Riot Games

Principal Game Designer, Levels - Unpublished R&D Product

LOS ANGELES, CAPosted 22 days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from Riot Games

  • Job overview

    The Principal Game Designer, Levels at Riot Games leads level design for an unpublished MMO R&D product, shaping innovative player experiences and guiding the level design process.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The role involves designing MMO levels and environments, rapid iteration, collaborating with design teams, setting level design principles, leading small cross-disciplinary teams, and supporting the project from prototype through launch and live support.

  • Compensation and benefits

    The position offers a base salary range of $185,200 to $258,000 plus incentive compensation, equity, 401K with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability, and open PTO.

  • Experience and skills

    Candidates need 7+ years in professional level design, demonstrated industry-leading work, proficiency with game engines, experience on AAA+ games, and passion for online multiplayer PvE and PvP games; preferred qualifications include live product experience, open world/MMO design, AI/combat design, familiarity with LoL IP, and Unreal engine expertise.

  • Career development

    The role offers opportunities to influence early-stage game development, lead small teams, and contribute to innovative projects, fostering growth in leadership and design expertise.

  • Work environment and culture

    Riot Games emphasizes work/life balance with flexible schedules, open PTO, and a collaborative environment focused on player-first values and diversity and inclusion.

  • Company information

    Riot Games is a leading game developer known for player-focused experiences and innovative multiplayer games, committed to diversity and equal opportunity employment.

  • Team overview

    The candidate will join the MMO team, working closely with designers, artists, and engineers, reporting to the Level Design Director, and leading small cross-disciplinary groups.

  • Job location and travel

    The job is based in Los Angeles with potential remote work options not specified.

  • Unique job features

    The role is distinguished by its focus on pioneering MMO level design in an early-stage R&D project, requiring hands-on creation and iteration in an ambiguous environment with a strong player empathy focus.

Company overview

Riot Games is a video game developer, publisher, and esports tournament organizer best known for its flagship title, League of Legends. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Riot Games generates revenue primarily through in-game purchases, including character skins and other virtual goods, as well as through sponsorships and media rights for its esports events. The company has expanded its portfolio with games like Valorant and Teamfight Tactics, and it is renowned for its player-focused approach and strong community engagement.

How to land this job

  • Position your resume to highlight extensive experience in professional level design, especially in MMO, open world, or interior environments, emphasizing your ability to create player-focused, innovative level designs.

  • Showcase your proficiency with established game engines, ideally Unreal, and your experience in leading small cross-disciplinary teams to build and iterate engaging game levels and encounters.

  • Apply through multiple channels including Riot Games' official corporate careers page and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility for the Principal Game Designer role.

  • Connect with current Riot level designers or team leads on LinkedIn; use ice breakers such as commenting on their recent projects, asking about their approach to level design in MMOs, or expressing enthusiasm for Riot's innovative game concepts.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description like 'level design,' 'MMO,' 'Unreal Engine,' 'player experience,' 'cross-disciplinary collaboration,' and 'prototype to pre-production,' ensuring your resume passes initial automated screenings.

  • Leverage Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications, identify multiple application platforms, and suggest relevant Riot contacts to network with, allowing you to focus your energy on preparation and interview readiness.

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