Getting a Riot Games internship felt like a dream come true for me. Like most game fans, I used to dream about what it would be like to work behind the scenes of such a massive gaming company as Riot. I was a fan of League of Legends and Valorant tournaments. Realizing that dream, however, required much planning, patience, and learning.
The Riot Games internship is highly competitive. Each year, thousands of people apply. However, you can be picked when you know what to do and remain consistent. In this blog, I will guide you through everything I learned on my way to the final offer, i.e., how I knew about the program, and what I did to receive the offer. If you’re aiming for the Riot Games internship, this guide will give you real, honest advice that worked for me.
Key Takeaways
Before we get into all the steps, let me quickly share the most important things I learned while applying for the Riot Games internship:
The Riot Games internship is not just about your grades; it’s about passion, real projects, and teamwork.
- Applications usually start in September and end in November, so plan.
- You must be at least 18 years old and authorized to work in the location you’re applying to.
- The interviewing process is quite elaborate and may involve coding tests, soft-skill interviews, and group discussions.
- Interns do not do random tasks, but they do real projects. You make a difference.
- Building a good resume and portfolio is equally essential, besides performing well during the interview.
If your goal is to get into the Riot Games internship, don’t wait for the deadline—start preparing now and take small steps daily.
Riot Games Internship Program: What to Expect
The Riot Games internship program is a paid, full-time summer internship for 10 to 12 weeks. It is one of the most reputable internship programs in the gaming world. The greatest thing is that it does not seem like a standard internship. You are treated as a genuine Rioter (what Riot refers to as its employees).
The Riot Games internship is available in multiple regions, including the United States, Europe, Latin America, and more. Most of the positions in the U.S. are remote; however, interns are expected to visit Riot HQ in Los Angeles at least once a week. Such a brief visit is an excellent opportunity to meet people, understand the company culture, and experience the team’s energy.
Whether you are into software development, UX design, animation, writing, or production, the Riot Games internship has roles across many areas. It ensures you do something substantial, not coffee errands and Excel sheets.
Riot Games Internship Requirements: Who Can Apply?
To apply for the Riot Games internship, you must be 18 and enrolled in or recently graduated from a college or university. You must also be authorized to work in the country where you’re applying. For example, U.S. applicants must have legal permission to work in the U.S.
One great thing about the Riot Games internship is that they look for people from diverse backgrounds. You do not need to attend a prestigious school or have excellent grades. The only thing that counts is that you love games, are good at what you are doing (programming, art, etc.), and can collaborate with others.
They also promote diversity among applicants from underrepresented groups in gaming. If you bring a unique perspective, Riot values that a lot. The Riot Games internship is about finding people who love games and want to make them better for everyone.
How to Apply for Riot Games Internship: Timeline and Tips
The Riot Games internship application window usually opens in September and closes around early November. If you are serious about it, you should be able to start preparing at least a month before the application. The sooner you apply, the better you stand chances.
Once you submit your application for the Riot Games internship, the process may include:
- Online Assessment – a coding task or a creative test.
- Phone Interview – a call from a recruiter to talk about your profile and motivation.
- Technical/Creative Interviews: The time to explore your talents.
- Hiring Manager Round – culture-fit and the final project discussion.
Riot does not lie about their timeline. The response will typically come in several weeks. If needed, follow up politely, especially if you’re applying for the Riot Games internship in a different country or time zone.
Riot Games Internship Experience: Step-by-Step Guide to My Journey
My journey into the Riot Games internship started way before the applications opened. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: I recognized the right opportunity early. Around July, I searched for gaming internships and bookmarked the Riot Games internship page.
Step 2: I created my portfolio, worked on game projects, polished my resume, and posted code to GitHub.
Step 3: I was an early applicant. I proofread all the applications and checked them twice.
Step 4: I was ready to interview. I solved coding problems on Leetcode and soft-skill questions.
Step 5: After receiving the Riot Games internship offer, I contacted my recruiter and asked for onboarding tips.
This roadmap helped me succeed and can help you land your Riot Games internship.
Riot Games and Portfolio Tips Game Design Internship
If there’s one thing that can make or break your Riot Games internship application, it’s your portfolio. Riot adores individuals who demonstrate what they have created.
A good resume must be focused, clear, and emphasize relevant experience. List any game jams, personal, or open-source projects.
For the Riot Games design internship, you must demonstrate your design thinking. If you aim for a software engineering internship, your GitHub should include clean, readable code.
You can not use a general resume. Customize each document to fit the specific role in the Riot Games internship.
Riot Games Internship Interview: How to Prepare and What to Expect
The Riot Games internship interview process can be challenging, but also exciting.
Begin by taking a coding or creative test. Utilize websites like HackerRank or LeetCode. If you are creative, have portfolio walkthroughs.
A behavioral round follows this. Trial questions include, “Tell me about a situation where you failed, or what your favorite game is, and why?”
Finally, the team interview helps Riot decide if you’re a good cultural fit. Remain composed, tell the truth, and show your passion for gaming. Genuine interest goes a long way in the Riot Games internship process.
What it is like to work in Riot Games: Daily Life of an Intern
During my Riot Games internship, I joined the Player Platform team. Every day started with a stand-up meeting, and I was considered an equal member.
I was involved in developing features for matchmaking tools and provided a demo at the end of a sprint. It was awesome when my work was launched. The Riot Games internship isn’t all coding. I attended company activities, hackathons, and diversity teams.
Above all, I had an instructor. Weekly check-ins increased my development, and the Riot Games internship helped me level up faster than I thought possible.
How Competitive is the Riot Games Internship? Do not make These Mistakes.
The Riot Games internship is highly competitive. However, there are minor mistakes that can be avoided by many:
- Applying late.
- Application of generic resumes.
- Lacking genuine interest in games.
I added a “games I love” section to my resume when I applied for the Riot Games internship. It worked. Do not also ghost your recruiter. Honor communication. It matters more than you think during the Riot Games internship process.
Riot Games Internship Benefits, Salary, and Career Paths
The Riot Games internship salary is among the best in the gaming industry. Riot also offers accommodation, moving costs, and even gaming equipment.
The most significant advantage is the mentorship. You are also matched with a full-time worker who assists you in developing.
The Riot Games careers portal has many interns who get full-time jobs after their internship, making the Riot Games internship an excellent entry point.
You also become part of the Riot Games university program, giving you long-term access to Riot’s hiring ecosystem.
Riot Games Internship Review and Final Thoughts
The Riot Games internship changed my life. I acquired practical experience, honed my skills, and established connections.
The Riot Games internship is a great place to start if you want to break into gaming. It is challenging and highly fulfilling.
Stay consistent. Build projects. Practice. Apply early. The Riot Games internship could be your way into professional game development.
Whether it’s a Riot Games summer internship, a Los Angeles Riot Games internship, or a remote internship Riot Games offers, your journey starts with one strong application.
FAQ
What is the Riot Games internship acceptance rate?
The Riot Games internship is highly selective, with thousands of applicants yearly. Although Riot does not publicly provide any specific acceptance rate, the industry estimates it to be less than 5%. A professional portfolio and a visible enthusiasm about the gaming world can put you in a great position.
When do Riot Games internship applications open?
The Riot Games internship applications typically open in September and close in early November. The sooner you begin to prepare your materials, the better (preferably during the summer, at least a few months before the application), and the earlier you can apply.
Is the Riot Games internship paid?
Yes! The Riot Games internship is paid, and the salary is considered one of the best in the industry. Other benefits include relocation benefits, housing allowances, and company gear.
Can international students apply for a Riot Games internship?
Yes, international students can apply for the Riot Games internship, but you must have valid work authorization in the country where the internship occurs. In the case of the U.S.-based positions, it usually implies CPT/OPT eligibility or a work visa.
What should I include in my portfolio for the Riot Games internship?
A strong portfolio for the Riot Games internship includes:
- Projects that are completed games (individual or group)
- Clean code GitHub repositories (technical positions)
- Design reports or UX case reports (in creative positions)
- A personal site or blog that displays your game dev experience
