epic Games Store, Epic gains access to a vast and engaged player base. For Riot, this partnership expands their reach to millions of new players who frequent the Epic Games Store. This is a purely strategic decision. The partnership doesn’t involve any change in ownership or organizational structure for either company.

Steve Allison, Vice President and General Manager of the Epic Games Store, highlighted the excitement surrounding the partnership, emphasizing Riot Games’ position as a leading developer of groundbreaking entertainment franchises. This collaboration aims to introduce Riot’s titles to a wider audience, potentially boosting their popularity even further.

The Ownership Structure: Riot Games and Tencent

It’s crucial to understand that Riot Games is owned by Tencent Holdings. Tencent initially acquired a majority stake in Riot Games in 2011, and by December 2015, they completed the acquisition, owning 100% of the company. This ownership structure remains unchanged despite the partnership with Epic Games. Tencent’s substantial investment in Riot Games underscores their belief in the company’s potential and the enduring popularity of its games.

Epic Games: Ownership and Acquisitions

Epic Games, while not owning Riot, has its own unique ownership structure and history of acquisitions. While it’s a privately held company, Tencent owns approximately 40% of Epic Games. The remaining ownership is largely held by Tim Sweeney, the founder and CEO, who holds a controlling share. Other minority shareholders include Sony and Kirkbi (the holding company that owns the Lego Group).

Epic Games has also made strategic acquisitions to bolster its own capabilities. For example, in April 2023, they acquired Brazilian studio Aquiris, rebranding it as Epic Games Brasil. This acquisition aimed to contribute to the development of Fortnite. Conversely, Epic sold Bandcamp to music licensing company Songtradr in September 2023, indicating a focus on their core gaming business.

Is the Partnership a Sign of Things to Come?

The partnership between Epic Games and Riot Games exemplifies a growing trend of collaboration within the gaming industry. These collaborations allow companies to leverage each other’s strengths and reach a broader audience, without necessarily involving mergers or acquisitions. This might represent the future of the gaming industry, with collaborations becoming more common. As explored by scholars at the GamesLearningSociety.org, the partnerships in the gaming industry are increasing in the hope of attracting younger people to older platforms, and providing innovative learning opportunities for players.

15 FAQs About Riot Games, Epic Games, and Their Relationship

Here are 15 frequently asked questions addressing the relationship between Riot Games and Epic Games, their ownership structures, and other related topics:

FAQ 1: Does Microsoft Own Riot Games?

No, Microsoft does not own Riot Games. Riot Games remains an independent game studio, wholly owned by Tencent Holdings.

FAQ 2: Who Owns Riot Games?

Tencent Holdings, a Chinese multinational conglomerate, owns 100% of Riot Games.

FAQ 3: When Did Tencent Buy Riot Games?

Tencent initially acquired a majority stake in Riot Games in 2011 and completed the acquisition in December 2015.

FAQ 4: How Much is Riot Games Worth?

Estimating the exact current worth of Riot Games is challenging as it is a private subsidiary of Tencent. However, Riot Platforms has a net worth of around $1.94 Billion as of October 31, 2023. These are two different companies.

FAQ 5: Is Epic Games Owned by China?

While Tencent, a Chinese company, owns a 40% stake in Epic Games, Epic Games is not entirely owned by China. Tim Sweeney remains the majority shareholder.

FAQ 6: Who Owns a Large Stake in Epic Games?

Tencent owns a 40% stake, and Tim Sweeney owns a substantial portion.

FAQ 7: Who is the Majority Owner of Epic Games?

Tim Sweeney, the founder and CEO of Epic Games, is the majority owner.

FAQ 8: Does Tencent Still Own Riot Games?

Yes, Tencent still owns 100% of Riot Games.

FAQ 9: How Much of Epic Games is Owned by China?

40% of Epic Games is owned by Tencent, a Chinese company.

FAQ 10: Does Disney Own Epic Games?

No, Disney does not own Epic Games.

FAQ 11: Is Fortnite Dying?

No, Fortnite is not dying. It remains one of the most popular battle royale games with millions of active players.

FAQ 12: Is Fortnite Still the Most Popular?

Fortnite continues to be among the most popular battle royale games, holding its own against competitors like Warzone and Apex Legends.

FAQ 13: Is Riot Richer Than Blizzard?

Comparing Riot’s precise financials to Activision Blizzard’s is difficult due to their different corporate structures (Riot being a subsidiary). Activision Blizzard has a higher brand ranking and a larger market cap than Riot Games.

FAQ 14: Is League of Legends on Epic Games Store?

Yes, League of Legends is available on the Epic Games Store as part of the partnership between Epic Games and Riot Games.

FAQ 15: Why is League on Epic?

Adding Riot titles brings games in the hugely popular League of Legends franchise to the Epic Games Store, and they could see an added boost by being available on Epic’s platform.