Landing an internship at Riot Games—the studio behind League of Legends, VALORANT, and Arcane—is a dream opportunity for students and aspiring game developers, designers, and creatives.
Riot’s internship program is highly competitive but designed to help emerging talent gain hands-on experience with AAA games, innovative technologies, and cross-disciplinary teams.
Whether you’re a software engineer, artist, designer, or marketing enthusiast, Riot provides real-world projects, mentorship, and a chance to contribute to globally loved titles.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know: who can apply, the application timeline, roles available, how to stand out, and what the process looks like from start to finish.
It’s crafted to be beginner-friendly yet detailed, so you’ll know exactly how to prepare and boost your chances of success.
At the end, we’ll answer five of the most common questions students ask about Riot’s internship program.
1. Who Can Apply & When to Apply
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old, eligible to work in the region where the internship is located, and enrolled in a college, university, or accredited course at the time of application.
- For U.S. summer internships, most eligible candidates are graduating in the next one to two years (for example, 2025–2026).
- Internships typically open for applications in September, with roles starting in May or June and lasting 10–12 weeks.
- Riot also offers opportunities at its international offices, with some internships available year-round or on a rolling basis.
2. Roles Available & What Interns Do
Riot Games offers internships in a variety of fields, including:
- Engineering: Software, game systems, tools, or infrastructure.
- Game & UX Design: Level design, gameplay systems, or player experience.
- Art, Animation, and Audio: Concept art, VFX, 3D modeling, character animation, sound design.
- Product Management & Data Science: Game publishing, player analytics, and business insights.
Interns work on live or unreleased Riot projects, contributing real features, designs, or tools. They’re paired with mentors, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and get access to Riot’s professional development resources and employee networks.
3. The Application & Selection Process
- Online Application: Submit a tailored resume and cover letter for each role. Avoid generic applications—highlight your craft, passion, and any relevant experience.
- Portfolio or Technical Test (if required): Creative roles require curated portfolios (only your best work); technical roles often include a coding or problem-solving assessment.
- Interviews: Most applicants go through a recruiter call, followed by one or two interviews (technical or behavioral). Some disciplines may require a craft test or presentation.
- Decision: The process usually takes about three to four weeks from application to final decision.
Since you can’t edit your application once submitted, it’s important to review everything carefully before you send it in.
4. How to Stand Out as a Candidate
- For Engineering Roles:
- Practice clean, efficient coding and problem-solving.
- Be fluent in at least one relevant programming language (such as C++ or Java).
- Review core computer science concepts like data structures and algorithms.
- For Creative Roles:
- Showcase your top two to three projects in a well-organized portfolio.
- Include process work—sketches, wireframes, or step-by-step iterations—not just final pieces.
- Tailor your portfolio to the specific discipline (illustration, VFX, UX, etc.).
- For All Candidates:
- Express genuine passion for Riot’s games and community in your application.
- Research Riot’s core values and be prepared to discuss how they align with your work.
- Practice behavioral interview questions using the Situation, Action, Outcome (SAO) framework.
5. Life as a Riot Intern
Riot interns are immersed in the same collaborative culture as full-time Rioters. They join professional groups and communities, receive mentorship, and contribute to meaningful projects that impact millions of players worldwide.
Many interns are offered full-time positions after their programs end, but even those who move on gain invaluable experience, networking opportunities, and professional growth.
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Conclusion
A Riot Games internship is more than just a summer job—it’s a career-launching opportunity for those passionate about games and craft.
The program gives you the chance to work on major titles, learn from industry leaders, and build skills that will set you apart in the competitive world of game development and publishing.
To succeed, start preparing early. Applications for summer roles usually open in September, so have your resume, portfolio, and interview skills polished well in advance.
Show your passion for Riot’s games, highlight your technical or creative strengths, and make sure your application reflects why you’re the right fit for both the role and Riot’s player-focused culture. With the right preparation, you can turn your dream of working at Riot Games into reality.
FAQs
1. What GPA or experience do I need for a Riot Games internship?
Riot prioritizes skill, portfolio quality, and passion over GPA. Students with strong projects, coding skills, or creative work are encouraged to apply, regardless of grades.
2. Can recent graduates apply?
For most U.S. internships, you need to still be enrolled and graduating in the next one to two years. Recent graduates can apply for entry-level full-time positions instead.
3. Are Riot internships remote or in-person?
Most U.S. internships are remote-friendly with optional office visits. Some global roles may be hybrid or fully onsite, depending on location and role.
4. Do I need a referral to get an internship?
Referrals can help, but they’re not required. Riot hires based on ability and fit, so a strong application is what matters most.
5. How long does the interview process take?
The process typically takes three to four weeks, including recruiter screening, interviews, and any assessments.