Are you dreaming of turning your passion for gaming into a full-time career? Riot Games, which is the studio behind global hits like League of Legends and Valorant, is known for hiring people who combine technical skill with a genuine love for play. Breaking into this industry might feel daunting, but Riot emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and cultural fit just as much as it values credentials.
This guide will walk you through what Riot looks for in candidates, what the application and interview process involves, and the kinds of roles you might land. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a career changer, or an experienced engineer, you’ll learn how to position yourself for success at one of the most recognized names in gaming.
Key Takeaways
- Riot Games values employees who express a passion for gaming, teamwork, and cultural alignment as much as any technical expertise.
- Job opportunities span beyond just business development, with the company promoting roles in esports, publishing, data science, design, and business operations.
- The hiring process typically includes multiple interviews, a values-focused assessment, and sometimes even technical or creative tests (depending on the role).
- Internships, apprenticeships, and university programs are great entry points for students and early-career applicants.
- Benefits at Riot include healthcare, retirement plans, parental leave, and unique perks like stipends for personal gaming.
- Standing out requires more than a resume; portfolios, demos, and thoughtful engagement with Riot’s mission can make a difference.
Riot Games: Company Background
Riot Games is a major global video game developer and publisher with over 4,500 employees that work across more than 20 international offices.1
It was founded in Los Angeles in 2006 to change how video games are developed and published in a way that would better benefit players. In 2009, the company released the popular multiplayer online battle arena game League of Legends. The online game is now played by over 65 million people around the world every month.
In terms of workplace satisfaction, Riot Games has earned a reputation as one of the best tech companies to work for. The company is experiencing massive growth as online gaming experiences evolve. It has even branched out into other areas, such as comic books, board games, music, and eSports competitions. The yearly League of Legends World Championship features teams from 12 international leagues and is the most followed tournament in the sport.
Riot has grown beyond League of Legends into new titles and entertainment. Its portfolio now includes Valorant, Teamfight Tactics, Legends of Runeterra, and League of Legends: Wild Rift. Riot also co-produced Arcane, an Emmy-winning animated series on Netflix. In addition, while its headquarters remain in Los Angeles, Riot has adopted limited hybrid and remote roles in some departments.
If you’re just starting your journey, many professionals train through coding bootcamps before applying to companies like Riot.
What It’s Like to Work at Riot Games
Working at Riot Games means that you are contributing to cutting-edge gaming and participating in fast-paced environments that emphasize inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous innovation.
The company is constantly working to create high-tech gaming solutions, which means that the work environment is fast-paced and collaborative.
- A Lot of Games – Riot Games is a gaming company, so you can expect to play a lot of games on the job. As a matter of fact, playing their games can increase your chances of getting hired. According to online reviews, the company dismisses certain applications depending on the applicant’s gaming experience.
- Collaborations – At Riot Games, you will work in conjunction with engineers, designers, and producers to deliver the next big thing in the fighting game arena. You must demonstrate leadership skills to inspire your coworkers. Working with external partners is also common in the company.
- Inclusive Workplace – The company sets the bar high when it comes to diversity and inclusion. It is serious about leveraging their strengths to succeed. It calls out racism, homophobia, sexism, ableism, and any form of bigotry. Riot publishes diversity and pay equity reports to measure progress. Employees also benefit from employee resource groups (ERGs), mentorship opportunities, and training to strengthen inclusivity.
Riot employees receive competitive benefits that go beyond standard healthcare and PTO. Packages often include retirement contributions, parental leave, wellness programs, and even “Play Fund” stipends for personal gaming purchases. The company also provides free Riot titles and access to esports events.
Getting a Job at Riot Games
Securing a role at Riot Games requires strong technical or creative skills, relevant experience, and a tailored application that reflects the company’s values.
Jobs at Riot Games come with excellent job benefits and high salaries. The average Riot Games employee’s salary varies, but many of them make well over $100,000 per year.2
You will have a much easier time getting a job at Riot Games if you have valid experience and exceptional skills. However, this is not enough to get you through the door. You also need to have an effective resume and cover letter tailored to the position you want. You should also polish your interview skills to make it through the company’s rigorous screening process.
Riot also hires through internships, apprenticeships, and university programs. These roles provide hands-on experience and mentorship for students and recent graduates looking to break into the industry. Early-career paths are a strong way to start a Riot Games career if you lack years of professional experience.
Riot offers structured internship programs each summer across engineering, design, art, and business disciplines. Students work on real projects and receive guidance from industry mentors. The company also runs University Programs for associate-level hires, giving recent graduates a way to enter long-term careers at Riot.
How Hard Is It to Land a Job at Riot Games?
Getting hired at Riot Games is highly competitive, thanks to large applicant pools and an emphasis on cultural fit as well as skills.
Riot Games is one of the most competitive companies in the gaming industry. It is seeking passionate and driven new hires who love technology. As with any other company at this level, Riot Games has a series of screenings you must go through to prove you are right for the job.
The process is not complicated, but it is challenging, especially if you are not a good cultural fit. Each job opening at Riot often attracts large volumes of applications. This means candidates must not only meet technical requirements but also demonstrate a strong cultural alignment with Riot’s values, such as prioritizing player experience and teamwork.
Applying for a Job at Riot Games
Applying for a role at Riot Games involves preparing a resume, cover letter, and, where applicable, a portfolio or creative work sample that reflects Riot’s mission and values.
The company posts all available opportunities on its website. Ensure that you have an attractive resume template for showcasing your skills. Tailor your resume to the job description, listing your gaming experience as well as your other work-related skills to demonstrate your qualifications. Ensure that you are including unique experiences that will grab the attention of recruiters.
It is important to submit a cover letter with your resume. This will give recruiters a better idea of who you are professionally, as well as on a personal level.
Applicants in design, writing, or engineering fields are encouraged to include portfolios or demo reels. Riot recruiters review game design documents, coding samples, or narrative writing to better assess fit. Tailoring these materials to Riot’s style and values can significantly boost your chances of advancing.
Riot uses virtual interviews for many positions, and increasingly relies on video or online platforms for initial screenings.
Riot Games Application and Interview Process
Riot’s interview process typically includes values and behavioral interviews, technical or creative assessments, and may span several rounds depending on role type.
If you want to be part of the team, you should visit the company’s official website to see their available opportunities. There are plenty of jobs to browse. Make sure that you read the job description very carefully before applying.
If you have gaming experience, chances are you will find at least one position among those posted that you are qualified for. However, if you are applying for more than one job, don’t submit the same application for each position.
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You will get an email notification once your application has been received and approved. This can take up to two weeks, depending on how many applicants have applied for the same job. Be patient and check your spam email to ensure that you don’t miss any notices.
Riot interviews often include a “values interview,” where candidates are asked how they would embody the company’s mission and principles. Behavioral questions focus on collaboration, feedback, and adaptability. Technical interviews may include live coding challenges or whiteboard design problems, while creative roles may require presentation of work samples.
Riot Games Career Opportunities: Job Titles and Descriptions
Riot Games offers many roles spanning engineering, quality assurance, network infrastructure, and more, each with varying levels of experience and compensation.
Network Engineer | Salary: $137,8383
Quality Assurance Engineer | Salary: $117,0004
Staff Software Engineer | Salary: $259,3195
Senior Software Engineer | Salary: $224,0006
Beyond engineering roles, Riot also hires in esports operations, game production, publishing, data science, and AI research. Esports managers oversee live competitions, while publishing and marketing staff bring Riot’s titles to global audiences. These varied paths mean you don’t need to be a developer to thrive at Riot.
Riot is more than a game developer, it’s an entertainment company. Careers are available in music production, animation, business operations, and broadcasting. Riot’s esports division alone employs producers, event organizers, and broadcast engineers who bring tournaments like Worlds to millions of fans worldwide.
What Does It Take to Get a Job at Riot Games?
To land a job at Riot Games, you need more than technical skills, you’ll need relevant experience, a strong portfolio, and alignment with Riot’s culture and values.
Like every established company, the gaming developer is focused on employing people who are talented, skilled, and dedicated to excellence. If you want to work for this company, it is crucial that you know the landscape of the gaming industry. The company doesn’t hire novices, and looks for those who have at least a few years of relevant experience.
Riot recruits from universities through structured new grad programs. These entry-level roles provide training and mentorship for students who recently graduated in computer science, art, design, or business. They are designed to grow into long-term careers at Riot.
Applicants who stand out typically demonstrate that they are proficient in coding languages (such as C++, Java, and Python), have familiarity with game engines, are capable of strong teamwork and great communication, and are able to adapt and solve problems creatively. If any of this sounds like you, take the next step and explore a professional future at Riot Games.
Sources
- https://www.riotgames.com/en/who-we-are
- https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Riot-Games/salaries
- https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Riot-Games/salaries/Network-Engineer
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Riot-Games-QA-Engineer-Salaries-E247538_D_KO11,22.htm
- https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Riot-Games/salaries/Staff-Software-Engineer?period=YEARLY
- https://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Riot-Games-Senior-Software-Engineer-Salaries-E247538_D_KO11,35.htm
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