League of Legends is one of the biggest games around, and now publisher Riot wants to make the franchise even bigger. As was previously rumoured, the company has revealed a new label named Riot Forge, in which it will partner with other developers to make more games for its flagship series.
“We are humbled by our partner developers who are so passionate to work on games set in the LoL IP, which offers limitless potential with its expansive world and deep champion pool,” states Leanne Loombe, head of Riot Forge. “We are sincerely committed to our developers’ long term success and together we aim to deliver great experiences for players of all types.”
Riot’s VP of IP and entertainment, Greg Street, says: “We are always looking for new ways to bring the World of Runeterra and its champions to new and existing audiences around the world. There are so many talented game studios around the world that have exceptional experience and craft skills in all areas of game development, and we are really excited to work together to bring the LoL IP to new game experiences.”
Where LoL and its upcoming CCG spin-off Legends of Runeterra are multiplayer, live service games that could in theory go on for ever, Riot wants these new games to be “completable” experiences.
“Forge games will be classed as indie – we are not making huge AAA games, Loombe tells PCGamesN. “We want to focus on bespoke, completable experiences that are the highest quality possible and hope that League fans will give them a try.” She goes on to say the games will be across “many different genres”.
League of Legends itself continues to evolve every week. LoL’s 9.24 patch notes were released just recently, for example, bringing the new champion, Aphelios, to League for the first time.
Additional reporting by Imogen Calypso Mellor.