Job Overview

Role Overview & Compensation

The Mission: Engineering the World of Runeterra

At Riot Games, we believe that an MMO is more than a game—it is a second home for millions of players. On the Unpublished R&D MMO team, we are not just building levels; we are architecting an entire world. We are looking for a Senior Technical Artist, Environment who views worldbuilding as a marriage of creative expression and systemic engineering.

In this role, you will develop the systems, tools, and workflows that enable the creation of expansive, diverse, and evolving environments across Runeterra. This world is not a static backdrop; it is a living, responsive element of the player experience. Your work will empower the environment art team to build at a massive scale while maintaining the high visual fidelity, peak performance, and creative flexibility required for a project that will thrive for years to come.

As a Senior Environment Technical Artist, you are a hybrid: part toolmaker, part collaborator, and part artist. You will partner closely with Environment Art, Tech Art, and Engineering to develop robust procedural workflows and modular asset systems. Your goal is to make large-scale, high-fidelity worldbuilding not just possible, but highly efficient.

Role Breakdown & Compensation

Riot Games offers a highly competitive total rewards package. This role is based in our Los Angeles headquarters and features a salary range designed for top-tier industry talent.

Core Responsibilities

Your day-to-day will involve high-level strategy and hands-on execution. You will report to the Tech Art Lead and work across several key domains:

1. Tool & Pipeline Development

• Scalable Creation: Build and maintain procedural and targeted tools that support scalable environment asset creation using Houdini, Unreal Engine 5, and custom pipelines.

• Modular Workflows: Author tools that enable modularity, covering everything from terrain generation and biome setup to complex foliage systems and world composition.

• UE5 Specialization: Develop and maintain Unreal Engine 5 environment tools, specifically leveraging PCG (Procedural Content Generation), landscape systems, and advanced material workflows.

2. Collaborative Worldbuilding

• Prototyping: Contribute hands-on to worldbuilding by working directly in-engine to prototype asset fidelity, modular kits, and visual consistency across biomes.

• Cross-Discipline Partnership: Partner with Environment Artists and Level Designers to ensure tools meet creative needs while driving performance, reusability, and efficiency.

• Technical Support: Provide environment-focused technical support and problem-solving, helping unblock teams and identifying improvements in real-time workflows.

3. Strategic R&D & Scalability

• Pipeline Optimization: Proactively identify bottlenecks in content pipelines and propose systemic, scalable solutions that align with the game’s long-term needs.

• Future-Proofing: Identify tech debt and pipeline inefficiencies. Explore future technology and drive strategic solutions that prepare us for the long road of live service MMO development.

• Visual Evolution: Ensure our tools keep pace with an ever-expanding ecosystem of environments, systems, and gameplay needs.

Required Qualifications & Technical Stack

We are looking for a veteran who understands the specific challenges of open-world development.

• Experience: 5+ years as a Technical Artist or Environment TD in games, with a specific focus on environment content development and at least one major project cycle completed.

• Procedural Mastery: Proven experience with Houdini or equivalent procedural systems used in games for terrain, layout, or asset generation.

• Engine Expertise: Deep familiarity with Unreal Engine 5’s worldbuilding suite, including PCG, the material editor, world partition, and level streaming systems.

• Artistic Proficiency: Strong proficiency in 3D modeling, texturing, and lighting, with working knowledge of standard industry tools like Maya, Blender, 3ds Max, or ZBrush.

• Scripting/Logic: Proficiency in Python, Blueprints, or similar languages to build tools, automate workflows, and create custom editor utilities.

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrated ability to work cross-discipline and support artists, designers, and engineers through technical collaboration and iterative tool design.

Desired Qualifications (The “Plus” Factors)

• Experience building or supporting large-scale open worlds, MMOs, or multiplayer games with persistent environments.

• Proficiency with Substance Designer, Houdini Copernicus, or other procedural texture generation tools.

• A strong eye for environmental storytelling and an interest in translating narrative needs into scalable technical solutions.

• Familiarity with the League of Legends (LoL) IP and its unique aesthetic.

Portfolio Requirements

To be considered for this role, please include a portfolio or reel that showcases:

1. Procedural Tools: Examples of workflows you’ve developed (e.g., terrain generation, biome tools, or spline tools).

2. In-Engine Worldbuilding: Demonstrable work showing asset integration and world composition.

3. Process Documentation: Breakdowns that highlight how your tools contributed to scale, speed, or creative flexibility.

Culture, Perks & The “Rioter” Experience

At Riot Games, we put players first. This mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you’re working directly on a new player-facing experience or you’re supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission.

Work/Life Balance: We focus on sustainable development. This is reflected in our open paid time off policy and flexible work schedules. We want you to be as passionate about your life outside of the office as you are about the world of Runeterra.

Diversity & Inclusion: Riot Games is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective every day. We make reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, or veteran status.

Compliance & Fair Chance Notice

Riot Games complies with all local, state, and federal employment laws.

Fair Chance Ordinance: In accordance with the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we consider all qualified applicants for employment, including those with criminal histories. Please note that for this specific role, certain core duties may create a basis for disqualification if a relevant criminal history exists. These duties are directly related to essential operations and security:

• Safeguarding Data: Protection of confidential and sensitive Company data and R&D intellectual property.

• Communication: Engaging with Rioters and third parties (vendors/players), including potential interactions with minors.

• Digital Access: Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and internal networks.

• Environment Safety: Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters.

Job duties may evolve based on business needs, and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to maintain operational efficiency and security.

Final Thought

For this role, you’ll find success through craft expertise and a collaborative spirit that prioritizes the delight of players. We look for dedicated people with a personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about the “feel” of a world, we look forward to your application.

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Job Overview

Riot Games | Principal R&D Roles (MMO)

The Opportunity: Define the Next Great Narrative Frontier

Riot Games is looking for a Principal Narrative Content Designer to join our R&D team and help architect the storytelling foundations of our upcoming MMO. In this high-impact role, you won’t just tell stories—you will design the systems and content that make Runeterra feel alive. Working in the early stages of development, you will turn ambitious concepts into playable, resonant experiences that aim to redefine the MMO genre.

The Role: Craft, Script, and Lead

As a Principal Designer, you are a “hands-on” visionary. You will report to the Lead Designer and bridge the gap between creative writing and technical implementation.

• Direct Content Creation: Design, script, and iterate on narrative encounters and world-building content directly in-engine.

• Architect Best Practices: Establish the “gold standard” templates and narrative principles that will guide the entire design team for years to come.

• Cross-Disciplinary Leadership: Lead small, agile “strike teams” (2-4 people) of artists and engineers to build immersive environments that facilitate core gameplay goals.

• Tool Development: Partner with engine and tools teams to refine the narrative workflow, ensuring our tech matches our storytelling ambitions.

Candidate Profile: Who You Are

• The AAA Veteran: You have 7+ years of professional Narrative Design experience and have shipped at least one AAA+ title.

• Technical Storyteller: You are proficient in content scripting (Unreal Engine experience is highly desired) and can take a design from a document to a playable prototype.

• Ambiguity Specialist: You thrive in R&D environments where goals are fluid and rapid iteration is the standard.

• Collaborative Mentor: You have experience developing model content that serves as a blueprint for more junior staff to follow.

Why Riot Games?

At Riot Games, we prioritize “Player Experience” above all else. This mission is supported by a world-class work environment designed to keep you creative and healthy.

• Work-Life Balance: Open paid time off (PTO) and flexible work schedules.

• Comprehensive Benefits: 401(k) with company match, medical/dental/life insurance, and generous parental leave.

• Creative Freedom: Join a team where your unique perspective is empowered to shape the future of a global IP.

Life at Riot: Beyond the Game

At Riot Games, our “Player First” philosophy starts with a “Rioter First” foundation. We understand that building a groundbreaking MMO requires a marathon, not a sprint. To support this, we provide a world-class benefits suite designed to foster a sustainable, creative lifestyle. Our Open PTO policy and flexible work schedules empower you to manage your time effectively, ensuring you bring your best self to the R&D process every day.

Total Rewards & Wellness: Financial security is a cornerstone of our offer. In addition to a competitive base salary of $185,200 – $258,000 USD, Rioters receive comprehensive incentive compensation, equity packages, and a 401(k) with company match. Riot Games offer premium medical, dental, and vision coverage, alongside life insurance and disability support. Families are a priority here; we provide robust parental leave for you and your partner, ensuring support for your loved ones as you build the future of play.

Total Rewards & Wellness: Financial security is a cornerstone of our offer. In addition to a competitive base salary of $185,200 – $258,000 USD, Rioters receive comprehensive incentive compensation, equity packages, and a 401(k) with company match. We offer premium medical, dental, and vision coverage, alongside life insurance and disability support. Families are a priority here; we provide robust parental leave for you and your partner, ensuring support for your loved ones as you build the future of play.

Commitment to Inclusion & Fair Chance

Riot Games is a global community. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that thrives on the unique perspectives of our diverse workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, gender, identity, or veteran status. We are committed to accessibility and provide reasonable accommodations for all disabled Rioters.

In alignment with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, we welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds. We evaluate all candidates, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with local and state laws. Please note that due to the sensitive nature of our R&D projects—which involve safeguarding confidential data, interacting with minors, and securing digital assets—relevant background checks are a standard part of our trust and safety protocol. We strive to create a safe, transparent, and inclusive environment where every talented designer has the opportunity to leave a legacy.

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Job Overview

The Opportunity: Shape the Future of Runeterra

Riot Games is seeking a Principal Game Designer to define the core combat and moment-to-moment gameplay for our upcoming, unpublished MMO. This isn’t just a role about tuning numbers; it’s about architecting the foundational “feel” of a world that millions of players will inhabit for decades.

As a leader on the R&D team, you will own the 3Cs (Camera, Controls, Character) and the combat systems that serve as the heartbeat of the player experience. You will thrive in an ambiguous, highly iterative environment, turning high-level vision into tactile, satisfying gameplay.

The Role: Craft & Leadership

• Combat Architect: Design and implement deep, satisfying combat systems that scale across solo and large-scale cooperative play.

• Systemic Ownership: Lead the development of traversal, player actions, and enemy AI systems that create a varied and balanced ecosystem.

• Vision & Strategy: Create comprehensive gameplay roadmaps that define goals, values, and technical solutions for the engineering and art teams.

• Mentorship: Act as a force multiplier for the design team, fostering craft excellence and a sustainable, healthy creative culture.

• Iterative Excellence: Champion a rigorous playtesting culture to validate mechanics and drive continuous improvement through launch and beyond.

The Profile: Expertise & Passion

• The Veteran: 7+ years in professional Game Design with at least one AAA+ title shipped or in live operations.

• The Specialist: 4+ years of deep expertise in Real-Time Combat Mechanics. You understand the nuance of frame-data, input latency, and hit-stop.

• The Communicator: Proven ability to distill complex, systemic designs into simple, actionable goals for cross-disciplinary teams.

• The Player-Advocate: You possess a deep personal relationship with games and a high degree of player empathy. Familiarity with the League of Legends IP is a significant plus.

Core Responsibilities & Qualifications

Apply Now

Riot Games is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability status.

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