Riot Games seems to be developing a League of Legends action RPG in secret, according to recently discovered job listings published on the company’s recruitment page. Two contract positions at Riot’s Shanghai studio—one for a Combat Systems Designer and another for a CG animator—indicate an early-stage research and development project is in progress, with both roles flagging familiarity with the League of Legends IP as a preferred requirement. Whilst the company has not formally revealed the project, the postings suggest a small team is building fighting mechanics from the ground up using Unreal Engine. The discovery comes as Riot simultaneously pushes its long-problematic League of Legends MMO into full development, signalling an significant growth of the franchise throughout multiple gaming genres.
Shanghai Studio Hidden Venture Surfaces
The two contract postings discovered on Riot’s recruitment page reveal that the Shanghai studio is actively recruiting for an unreleased action game set within the League of Legends universe. The Combat Designer role particularly highlights building and iterating on combat systems from scratch, with candidates expected to demonstrate deep knowledge of action titles and role-playing games. The position underscores the significance of combat feel, game mechanics and AI—core elements that would define the player experience in any action-focused game. Meanwhile, the animation specialist vacancy seeks professionals with experience in stylized character animation, suggesting Riot intends to maintain visual consistency with League’s signature visual style.
Whilst neither job posting explicitly references the project, both positions highlight League of Legends IP understanding as a desirable skill, strongly suggesting Runeterra as the likely setting. The fixed-term character of these roles usually points to early-stage development, meaning the action role-playing game could still be years away from official announcement or release. This revelation highlights Riot’s overarching plan to diversify the League series away from its main MOBA game, following years of thriving extensions into animation projects, collectible card games and mobile games. The parallel production of both an MMO and an action RPG demonstrates the organisation’s dedication to exploring different categories within the Runeterra universe.
- Action Game Designer role concentrates on action/ARPG mechanics development
- CG animator position highlights stylized character animation proficiency
- Project utilises Unreal Engine for game development
- Contract positions suggest early-stage R&D phase presently underway
What the Employment Opportunities Disclose
Fighting Mechanics at the Centre
The Action Game Combat Designer posting forms the core pillar of Riot’s action RPG ambitions, with the role explicitly tasked with building and iterating on combat mechanics from scratch. The role specification emphasises applicants require strong proficiency in action games and action RPGs, with specific emphasis on how combat feels to players, the underlying mechanics that drive engagement, and the artificial intelligence systems that govern enemy behaviour. This degree of detail suggests Riot is not simply applying existing combat frameworks but rather building a tailored system designed to provide a unique action experience within the League universe.
The focus on combat mechanics and feel suggests that Riot understands the critical importance of satisfying, responsive gameplay in the action role-playing genre. By hiring experts who understand how to craft immersive combat systems, the company is indicating its plan to establish itself within a saturated market of action-oriented titles. The need for Unreal Engine expertise further demonstrates that Riot is utilising proven technology standards to accomplish its objectives, allowing the team to concentrate creative effort on what sets the game apart rather than creating bespoke solutions from scratch.
Runeterra as the Probable Location
Although neither job posting explicitly names the project, both postings highlight knowledge of League of Legends IP as a desirable qualification, placing Runeterra firmly in focus as the probable setting. This deliberate approach allows Riot to leverage the established narrative, character roster and world creation that has evolved throughout multiple media formats, including the acclaimed animated series Arcane and the trading card game Legends of Runeterra. Using existing intellectual property minimises the creative workload of world-building whilst providing players with familiar components that deepen engagement and commitment to the narrative.
The decision to place the action RPG within Runeterra also aligns with Riot’s wider franchise strategy of developing linked gameplay experiences throughout various gaming genres. By tying the new project to the same universe as the MMO, the card game and the animated series, Riot generates possibilities for cross-promotional activities and interconnected storylines that reward engaged fans. This strategy enhances the value of the company’s creative efforts whilst positioning Runeterra as a complete entertainment hub comparable to established franchises like The Elder Scrolls or The Witcher.
Expanding the League Universe
Riot Games’ apparent development of a League of Legends action RPG represents a significant expansion of the franchise’s ambitions beyond its beginnings as a competitive multiplayer online battle arena. The company has been systematically broadening the League universe through diverse media and gaming experiences, from the highly praised Arcane animated series to the Legends of Runeterra collectible card game. This multi-pronged strategy converts League from a single-game franchise into a expansive entertainment platform, positioning Runeterra as a world worthy of exploration throughout multiple genres and platforms. The action RPG integrates seamlessly into this expansion strategy, offering players an completely new way to engage with the cherished game world.
The scheduling of this development effort stands as notably noteworthy given Riot’s current obligations to other League-connected projects. With the MMO continuing development following its 2024 reset and the hiring of ex-World of Warcraft director Raymond Bartos, the company is showing remarkable confidence in the franchise’s ability to support multiple major releases simultaneously. This two-project strategy mirrors proven approaches employed by leading gaming studios with sprawling universes. By developing games across different genres in parallel, Riot can maintain player engagement through diverse gameplay whilst building anticipation for each individual release. The Shanghai studio’s involvement points to 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 |
- Various League titles under development at the same time throughout different studios and categories
- Runeterra setting growing by means of interconnected interactive experiences and media adaptations
- Established IP allows Riot to make use of existing storyline and character rosters efficiently
Development Timeline and Prospects
The contract nature of the advertised roles suggests this action role-playing game remains in its early stages, likely years away from any official announcement or release. Early-stage research and development projects at large development houses typically require substantial time before achieving functional prototypes, let alone market readiness. Riot’s decision to recruit for such foundational projects demonstrates real dedication to exploring the ARPG genre within the League universe, though patience will be required from eager fans. The Shanghai studio’s participation in this initial stage allows the team to test out combat systems, mechanics and artistic direction without the pressure of immediate deadlines or public expectations.
Looking ahead, the intersection of multiple League projects establishes an intriguing development landscape for Riot Games. Should both the MMO and action RPG advance favourably, the publisher could establish itself as a dominant force in cross-genre franchise development during the latter half of this decade. The hiring of Raymond Bartos to the MMO reflects Riot’s genuine commitment in producing quality content rather than rushing products to market. Similarly, the measured, restrained approach to the ARPG’s development suggests the company has learned from past missteps and now prioritises sustainable, well-resourced production cycles throughout its portfolio of significant franchises.
