Riot Games announces Hoby Darling as new president

Riot Games has announced a new president for the company, Hoby Darling. League of Legends players expressed uncertainty about whether Darling is the right person to bring changes to the company regarding marketing and microtransactions.

Hoby Darling has spent most of his career in the esports and technology industries, with a focus on creativity and performance. This includes leadership positions at Logitech, Skullcandy/Astro Gaming, Volcom and Nike. At these companies, Darling spent a lot of time merging genres and bringing athletes and creators to grow brands globally.

When I first joined Riot, I felt a gritty, soulful energy that I knew I had to be a part of. I’ve worked with many companies, and there’s something special about a place that takes risks, defies convention and remains fiercely committed to its mission. Riot has a long history of creating experiences that really matter to players, and I couldn’t be more excited to work alongside passionate Rioters who push each other to do their best work every day.

Hoby Darling

When the leadership change was announced, CEO Dylan Jadeja praised Darling, noting that he would bring out the company’s “creativity” and “focus.” However, the League of Legends community has been skeptical since Darling took over just a day ago. Gamers find it hard to believe that someone who worked outside of esports and video games would have the necessary knowledge to lead Riot Games. Only time will tell if the decision has any repercussions, good or bad, on Riot’s titles and its communities.