Riot Games seems to be developing a League of Legends action RPG in secret, according to newly uncovered job listings published on the company’s careers page. Two contract positions at Riot’s Shanghai studio—one for a Combat Game Designer and another for a CG animator—suggest an early-phase R&D project is underway, with both roles highlighting familiarity with the League of Legends IP as a preferred requirement. Whilst the company has not formally revealed the project, the postings suggest a compact team is developing fighting mechanics from the ground up using Unreal Engine. The discovery comes as Riot concurrently pushes its long-troubled League of Legends MMO into full development, indicating an significant growth of the franchise throughout various game categories.
Shanghai Studio Secret Project Emerges
The two contract postings found on Riot’s careers page reveal that the Shanghai studio is actively recruiting for an unreleased action game set within the League of Legends universe. The Combat Game Designer role particularly highlights building and iterating on combat systems from scratch, with candidates required to show extensive expertise of action games and ARPGs. The position underscores the significance of combat feel, game mechanics and AI—core elements that would shape how players engage in any action-focused game. Meanwhile, the animation specialist position seeks experts in experience in stylized character animation, suggesting Riot aims to preserve visual coherence with League’s distinctive art direction.
Whilst neither job posting explicitly names the project, both positions flag League of Legends IP understanding as a added advantage, firmly positioning Runeterra as the probable location. The fixed-term character of these roles usually points to initial production phases, meaning the action RPG could still be some time before public reveal or publication. This revelation reinforces Riot’s overarching plan to diversify the League franchise outside its primary MOBA game, subsequent to successful expansions into animated productions, trading card games and mobile titles. The concurrent creation of both an MMO and an action role-playing game illustrates the company’s commitment to examining various game types within the Runeterra universe.
- Action Game Designer role focuses on action/ARPG mechanics development
- CG animator role emphasises stylised character animation expertise
- Project utilises Unreal Engine for game development
- Contract roles indicate early-stage R&D phase presently underway
What the Position Advertisements Show
Combat Systems at the Core
The Combat Game Designer role constitutes the cornerstone of Riot’s action RPG aspirations, with the position explicitly tasked with developing and refining combat mechanics from scratch. The role specification highlights applicants require strong proficiency in action games and ARPGs, with specific emphasis on the player experience of combat, the core systems that foster player engagement, and the AI systems that govern enemy behaviour. This degree of detail suggests Riot is not merely implementing existing combat frameworks but rather developing a bespoke system designed to provide a unique action experience in the League universe.
The priority placed on combat mechanics and feel suggests that Riot recognises the vital significance of responsive, satisfying gameplay in the action-based RPG genre. By recruiting specialists who know how to develop engaging combat systems, the company is signalling its intention to establish itself within a saturated market of action-focused titles. The need for Unreal Engine proficiency further demonstrates that Riot is utilising proven technology standards to realise its goals, enabling the team to focus creative energy on what makes the game unique rather than creating bespoke solutions from scratch.
Runeterra as the Likely Backdrop
Although neither job posting explicitly names the project, both postings flag familiarity with League of Legends intellectual property as a preferred requirement, placing Runeterra firmly in focus as the likely backdrop. This strategic positioning allows Riot to tap into the existing lore, cast of characters and world creation that has evolved throughout multiple media formats, including the acclaimed animated series Arcane and the collectible card game Legends of Runeterra. Leveraging established IP minimises the creative workload of world-building whilst offering audiences with recognisable elements that enhance immersion and commitment to the narrative.
The choice to set the action RPG within Runeterra also supports Riot’s broader franchise strategy of developing linked gameplay experiences across different gaming genres. By tying the new project to the same universe as the MMO, the card game and the animated series, Riot creates opportunities for cross-promotional activities and interconnected storylines that reward engaged fans. This approach enhances the worth of the company’s creative investments whilst establishing Runeterra as a comprehensive entertainment destination similar to established franchises like The Elder Scrolls or The Witcher.
Broadening the League Universe
Riot Games’ reported development of a League of Legends action RPG constitutes a major broadening of the franchise’s ambitions beyond its origins as a competitive team-based online game. The company has been progressively expanding the League universe through varied entertainment formats and gaming offerings, from the critically acclaimed Arcane animated series to the Legends of Runeterra card game. This multifaceted approach transforms League from a standalone game property into a comprehensive entertainment ecosystem, positioning Runeterra as a world worthy of exploration throughout multiple genres and platforms. The action RPG integrates seamlessly into this growth plan, offering players an entirely different way to interact with the cherished game world.
The timing of this project initiative proves especially noteworthy given Riot’s existing commitments to other League-connected projects. With the MMO still in active production following its 2024 reset and the appointment of ex-World of Warcraft director Raymond Bartos, the company is showing remarkable confidence in the franchise’s capacity to support multiple major releases simultaneously. This two-project strategy mirrors successful strategies employed by leading gaming studios with sprawling universes. By creating titles across different genres in parallel, Riot can sustain player interest through varied experiences whilst generating excitement for each individual release. The Shanghai studio’s involvement indicates the company is allocating resources strategically across its global operations.
| Project | Status |
|---|---|
| League of Legends MMO | Active production with new leadership |
| Action RPG (Unannounced) | Early-stage R&D at Shanghai studio |
| Arcane animated series | Established franchise component |
| Legends of Runeterra card game | Ongoing live service title |
- Several League projects in progress simultaneously throughout different studios and types
- Runeterra universe extending by means of linked interactive experiences and media adaptations
- Existing IP allows Riot to utilise existing storyline and character lineups successfully
Timeline and Development Outlook
The contract nature of the advertised roles suggests this action RPG remains in its early stages, likely years away from any public reveal or release. Early-stage research and development initiatives at large development houses typically require substantial time before achieving playable prototypes, let alone commercial viability. Riot’s willingness to hire for such foundational projects indicates real dedication to investigating the ARPG category within the League universe, though patience will be required from enthusiastic players. The Shanghai studio’s participation in this initial stage allows the team to experiment with gameplay mechanics, combat design and visual direction without the pressure of immediate deadlines or audience demands.
Looking ahead, the convergence of multiple League projects establishes an compelling development landscape for Riot Games. Should both the MMO and action RPG develop as planned, the publisher could cement its status as a dominant force in cross-genre franchise development throughout the latter half of this decade. The appointment of Raymond Bartos to the MMO reflects Riot’s substantial dedication in creating quality products rather than pushing products out quickly. Similarly, the careful, measured approach to the ARPG’s development indicates the company has addressed prior shortcomings and now emphasises sustainable, properly funded production cycles throughout its portfolio of significant franchises.
