Popular LOL skin developer announces departure from Riot Games
League of Legends skin producer Janelle, known as Riot Stellari, has announced that she's parting ways with Riot Games.
Known for her work on the K/DA, Battle Academia, and Coven skins, Riot Stellari will be missed by the League of Legends community and coworkers alike. She announced on Twitter that June 7 will be her last day at Riot, exactly six years from when she first started started with the developer.
"I've had a wonderful run, and the last 2.5 years I've been working in my dream job at Riot," Stellari said.
She went on to say that she's moving on to pursue a lifelong passion of hers, although she never mentioned exactly what that passion is.
"I don't have next steps to share yet because I'll be going on a very long break to decompress first," she said.
The popular Rioter, who has over 13,000 Twitter followers, joked that if she "failed miserably" she'll come back to gaming. Luckily, her coworkers expressed on Reddit that they would always welcome her back.
"I only occassionally got to work with Janelle, but I've always apprciated her engagement with the community for the skins team," wrote one coworker. "She was a huge inspiration to me to engage more around gameplay, balance, and data."
They went on to say that it's "always tough" when a "talented and passionate" coworker moves on, especially when they are your friend. But they said she is always welcome in the gaming industry and specifically at Riot.
One fan said that Riot Stellari was the person who fought for the hugely popular K/DA Akali skin, noting that other members of the team didn't expect Akali to be such a hit with the League of Legends community.
One Reddit user stated: "Noone expected the hype that came with K/DA Akali. It was unreal. The subreddit was flooded with K/DA Akali content for weeks, which didn't happen for any other skin. I think the character and personality they gave her through the K/DA video immensely boosted her popularity, but damn did it leave a huge mark."
Other fans agreed that it was probably one of the most profitable skin lines ever produced for a video game.
The League of Legends Rule 34 community also agreed with these sentiments.
"That's one of my favorite Rioters out there," said one Reddit user upon hearing the news of Riot Stellari's departure. "I'm really going to miss her, and I wish her the best wherever she goes."
It's unclear if Riot Stellari's leaving has anything to do with Riot's recent gender discrimination allegations and reportedly toxic and sexist workplace.
Woman threatens lawsuit, saying Riot based Seraphine on her
Sneaky's latest cosplay might be his craziest one yet
Twitch streamer Ohlana passes away after suicide
You won't believe your eyes when you see Sneaky's new cosplay
League of Legends reveals new logo, fans don't seem to like it
Tfue uses #ReleaseTheContract to goad FaZe Clan to show contract
Fortnite teams up with Jordan brand for new Downtown Drop LTM
State Farm Insurance to continue with Riot Games as sponsor
The International 2019 ticket sale dates are announced, prices are up
G2 vs Liquid at MSI has big implications for 2019 World Championship
Apex Legends saw a significant decrease in earnings last month
Cache map update nearing completion according to creator FMPONE
Gambit Esports dissolving CS:GO team, puts players up for trade
Valve bows to CS:GO pros and tweaks Vertigo, changes Danger Zone
FlyQuest announces the new Women's Flightwear clothing line
Toronto Defiant add two players following ugly Stage 2 of OWL
Overwatch update brings with it Workshop mode and Anniversary event
JJoNak of New York Excelsior has top selling OWL Stage 2 jersey
Valve announces development of standalone Dota Auto Chess game