Former World of Warcraft Producer Officially Joins Riot Games as League of Legends MMO Development Continues

Fans of League of Legends may finally be edging closer to meaningful news about Riot Games’ long-awaited MMO project, first revealed back in 2020. Former World of Warcraft producer Raymond Bartos has officially confirmed that he has joined Riot Games, where he will be contributing to the company’s still-unnamed League of Legends MMO.

At present, very little concrete information is available about the project. Following several internal changes and a widely discussed major development reset in 2024, the MMO has largely remained out of the spotlight. However, the addition of a seasoned World of Warcraft producer could signal that Riot’s MMO ambitions are once again gaining momentum and moving in a more focused direction.

A Promising Signal After Years of Uncertainty 🔄

The League of Legends MMO has experienced a turbulent development cycle since its announcement. While excitement was initially high, Riot Games later confirmed that the project underwent a significant reset, aimed at rethinking its long-term vision rather than shipping an experience that felt overly familiar or uninspired.

The onboarding of Raymond Bartos, a veteran producer with deep experience in live-service MMORPGs, may indicate that Riot is now entering a more stable and deliberate production phase. His arrival suggests a renewed emphasis on long-term content planning, player engagement, and sustainable MMO design.

World of Warcraft and League of Legends: Two Giants, Very Different Foundations ⚔️

Both World of Warcraft and League of Legends stand among the most influential online multiplayer games ever created, yet they represent vastly different gameplay philosophies.

• World of Warcraft delivers a persistent open world built around:Expansive questlines
• Cooperative and competitive PvE content
• Deep RPG systems and character progression
• League of Legends, by contrast, is a highly competitive MOBA focused on:Short, high-intensity matches
• Champion-based gameplay
• Tactical team coordination centered around destroying the enemy Nexus

For years, players have speculated about what a fusion of these two design philosophies could look like. The involvement of a longtime WoW producer may help Riot bridge the gap between MMO depth and League of Legends’ fast-paced identity, something fans have been eager to see realized.

Riot MMO Team Gains Veteran MMO Leadership 🧠

Raymond Bartos confirmed his move to Riot Games via social media, stating that he is excited to help “deliver an MMO experience players truly enjoy.” He also revealed that he will be working alongside Orlando Salvatore, a former World of Warcraft colleague who is already serving as engineering manager on the Riot MMO project.

Key takeaways from this announcement include:

• Both Bartos and Salvatore have contributed to multiple World of Warcraft expansions
• Their experience spans live-service updates, expansion cycles, and long-term player retention
• Riot appears to be assembling leadership with proven MMO-scale development experience

While Riot Games has not disclosed the MMO’s current development stage—especially following the 2024 reset—Bartos’ public enthusiasm suggests the team is actively pushing the project forward again.

Speculation Around Story, Setting, and Arcane Connections 📺

One of the biggest unanswered questions remains the narrative direction of the League of Legends MMO. Riot has yet to confirm:

• The specific region of Runeterra the game will explore
• Whether players will follow an original storyline or existing lore
• How closely the MMO will tie into other League of Legends media

Some fans have expressed strong interest in an MMO that draws inspiration from Arcane, Riot’s critically acclaimed animated series. Many consider Arcane one of the most successful video game adaptations ever produced, and some viewers have noted the tonal contrast between the show and League of Legends’ core MOBA gameplay.

Building an MMO that:

• Leverages Arcane’s popularity
• Respects established League of Legends lore
• Appeals to both MMO veterans and MOBA players

…will be a delicate balancing act, one that now falls partly on Bartos and his team.

What Comes Next for the League of Legends MMO? ⏳

While no official announcements appear imminent, Raymond Bartos joining Riot Games is a strong indicator that the MMO project remains active and important internally. After years of limited communication, this move offers fans a tangible sign of progress.

For now:

• Riot Games has not shared timelines, gameplay footage, or story details
• The MMO remains unnamed and unreleased
• Community attention is once again turning toward potential updates

As development continues behind the scenes, players can expect future announcements from Riot Games regarding its MMO ambitions, alongside ongoing updates for League of Legends, World of Warcraft, and the broader multiplayer gaming landscape.