Software Engineer Intern - Games & Platform

Software Engineers at Riot Games bring deep technical knowledge and a player-first mindset to build solutions that excite millions of gamers worldwide.

As a Software Engineering Intern for Summer 2027, you will work on live systems and current technologies, solving high-volume obstacles that directly impact games like League of Legends, Teamfight Tactics (TFT), or VALORANT. Applying to this role provides eligibility for software engineering internship openings across Riot’s product teams, with placement matched based on interest, experience, and availability.

Potential Responsibilities

• Player-Facing Game Features: Collaborate with game developers to design, build, and maintain player-facing features for titles such as League, TFT, or VALORANT.
• Backend & Platform Services: Build scalable backend services and microservices that enable games to utilize shared social, client, and platform features.
• Real-Time Data Pipelines: Write clean code to handle and process real-time game telemetry and data feeds across various game teams.
• Global Infrastructure: Learn to deploy, monitor, and operate backend services operating at global scale for millions of concurrent players.
• SDKs & APIs: Develop and support SDKs and APIs consumed by internal development teams to power core gameplay loops.

Requirements

Academic & Work Eligibility

• Graduation Timeline: Currently enrolled in a Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technology degree program with an expected graduation date in the 2028 calendar year.
• Academic Standing: Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
• Availability: Available to work full-time hours (40 hours/week) for the full 12-week internship duration during Summer 2027.
• Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the program. (This position is NOT eligible for visa sponsorship, including future internship-to-full-time conversions).

Technical Qualifications

• Hands-on coding experience using at least one Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) language (e.g., Java, C++, C#).
• Solid foundational understanding of computer science fundamentals, data structures, and algorithms.

Desired Qualifications

• Prior software development experience through previous technical internships or part-time developer roles.
• Familiarity with the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and Agile/Scrum development practices.
• Understanding of software testing and CI/CD best practices (unit testing, functional testing, continuous integration).
• A personal portfolio or public code repository (e.g., GitHub, personal website) demonstrating original projects.
• Hands-on experience developing video games or related interactive software, particularly in Unity or Unreal Engine.
• A genuine passion for gaming and empathy for the player experience.

Intern Perks & Program Benefits

• Compensation & Retirement: Competitive hourly wage ($58.37/hr) with eligibility to participate in Riot's 401(k) plan.
• Gaming Perks: In-game perks across Riot titles and access to the Play Fund budget to expand your game knowledge.
• University Community: Dedicated intern-focused networking events, mentorship programs, and connection opportunities with Rioters across departments.