League of Legends and Valorant publisher Riot Games has settled the gender discrimination class-action lawsuit against them in 2018. They are ordered by California state agencies to pay out a total of $100 million. $80 million of this will be distributed among thousands of members of the class-action lawsuit. The remaining $20 million will be paying for the plaintiffs' legal fees.

Over two thousand employees – 1,065 women employees and 1,300 contracted women workers – will be eligible for the payout. The distribution will also not be uniform – employees who have had longer tenures will be eligible for larger payouts.

Riot Games previously tried to settle in 2019 for $10 million, but the class instead replaced their lawyers. The California Department of Housing and Fair Employment had a recommended $400 million payout. Many vocal esports personalities, including Duncan “Thorin” Shields, say that the payout of $100 million is still therefore lacking – it being only a fourth of the recommended payout.

Nevertheless, both sides of the legal dispute have signed on the $100 million agreement, which will now go to a judge for approval. Through a press statement, DFEH Director Kevin Kish says:

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)

“This historic agreement reflects California’s commitment to strategic and effective government enforcement of the State’s robust equal-pay, anti-discrimination, and anti-harassment laws. If entered by the court, this decree will compensate employees and contractors affected by sex discrimination and harassment, ensure lasting change in this workplace, and send the message that all industries in California, including the gaming industry, must provide equal pay and workplaces free from discrimination and harassment.”

Apart from the payout, the court also will require Riot Games to implement reforms in the workplace to address the root causes of gender discrimination.