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← Riot Games

Principal Game Designer, Combat & Controls - Unpublished R&D Project

Riot Games
Location
Los Angeles, USA
Posted
26 days ago
Department
League Studio
What they actually want (must-haves)
  • 8+ years of professional experience in game design
  • Deep experience designing, prototyping, and iterating on core gameplay systems
  • Strong expertise in combat design, controls, targeting, camera, and gameplay feel
  • Experience owning large, complex design spaces and delivering high-impact player-facing outcomes
  • Experience working in ambiguous or exploratory development environments where fast learning and iteration matter
  • Experience partnering closely with engineers to develop and refine gameplay systems from concept through implementation
Nice to have
  • Expertise with designing for twin-stick controls
  • Experience mentoring designers and giving clear cross-disciplinary feedback that raises the craft bar for a team
  • Experience leading strategically important gameplay features and establishing frameworks or principles that improve team-wide quality and consistency
  • Experience helping teams evolve established gameplay systems and development practices through thoughtful adoption of AI-native tools and workflows
  • Experience using scripting or engine-level tools to prototype gameplay ideas directly
What the job really is

As a Principal Game Designer focused on combat and controls for an unpublished R&D project, you will lead the design of core gameplay systems, tackling complex design challenges in an early-stage environment. Your role involves prototyping and iterating on gameplay mechanics, collaborating closely with cross-disciplinary teams, and mentoring other designers. You will also establish design frameworks and quality standards to enhance gameplay experiences and inform long-term gameplay direction.

Benefits
  • Open paid time off policy
  • Flexible work schedules
  • Medical, dental, and life insurance
  • Parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children
  • 401k with company match
Things to weigh
  • Role involves working on an unpublished R&D project, which may lead to ambiguity in project direction
  • Emphasis on player empathy and personal relationship with games may require a strong personal passion for gaming
Job score3/5
Benefits3/5
Freshness4/5
Career value4/5
Role clarity4/5
Pay transparency0/5

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