Does Xbox own Riot Games?
The question on many gamers’ minds: is Xbox, the popular video game console manufacturer, also the owner of Riot Games, the developer of popular multiplayer online battle arena game League of Legends? As we dive into the history and relationships between Xbox, Microsoft, and Riot Games, we’ll explore the answers to this question and other related topics.
Key Takeaways
- No, Microsoft does not own Riot Games.
- In 2011, Tencent Holdings acquired a majority stake in Riot Games.
- Riot Games’ publishing arm, Riot Forge, is responsible for producing League of Legends spin-offs with other developers.
History and Partnerships
Riot Games was founded in 2006 by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill, with a focus on creating a massively multiplayer online game. Initially, the company was solely responsible for developing and publishing League of Legends. As the game gained popularity, Riot Games continued to evolve and expand its operations. In 2011, Tencent Holdings, a Chinese conglomerate, acquired a majority stake in Riot Games.
Riot Games’ Ownership Structure
Currently, Riot Games is 100% owned by Tencent Holdings. While Microsoft (owner of the Xbox console brand) has no direct stake in Riot Games, Microsoft and Riot Games have a partnership to bring League of Legends to the Xbox ecosystem. This partnership allows gamers to play League of Legends on their Xbox consoles and access exclusive content.
Xbox and Riot Games’ Partnership
In a recent announcement, Riot Games and Microsoft (Xbox) revealed a new partnership to bring League of Legends to the Xbox Game Pass. This move allows users to access a vast library of games, including League of Legends, through the Xbox Game Pass subscription service. While this partnership creates a strong bond between Xbox and Riot Games, it does not imply ownership.
League of Legends on Xbox
League of Legends, the popular multiplayer online battle arena game, is now available on the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. With the addition of League of Legends to the Xbox Game Pass library, gamers can access and play the game without additional costs.
GeForce NOW and Xbox
Users can stream their PC game library, including League of Legends, to their Xbox consoles using GeForce NOW, a cloud gaming service. GeForce NOW allows users to stream games from their PC to their Xbox, PlayStation, or other compatible devices. This feature enhances the gaming experience, enabling users to play their favorite games from anywhere.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Xbox (Microsoft) does not own Riot Games. Instead, Tencent Holdings is the primary owner of Riot Games, with a majority stake since 2011. Although Xbox and Riot Games have a partnership to bring League of Legends to the Xbox ecosystem, this partnership does not imply ownership. Gamer can enjoy League of Legends on their Xbox consoles, access exclusive content, and stream their PC game library to their Xbox using GeForce NOW.
Additional Points
- Riot Games has a publishing arm, Riot Forge, responsible for developing League of Legends spin-offs with other developers.
- League of Legends is not available on GeForce NOW through Xbox, but users can stream their PC game library to their Xbox consoles using GeForce NOW.
- There are no plans to add League of Legends to Xbox Game Pass for PC at this time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TM1GZO_Lcg