Riot Games is canceling its efforts to build its own live-streaming platform meant to compete with Twitch.
The game developer has been reported to close down its Riot's Esports Network project just almost a year after it was first announced, according to Bloomberg.
The web/mobile app was supposed to be the dedicated platform for players and audience to interact and watch gameplays of Riot's competitive titles like League of Legends and Valorant.
The move came after the Los Angeles-based developer announced that it is laying off 530 employees, or 11% of its workforce, as part of its overall restructuring.
Riot Games said it will be "doubling down" on its core live games rather than expand operations via spin-off titles and other projects.
Riot Games Changes Development Plans for the Future
The announcement of layoffs last Monday was followed by several changes in Riot Games' plans for future titles and operations.
Among those is the eventual shutdown of its Riot Forge initiative after the release of Bandle Tale: A League of Legends Story on Feb. 21.
Much work for the mobile game Legends of Runeterra will also be allocated to the core development team rather than a dedicated division as it did before.
The decision was made after the mobile game failed to reach Riot Games' expected revenue performance.
Although the game will still continue operating, the developer said it will be "making changes to move the game toward sustainability."
Riot Games is set to reveal plans for the game's future next week.
What it Means for the Players?
Casual players will not feel the changes much, especially if they are only playing League and Valorant.
Lore fans will have a much less favorable future as most of the spin-off stories and in-game lore were done thanks to Riot Forge.
Legends of Runeterra, on the other hand, can expect more in-game markets if Riot Games really wanted to make a free-to-play game profitable.
