Riot Games accused of collusion around sexual discrimination trial

Two California state regulatory bodies have leveled serious collusion allegations against Riot Games during continuing sexual misconduct proceedings. The gaming company now confronts dramatically escalated financial exposure in this high-stakes employment discrimination case.

Following the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing’s determination that Riot Games potentially faces $400 million in liabilities to female staff who experienced gender-based harassment and compensation disparities, fresh legal representation has assumed control of the class action litigation against the prominent game development studio.

In January court filings, the DFEH asserted approximately 1,000 current and former female Riot Games employees qualify for $400 million in damages—a staggering forty-fold increase over the initial $10 million settlement the company had previously accepted. Riot officials immediately denounced the revised calculation as “completely unfounded,” confirming the League of Legends creator would litigate the matter in court.

“Regarding the financial estimates presented by the DFEH, we reiterate that no factual foundation or rational analysis supports that magnitude of liability, and we maintain any contrary representations cannot be reasonably made with genuine credibility,” stated Riot spokesperson Joe Hixson in comments to WIN.gg.

Hixson indicated that while Riot acknowledges “needing improvement in upholding our corporate values,” the company has equally communicated to workforce members its intention to contest inaccurate allegations.

State Agency Allegations: The Department of Fair Employment and Housing alongside the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement have formally contested the adequacy of the proposed settlement. Both governmental entities contend the plaintiffs’ former legal team, Rosen & Saba, improperly managed the discrimination case against Riot Games. Regulatory filings even suggest the $10 million settlement amount potentially resulted from improper coordination between Riot and its previous legal representation.

Notwithstanding the postponed hearing date remaining undetermined, former Riot employees Melanie McCracken, Jessica Negron, and Gabriela Downie have secured replacement counsel with Genie Harrison, a prominent attorney specializing in women’s workplace rights. Harrison brings substantial litigation experience, having recently represented clients in high-profile cases against the Weinstein Company.

Harrison, collaborating with employment law specialist Joseph Lovretovich, is currently overseeing detailed expert evaluation concerning gender-based discrimination patterns at Riot Games, aiming to establish a compensation amount reflecting appropriate damages.

“These courageous women confronted systemic gender inequity and sexist practices, and I’m committed to securing just recompense,” Harrison declared. “Our highly qualified statistical experts are presently examining compensation data. We plan to obtain owed remuneration for Riot Games’ female employees and implement structural organizational changes to establish equitable conditions for women professionals.”

Plaintiffs Switch Counsel: The transition to Harrison’s representation marks a pivotal strategic shift in litigation approach. Her background in high-stakes gender discrimination cases suggests a more aggressive stance toward corporate accountability and comprehensive restitution.

Expert Analysis Underway: The comprehensive statistical review examines not only base compensation but also promotion patterns, bonus allocations, and career advancement opportunities—critical factors often overlooked in initial settlement discussions.

According to Hixson, Riot remains consistently dedicated to “achieving a resolution equitable for all stakeholders.”

“We recognize the plaintiffs’ new legal team requires sufficient evaluation time for the proposed settlement terms, which we respect. However, the meticulous examination and negotiations producing the earlier settlement proposal were exhaustive and detailed, and we consider that arrangement reasonable and appropriate given the circumstances,” Hixson commented regarding the original $10 million settlement figure.

Hixson informed WIN.gg that Riot strives to “act appropriately toward the plaintiffs,” seeking cooperative resolution enabling mutual progress.

“But any settlement must align with factual evidence,” Hixson concluded.

2018 Scandal Origins: Riot encountered severe public criticism in 2018 when a former female employee publicly shared alarming accounts of gender discrimination and workplace harassment. Subsequently, Riot Games initiated corrective measures addressing organizational culture, including appointing a chief diversity officer among other initiatives. Shortly thereafter, certain staff members deemed these changes insufficient and organized walkout protests upon discovering Riot invoked mandatory arbitration clauses responding to former employees’ gender discrimination legal actions.

Workplace Culture Reforms: The company’s diversity initiatives represent ongoing efforts to transform what multiple reports characterized as a “bro culture” environment—a common challenge across gaming industry workplaces that requires sustained commitment and transparent implementation.

For players navigating complex Class Guide systems in modern gaming, understanding corporate accountability frameworks provides crucial context about industry evolution.

No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Riot Games accused of collusion around sexual discrimination trial Riot Games faces $400 million lawsuit as new legal counsel challenges original settlement in discrimination case