Riot’s $250-million ‘Arcane’ TV series was a Netflix hit, financial miss

When Riot Games first decided to make a TV show inspired by its hit game “League of Legends,” the video game publisher took the unusual step of developing and financing the project on its own. “Riot’s focus has always been on creating games and experiences that players want to enjoy for years, and ‘Arcane’ is part of that larger vision.” “Arcane’s” very existence was controversial among some employees. The show also failed to convert many new players or get existing players to spend more money on “League of Legends.” Leaders on “Arcane’s” first season didn’t give Riot’s in-game item designers enough time to make new, “Arcane”-themed items or characters for sale in the game. For the show’s second season, Riot planned to redouble efforts to funnel “Arcane” fans into “League of Legends,” where they could purchase themed digital items.