Thomas Vu
About Thomas Vu
Thomas Vu is the Head of Creative and Franchise Development at Riot Games, where he has worked since 2011. He previously held positions at Namco Bandai Games, Electronic Arts, and NASA, and played a significant role in the development of League of Legends and the animated series Arcane.
Current Role at Riot Games
Thomas Vu has been serving as the Head of Creative and Franchise Development at Riot Games since 2011. In this role, he oversees the creative direction and strategic development of various franchises within the company. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping the brand's identity and expanding its portfolio. He is based in Santa Monica, CA, where he has contributed to the company's growth and innovation in the gaming industry.
Previous Experience at Namco Bandai Games
Before joining Riot Games, Thomas Vu worked at Namco Bandai Games as a Producer from 2005 to 2007. During his tenure in Santa Clara, CA, he was involved in various projects that contributed to the company's reputation in the gaming sector. His experience in production helped him develop skills that would later benefit his roles in subsequent companies.
Education and Expertise
Thomas Vu earned a Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc) degree from UC San Diego, where he studied Cognitive Neuroscience and Human-Computer Interaction. This educational background provided him with a strong foundation in understanding user experience and cognitive processes, which are essential in game design and development.
Contributions to League of Legends
From 2011 to 2014, Thomas Vu played a key role in the development of League of Legends as the Head of Content. His focus included the creation of champions, skins, and gameplay elements that contributed to the game's ongoing success. His work during this period helped establish League of Legends as a leading title in the competitive gaming landscape.
Experience in Research and Development
Thomas Vu participated in the R&D Advisory Board from 2016 to 2020, where he provided strategic guidance on research and development initiatives at Riot Games. Additionally, he served as Co-Head of Riot R&D from 2011 to 2016, contributing to the research and development of new projects. His involvement in these areas highlights his commitment to innovation within the gaming industry.