Riot Games Settles Big Gender Discrimination Lawsuit for $100 Million
The popular gaming studio that created League of Legends is paying a hefty slice of money to end a long‑running lawsuit filed by 2018. The settlement, announced Monday December 27, involves a total of US$100 million—US$80 million for the affected women and US$20 million earmarked for legal costs and other expenses.
Who’s Getting Cash?
- All current & former full‑time women employees of Riot in California
- Temporary agency contractors who worked there from November 2014 to now
In short, any woman who’s ever worked at Riot in California between those dates is in the class and can claim a share of the pot.
Beyond the Money
Real change, though, comes from a pledge Riot has made. The company will let a third‑party—chosen jointly by Riot and the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing—audit its internal reporting and pay‑equity processes for the next three years. Think of it as a yearly “checks and balances” audit to keep the ship on course.
What’s Next?
The final approval of this deal still sits on the court pane, with a hearing slated for later this year. Until then, the script is waiting for the judge’s nod.
The Backstory
The lawsuit was brought in November 2018 by former Riot employees Melanie McCracken and Jess Negrón. They accused Riot of gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and other misconduct. Following their complaint, California’s state agencies launched investigations that ultimately led to the settlement.
Even though the industry’s known for its epic storylines, this one was all about real‑world equity—showing that even in the gaming world, the fight for gender fairness is nothing heroic fluff.
Bottom Line
Riot’s $100 million payout is a big move toward acknowledging past wrongs and stepping up accountability. Whether the software updates that follow will fix everything remains to be seen, but at least the financial board is getting a flush of equity.
