Company FAQ

How to Get an Internship at Riot Games

Secure your dream internship at Riot Games with these 5 steps! Learn how to increase your chances of success and improve your resume to get your foot in the door.

Leila Le
Published: (Updated: ) - 7 min read
As an Operations Lead, Leila oversees Simplify's blog & newsletter, reaching 100K job-seekers monthly, where she brings experience curating resources for candidates to help them land their dream job.

Photo by Andrew varnum / Unsplash

Are you a gaming enthusiast with a passion for creating immersive and engaging game experiences? Look no further than Riot Games, the powerhouse behind League of Legends and many other beloved games. Landing an internship at Riot can be a game-changer (pun intended!) for your career in gaming or esports. Read on to discover the inside hacks to landing an internship at Riot Games!

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Keep reading to discover the insider tips and strategies to secure an internship at one of the most coveted gaming companies in the world!

Frequently Asked Questions About Riot Games Internships

Riot Games offers internship programs that are designed to provide aspiring individuals with a unique opportunity to grow as professionals and gain valuable industry experience. With a commitment to promoting positivity and inclusivity in the gaming community, Riot Games offers a range of internship positions in various departments, including game development, esports, publishing, and more. Here's some more information about the internships:

  • Internship Length: 10-12 weeks.
  • Software Engineer Intern Salary: $58.41 per hour
  • Number of Interns: 2,500+ (across all roles)
  • Office Locations: Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, and St. Louis!
  • Application Cycle: The application cycle for Riot Games internships varies each year, but typically opens in September.

Wondering what Riot's internship program is like? Here's a glimpse into the experience they offer:

We’re helping players connect their passion for games to meaningful careers. As a Riot Intern, you can expect to nab honest mentorship from those around you. You'll unlock access to career development courses to equip you for your journey ahead, spend time with leadership across disciplines to gain valuable insights, create lasting relationships with your intern community, and work with incredible teams to create meaningful experiences for players across the globe.
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Curious about how to apply for Riot Games internships and what the interview process is like? Check out this helpful blog post written by Riot Games, which provides more information and details.

What Experience and Qualifications Do I Need?

If you're a gaming enthusiast with a strong work ethic and a passion for learning, Riot Games may have the perfect internship opportunity for you! To apply, you must currently be enrolled in college, university, or non-degree courses from an accredited program. While having previous experience or a relevant major is a plus, what's most important to Riot is your dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.

At Riot Games, they value a strong passion for gaming and esports, so don't let a less-than-perfect resume discourage you. Instead, focus on showcasing your skills and demonstrating your interest in gaming through personal projects or online communities. They're looking for individuals who are passionate about what they do and willing to work hard to make a positive impact.

What does a Riot Games internship involve?

As an intern, you'll be part of a team dedicated to creating immersive and engaging gaming experiences for players worldwide. Your tasks and responsibilities will vary depending on your assigned department and position, but you can expect to work on real projects that contribute to the company's objectives.

For example, you could be working on designing new game features, creating captivating characters, improving gameplay mechanics, analyzing user data, or contributing to the development of marketing campaigns. Throughout your internship, you will have access to mentorship, career development courses, and leadership insights. You'll also create lasting relationships with other interns and work with talented teams to create awesome gaming experiences for players worldwide! 

When Do Applications Open?

Applications for Riot's summer internship typically open in September, but it's best to apply earlier for roles that are evaluated on a rolling basis. Check the company page for specific details on the application process and job descriptions, and stay updated on any changes or updates!

Types of Internships at Riot Games

Riot Games offers various internship roles in different fields such as game development, engineering, art and design, publishing, player support, and business operations. Here are some examples of specific internship roles offered by Riot Games:

  • Game Development Intern
  • Software Engineer Intern
  • Product Management Intern
  • User Experience Design Intern
  • Publishing and Marketing Intern
  • Data Science Intern

It's important to note that the above-mentioned internship roles at Riot Games are not an exhaustive list, but rather a glimpse of what the company offers. Each internship role may have specific requirements, such as academic qualifications or skillsets, and these requirements may vary from year to year based on the company's needs and priorities.

What benefits can I expect?

As a Riot Games intern, you'll be treated like a full-time employee with fair and competitive pay for your hard work. And if you're participating in the North American Internship Program, they'll provide relocation assistance to help you settle into your new location.

But the perks don't stop there! You'll also receive housing support, which means you can build a community with your fellow interns and make lifelong connections. And let's not forget the play fund - a small budget you can use to purchase games, including board games.

Aside from these tangible benefits, Riot Games offers plenty of opportunities to connect with your peers and learn from experienced professionals. You'll have access to a range of events, including coffee chats, lunch and learns, and unforgettable socials. It's a great chance to get to know your fellow interns and the Rioters, and create meaningful connections that could last a lifetime.

How Can I Apply?

Are you interested in applying for a Riot Games internship? Here are some tips to help you get started:

  1. Check out the Riot Games company page to see what positions are available. Keep in mind that summer internship applications typically open in September, but some roles may have earlier deadlines.
  2. To increase your chances of landing an internship, customize your application for each position you apply for. Highlight your relevant skills and experience that make you a strong candidate for the role, and show your passion for gaming and commitment to making a positive impact.
  3. Use PDF formats when submitting your application materials and fill out all required fields thoroughly.
  4. While cover letters aren't mandatory, they can help you stand out and provide additional context about your qualifications and motivation.
  5. Keep in mind that the application process for most internships moves quickly, so be prepared for potential interviews and technical assessments to happen within the first few months of applying.

In addition to these tips, here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Remember to showcase your personality and tell your story in your application. Riot Games is looking for individuals who are passionate about gaming and willing to work hard to make a positive impact.
  • If you have any questions about the application process or the internship program, don't hesitate to reach out to the Riot team.
  • Stay up-to-date on any updates or changes to the application process by checking the company page regularly.

By following these tips and keeping these things in mind, you'll be well on your way to applying for a Riot Games internship and potentially joining a team dedicated to creating immersive and engaging gaming experiences for players worldwide.

What to Expect from the Interview

If you're interviewing for a position at Riot Games, you can expect a thorough process that typically lasts around three weeks and includes 3 to 4 interviews. All interviews are conducted online and involve Google Hangouts calls with the recruiter and potential team members. Depending on the role, you may also be required to complete a take-home assessment.

To prepare for your interviews, it's important to ensure your technical setup is in order. Test your camera and microphone, use a headset and microphone combo, and have a backup phone number on hand in case of connectivity issues. Dress code is casual but presentable, so keep that in mind when choosing your outfit.

During the interviews, interviewers will make time for questions at the end, so come prepared with a few questions to ask. Riot recommends finding a quiet, calm place for the interview, using the S.A.O. framework for answering open-ended questions, and talking through your thought process during the interview.

Riot is accommodating and understanding of any pandemic-related challenges you may be facing. So, if you're excited about the prospect of joining the team, be sure to put your best foot forward and show them what you're capable of!
Looking to ace your upcoming interview? Check out our expert tips on how to answer some of the most common behavioral interview questions here!

How to Secure a Return Offer

Riot Games, the game development company behind the popular title League of Legends, is known for its competitive and innovative culture. As a result, securing a return offer at Riot can be quite challenging. However, with proper preparation and determination, it's possible to land a position as a returning employee.

Prioritize Networking

Networking is key when it comes to landing any job in the gaming industry, but especially so at Riot. Attending industry events and connecting with current employees can help you learn more about the company culture while also making important connections that could lead to future opportunities.

Exhibit Your Passion

When interviewing for a position at Riot Games, it's essential to showcase your enthusiasm for gaming and your willingness to contribute meaningfully to the growth of both their titles and community initiatives they take on.

Emphasize Your Skills

While passion is important when working for this dynamic organization; skills matter just as much – if not more – when it comes down to actually fulfilling expectations assigned towards each new developer or team member who joins them already having knowledge of some specific project(s).

Understand Riot's Culture

Riot Games has developed an intense work environment based on constant iteration in order to push themselves further each time around; something that characterizes companies embracing the agile development process. They have a strong focus on collaboration, with teams working together closely to ensure the best possible outcome.

Get Started With Simplify Today

We know how daunting applying for internships at Riot Games can be, especially when it comes to filling out long and repetitive application forms. But don't worry, we've got your back! Our free autofill extension that is designed to make the application process easier and more efficient. With the extension, you can focus on showcasing your skills and qualifications without having to worry about repetitive tasks.

When applying for an internship at Riot Games, keep in mind that their application process may be lengthy and require repetitive information. However, taking the time to thoroughly fill out the application can increase your chances of securing an internship with the company. To make sure you don't miss out on any application openings, check out Riot Games' extensive careers page for more information on their internship opportunities.

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