Technical Game Design Intern

All Game Designers at Riot have a base set of skills: you design, tweak, and optimize the player experience. Your analytical skills, player insight, and creativity aid in crafting in- and out-of-game experiences that engage and surprise players. 

As a Technical Game Design Intern on 2XKO, you will work extensively in technical problem spaces, building tools and systems that unlock themselves and other game designers, and also own key gameplay designs.

Responsibilities:

• Work on gameplay projects like events, onboarding, and new mode prototypes
• Collaborate with designers and engineers to build tools that make it faster to implement, balance, and iterate on new content
• Contribute to technical and design work that will help keep the fights fresh, the systems sharp, and the experience exciting for every player

Required Qualifications:

• Graduating in the 2025 or 2026 academic year studying Computer Science, Engineering, or Technology related field
• Completed courses or related work experience involving data structures and algorithms
• Coding experience using C++ and Blueprints in Unreal Engine
• Deep gameplay experience with 2XKO or other modern 2D fighting games
• Experience collaborating through testing, tuning, and partnering with designers, engineers, and artists
• Available to work full-time hours for the 12 week internship duration
• Eligible to work in the country that you reside in during this remote program
• Minimum GPA of 3.0

Desired Qualifications:

• Unreal Engine experience, specifically with combat systems like hitboxes, frame data, or input logic
• Experience working in data-driven setups such as spreadsheets, scripts, config tables
• Experience reading, modifying, and improving code or Blueprints built by others
• Demonstrated understanding of animation timing, hit impact, and incorporating player feedback
• Demonstrated experience creating a prototype, mod, or school project that shows your design and implementation experience
• Experience playing tag fighters at a competitive level

For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise, a collaborative spirit, and decision-making that prioritizes the delight of players. We will be looking at your past studies, experience, and your personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about the experiences of players, this could be the role for you!

Applications close Friday, December 5th, 2025 at 11:59pm PT 

Our Perks:

Riot Internships are paid, and interns can also participate in our 401(k) plan. You can expect in-game perks, and the ability to participate in our Play Fund, so you can broaden and deepen your knowledge of our players and community through games. The University Programs team also invites you to intern focused events so you can connect with your fellow interns and Rioters to make the most out of your experience.

At Riot Games, we put players first. That 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. And just like in our games, we’re better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we’re looking forward to your application.

It’s our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.

Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:

• Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data
• Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors
• Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks
• Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters

These duties are directly related to essential operations, safety, trust, and compliance obligations within our organization. Please note that job duties may evolve based on business needs and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to maintain operational efficiency and security. 

(Remote Only) The hourly rate for this internship is USD $43.51