When Riot Games first decided to make a TV show inspired by its hit game 'League of Legends,' the video game publisher took the unusual step of developing and financing the project on its own. While most of its peers license titles to Hollywood studios that have experience making TV, Riot wanted to maintain full control. The company envisioned the show, which streams on Netflix, as a gift to fans, one that would also drive more people to play 'League of Legends.
Riot doubled the size of the group tasked with connecting its games to the entertainment industry to more than two dozen people. Managers expecting to bring in new employees were told to budget for $250,000 a person. “For us, what’s most important is fostering long-term player engagement and retention,” according to a Riot spokesperson. “Riot’s focus has always been on creating games and experiences that players want to enjoy for years, and 'Arcane' is part of that larger vision.