Riot and Jagex join Ukie

The companies behind League of Legends and Runescape have been named as the latest members of UK games trade body Ukie.

The organisation says it has seen a 400 per cent boost in membership since 2011, with 365 companies now on its books.

Riot Games, which makes MOBA giant League of Legends, will take a leading role in Ukie’s esports sub group” and help shape the organisation’s esports activity in the coming year.

"With Riot Games developing a publishing and esports organisation in the UK we felt that we should take an active role in helping shape and guide the UK esports scene,” Riot’s UK head of publishing Mark Cox said.

It’s vital we support the players, professional organisations and pro players across all franchises allowing this amazing sport and community to thrive, ultimately putting the UK on the map as a powerhouse in esports. At Riot we are committed to helping Ukie and its members learn and develop, as this ultimately benefits all UK gamers."

Phil Mansell, COO and acting CEO of Jagex, added: Jagex has enjoyed a great relationship with Ukie for many years and participated in its event initiatives at China Joy and Gamescom and now we’re proud to make a commitment to support Ukie’s work representing the industry by becoming members.”

Ukie CEO Jo Twist said of its new partners: It has never been more important for the games industry to be speaking with one united, collective voice. We are delighted to welcome two such influential companies as Jagex and Riot Games to our membership and look forward to working closely with them in the months ahead.

Ukie continues its ambitious plan to make the UK the best place in the world to develop and publish interactive entertainment and welcomes all games businesses looking to work with us to help meet this ambition”.