Even though Arcane received such critical acclaim and a huge following, Riot Games has been said to hemorrhage money on the animated series, which amounts to an estimated $250 million for two seasons. However, insiders say that the firm is hopeful that the second season may break even.
Riot Games has had one of its most profitable months in gross revenue this November, suggesting the show indirectly contributes to its profitability. Although the show is not monetarily successful itself, it was effective as a marketing strategy since it extended the universe of League of Legends and welcomed new players into it.
Upon its launch, Arcane became a global phenomenon, topping the rankings on Netflix in over 65 countries. The series indeed brought in millions of viewers to LoL, but it was only a fraction of them who began to play regularly. According to Riot, it is the steep learning curve and the persistence of in-game toxicity that continue to dissuade most from playing in the long term.
Nevertheless, Riot Games is ready to use the success of Arcane as a momentum to enhance its media presence. One of the show creators has confirmed that Christian Linke confirmed the development of three more animated series based on the universe of LoL.
The North American gaming giant views these projects as part of a larger strategy to deepen its storytelling and foster a stronger connection with both players and fans. Even though Arcane hasn’t brought about direct financial returns, its cultural and marketing impact puts Riot Games in a strong position for long-term growth on various entertainment platforms.
With the approach of Arcane Season 2 and other new series, Riot Games seems well-equipped to continue expanding its universe while solving issues that prevent more extensive player retention.
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