Riot Games' founders, Brandon " Ryze " Beck and Marc " Tryndamere " Merrill, became friends while roommates at the University of Southern California, where the two studied business and bonded over video games.[1] Beck and Merrill believed too many video game developers jumped from game to game too quickly, and thought the success of " Defense of the Ancients " indicated games could be supported and monetized long-term.[1][2] They also drew inspiration from Asian Video game designs who charged for additional perks.[3]