League of Legends Developer Riot Games Fires Employee Who Insulted Fans
League of Legends developer Riot Games fired at least one employee after the company instituted a sexist policy at the PAX West convention.
Riot Games fired systems designer Daniel Z. Klein. Communications associate Mattias Lehman also departed the company and at this time it’s unclear if he quit or was fired.
In a statement to The Verge, Riot explained discussed the departures of both Klein and Lehman:
“These departures are independent from our efforts to evolve our culture. Our culture remains our top priority, and we remain committed to taking the steps that we need to become a leader in Diversity & Inclusion. We will always encourage Rioters to share their perspectives, and we fully support efforts by Rioters to further our Diversity & Inclusion initiatives. We are committed to making real, positive change in Riot’s culture and internal advocates are a crucial part of making that happen.”
Klein told The Verge, “I was fired for violating our social media policy.”
He also confirmed he was no longer at Riot Games in a Tweet:
I’m packing to fly to Orlando tonight so I don’t have time to say much. I will say this though: design at Riot, I loved you, and I wasn’t done learning from you. That’s what hurts the most right now. You treated me fairly and with respect. I hate that I can’t continue our work.
— Daniel Z. Klein (@danielzklein) September 7, 2018
Klein previously insulted League of Legends players after the company was criticized for its sexist policy at Pax West. He would take a cue from Star Wars director Rian Johnson and called those criticizing him “manbabies.” He would also refer to them as “absolute overgrown toddlers.”
Lehman confirmed his departure from Riot Games in a Tweet yesterday.
Make sure to remain focused on this issue. Sexism in the gaming world is very real. I’m no longer at Riot, but I remain committed to making gaming a better place for women.
I also challenge game companies to expand those efforts to other forms of marginalization (race/LGBT etc) https://t.co/eEWAyMA2Og
— Mattias Lehman (@MattiasLehman) September 8, 2018
Although he hinted he was no longer apart of Riot Games on Friday:
It’s been a long day. Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of my life. I love you all for your support, and I apologize for all the messages I’ve left on read. I’ll follow up and say more soon.#GameOver #NewGame #Continue pic.twitter.com/nhZ5HnIcMq
— Mattias Lehman (@MattiasLehman) September 8, 2018
Lehman supported and defended Klein as he insulted players.
Being an ally means listening to, learning from, and standing up with marginalized people. @danielzklein has done that in the years I’ve known and worked with him
It’s telling when people spend more time tone policing him than calling out those harassing and threatening him.
1/2 https://t.co/QgPwBkMXOS— Mattias Lehman (@MattiasLehman) September 5, 2018
This “both sides” equivocation has to stop, as does the obsession with civility in the face of dehumanization. Criticizing somebody for being rude while they are being harassed and threatened is a poor prioritization and a red herring.
I stand with him in these trying times.
2/2— Mattias Lehman (@MattiasLehman) September 5, 2018
One thing definitely appears to be clear is that Riot Games has a social media policy and they aren’t afraid to enforce it. This is a definite contrast in how companies like DC Comics and Marvel Comics have allowed their creators and freelancers to insult paying customers repeatedly.
Do you think Riot Games made the right decision by firing Klein after he insulted fans?
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