Cover-Credits:
Riot Games is expanding its Southeast Asia (SEA) business to Asia Pacific (APAC) and Japan. The publisher will be opening new offices in India, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Riot had previously run the SEA business out of its Singapore hub office and also had an office in Japan. The management team in the region is planning to expand and will be led by Alex Kraynov, who was Riot’s previous Managing Director of Emerging Markets. Kraynov will be joining as the new Managing Director for APAC.
Riot Games’ plans for the APAC Region
Kraynov revealed in the official press release that the expansion into the APAC region is a natural step in the progression for Riot Games. The publisher recognizes the potential of the region and thinks it can become the biggest market for Riot Games. According to Kraynov, “This region is intricately diverse, with massive gaming communities that have diverse needs and a strong appetite for mobile gaming.”
Riot Games wants to have a more physical presence in the key APAC markets and it seeks to be the most “player-focused gaming company in the world.” In addition to bringing Kraynov to lead the APAC management team, the following individuals will be taking on leadership roles:
Shinji Komiyama, Director of Country Management, APAC
Jennifer Poulson, Head of Publishing Partnerships, APAC
Alasdair Gray, Head of Marketing, APAC
Derek Winder, Head of Business Development, APAC
Yasushi Fujimoto, Country Manager of Japan
Joel Guzman, Country Manager of the Philippines
Resha Pradipta, Country Manager of Indonesia/Malaysia
This leadership team will continue to grow from 2022 and beyond, with a Country Manager of Thailand, Country Manager of India, and a Head of Regional Tech who are yet to be appointed.
In addition to establishing its presence in gaming and esports in the region, Riot Games is also trying to break into non-gaming markets. The publisher recently released royalty-free music under its Riot Sessions brand, released its first-ever TV show ‘Arcane’, and is working with brands like Uniqlo to release merchandise globally.
In the APAC region, Riot Games also worked with Filipino urban streetwear brand Team Manila on an exclusive capsule collection to celebrate the launch of Neon, the first Filipino agent in its tactical shooter VALORANT.
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