Riot Games, the video game company behind League of Legends, has built one of the most active and engaged online communities in gaming history. The company has been transparent, engaging and prioritised inclusiveness in its approach to building its community. Riot Games has created safe spaces within its community to allow everyone to participate, regardless of background, gender or race. The positive culture created by the company has helped to retain players, with many still playing the game years after its release, while also attracting new players. The success at League of Legends shows that investing in communities can reap enormous benefits.

Riot Games and the League of Legends Community: A Case Study in Building a Successful Online Community

Introduction

Riot Games, the American video game company behind the popular game, League of Legends (LoL), has been able to build one of the most active and engaged online communities in gaming history. With over 100 million monthly active players, LoL has become a cultural phenomenon, with its online community playing a significant role in its success. This case study will analyze how Riot Games has successfully built and nurtured their online community, and the key strategies they have employed to make it one of the most successful communities in gaming.

Background

Riot Games is an American video game developer and publisher founded in 2006 by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill. The company’s flagship game is League of Legends, which was released in 2009. Since then, LoL has taken the world by storm, becoming one of the most popular games worldwide, with over 100 million active monthly players.

Riot Games’ Approach to Community Building

At the core of Riot Games’ success lies their commitment to creating a positive, inclusive and engaging environment for their players. Unlike some other game publishers who neglect or disregard their communities, Riot Games has made it a priority to build long-lasting relationships with their players, investing resources and time in keeping them engaged.

Transparency

Riot Games understands the importance of transparency in building a strong community. They have been open and honest with their players about their decision-making processes, and they actively seek feedback on everything from game design to community events. The company’s transparency is evident in its frequent developer posts on the official LoL forums and direct engagement with players through its social media channels.

Engagement

Riot Games knows that engaging with their community is essential to its success. The company has actively encouraged its players to participate in the creation and development of the game by running community events, surveys, and feedback campaigns. They use multiple channels, including social media platforms like Twitter and Discord, to communicate with their players and keep them informed about new developments.

Community Building

Riot Games has made community building a priority. They’ve invested time and resources into creating a community driven by shared values, passion, and experiences. They’ve created safe spaces within their community to allow for everyone to participate, regardless of their gender, race, or background. Riot Games creates online forums for their players to discuss the game, post their fan art and cosplay photos and interacts with them in real-time.

Impact of Positive Community Culture

The positive community culture created by Riot Games has become a significant factor in the success of League of Legends. The game has managed to withstand the test of time due to its engaged, enthusiastic and committed community. This culture has enabled the company to attract and retain players from around the globe, creating a massive network of fans and followers.

Player Retention

Riot Games’ community culture is a significant factor in the game’s success in retaining its players. Players develop connections with other fans online and come to feel a sense of ownership over the game. This sense of ownership keeps players engaged and interested in the game, with many fans still playing the game years after its release.

New Player Acquisition

Riot Games’ intentional approach to community building and engagement has also helped the company acquire new players. The positive reputation of the community has acted as a magnet for new players who want to be a part of an engaged, inclusive and passionate community.

Conclusion

Riot Games has set the gold standard for community building in the gaming industry. By creating a positive, inclusive and engaging community culture, they have been able to attract and retain millions of players from around the world. Their commitment to transparency, engagement, and community building has been fundamental in their success. It is clear that the company prioritizes its players and sees them as an essential component in their game’s success. Riot Games has demonstrated that when companies invest in their communities, the benefits can be enormous. Their success with League of Legends stands as proof that building an engaged and enthusiastic online community is possible and rewarding.