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Principal Software Engineer, Gameplay - Teamfight Tactics

Riot engineers bring deep knowledge of specific technical areas but also value the opportunity to work in a variety of broader domains. As Software Engineers, we work with both new and current technology, creating innovative solutions to overcome high-volume obstacles and to deliver player value.

As a Principal Software Engineer (Gameplay / Gameplay Tools) in the Teamfight Tactics team, you will create new gameplay mechanics, develop tools and workflows that make it easier for designers and artists to create awesome experiences for our players, and ensure that we can ship our game across all platforms every two weeks while maintaining quality. You will work as part of a multidisciplinary team consisting of artists, designers, engineers, producers, and QA. You will report to an Engineering manager on the Teamfight Tactics team.

Responsibilities:

  • Build in-game features, including new functionality for champions, traits, and set mechanics in TFT that cannot be executed on by design alone
  • Make it easier for developers to create awesome experiences by improving their tools and workflows
  • Build foundational capabilities for integrating gameplay with art, audio, and UI
  • Collaborate on technical/architectural discussions
  • Contribute to architecture requirements, technical design, and implementation for relevant systems
  • Ensure exceptional code quality by adhering to engineering excellence which includes: code maintainability, quality, monitoring, code reviews, and documentation
  • Provide mentorship to engineers, tech artists, and tech designers.

Required Qualifications:

  • 6+ years of game development experience
  • 4+ years of professional experience in C++
  • Significant experience with client/server architectures and server authoritative games
  • Strong knowledge of common game and software design patterns
  • Proficiency using game engines (ex. Unity, Unreal Engine )
  • Experience with profiling and addressing performance problems in a real time graphical application
  • Experience with building game content tools and pipelines
  • Experience with software development, including shipping one or more products on large code bases that span a range of platforms and tools.
  • Experience collaborating across departments to create solutions
  • Product sense, pragmatism, and player empathy in making tech decisions
  • BS in Computer Science, or proven understanding of Computer Science fundamentals

Desired Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with Teamfight Tactics
  • Experience with Python, Lua, HTML/CSS, or Javascript.
  • Familiarity with digital content creation tools such as Maya, PhotoShop, 3D Studio Max, Wwise etc.

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 players' experiences, this could be your role!

Our Perks:

Riot focuses on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy and other perks such as flexible work schedules. We offer medical, dental, and life insurance, parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children, and a 401k with company match. Check out our benefits pages for more information.

Riot Games fosters a player and workplace experience that values teamwork embodied by the Summoner's Code and Community Code. Our culture embraces differences as a strength, and our values are the guiding principles for how we approach work. We are committed to putting diversity and inclusion (D&I) at the center of everything we do, and promoting a fair and collaborative culture where Rioters treat one another with dignity and respect. We encourage you to read more about our value of thriving together and our ongoing work to build the most inclusive company in Gaming.

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. 

Average salary estimate

$150000 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$120000K
$180000K

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What You Should Know About Principal Software Engineer, Gameplay - Teamfight Tactics, Riot Games

Join Riot Games as a Principal Software Engineer (Gameplay) for Teamfight Tactics right here in Mercer Island, Washington! In this exciting role, you'll merge your technical expertise with your passion for gaming by creating new gameplay mechanics and developing tools that empower designers and artists to craft exceptional experiences for players. Your contributions will directly impact the gameplay, as you'll work hands-on to build in-game features and enhance workflows for developers. Collaboration is key; you'll be part of a multidisciplinary team that includes artists, designers, and producers, pushing the envelope of what’s possible in game development. Your work will not only help deliver quality gameplay every two weeks across all platforms but also maintain a high standard of code excellence. With over six years of game development under your belt and robust knowledge of C++, you’ll contribute to architectural discussions, mentor fellow engineers, and drive innovation in how we approach game mechanics. If you have a solid grasp of game design patterns and a knack for improving developer tools, this is your chance to shine. At Riot, we believe in a healthy work/life balance, offering flexible schedules and comprehensive health benefits. If you thrive in a collaborative environment and have a genuine empathy for players' experiences, this role is perfect for you. Ready to level up your career? Join us and make an impact in the gaming world!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Principal Software Engineer, Gameplay - Teamfight Tactics Role at Riot Games
What are the key responsibilities of the Principal Software Engineer at Riot Games for Teamfight Tactics?

As a Principal Software Engineer (Gameplay) at Riot Games for Teamfight Tactics, you'll be responsible for creating and implementing new gameplay mechanics, improving tools and workflows for developers, and ensuring high-quality game delivery across platforms. You’ll collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and be involved in technical discussions concerning architecture and design.

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What qualifications are required for the Principal Software Engineer position at Riot Games?

To qualify for the Principal Software Engineer role at Riot Games, candidates should have at least 6 years of game development experience, with 4 years in C++. A strong understanding of client/server architectures, software design patterns, and proficiency with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine is essential. Moreover, experience in building game content tools and a degree in Computer Science or equivalent knowledge is required.

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What personal attributes are important for a Principal Software Engineer at Riot Games?

At Riot Games, a successful Principal Software Engineer (Gameplay) embodies a collaborative spirit, craft expertise, and a strong sense of player empathy. The role requires an understanding of the player experience and the ability to make technology decisions that prioritize player delight. Strong communication and mentorship skills are also vital.

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How does Riot Games support work/life balance for its employees?

Riot Games values work/life balance, evident in their open paid time off policy and flexible work schedules. They offer various benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, and parental leave, ensuring that employees can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to their projects.

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What makes the Principal Software Engineer (Gameplay) role at Riot Games unique?

The Principal Software Engineer (Gameplay) role at Riot Games is unique because it combines deep technical knowledge with creativity in game design. You’ll not only write code but also directly impact gameplay experiences and collaborate with diverse teams to innovate player engagement and enjoyment through games like Teamfight Tactics.

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Common Interview Questions for Principal Software Engineer, Gameplay - Teamfight Tactics
Can you describe your experience with gameplay mechanics in previous projects?

When answering this question, focus on specific mechanics you've developed, the tools you used, and the impact these had on the game. Highlight any innovations you brought to the team and how you collaborated with designers and artists to enhance gameplay.

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What coding practices do you follow to ensure high-quality code?

Discuss your approach to code reviews, documentation, and adherence to coding standards. Mention how you utilize version control systems and continuous integration tools to maintain quality across large codebases.

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How do you approach performance problems in real-time graphical applications?

Share your methods for profiling performance issues and the tools you use, like profiling software or debugging tools. Provide examples of how you've addressed such issues in the past and the positive impact on gameplay.

Join Rise to see the full answer
What role do you believe player empathy plays in game development?

Explain how understanding the player's experience shapes your decision-making process. Give examples of how you’ve prioritized player feedback in your previous roles and how this has led to improved gameplay and features.

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How do you mentor junior engineers and promote their growth within a team?

Discuss your approach to mentorship, such as providing regular feedback, encouraging independent problem-solving, and promoting an open culture where questions are welcomed. Share a success story where your mentorship made a significant difference in someone’s development.

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Can you explain your familiarity with game development tools and pipelines?

Detail your experience with various game development tools you have used, particularly in relation to content creation pipelines. Describe how you've optimized these processes and collaborated with other departments to achieve successful outcomes.

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What is your experience working in multidisciplinary teams?

Highlight your collaborative experiences with designers, artists, and producers. Explain how you’ve navigated challenges and facilitated communication among team members to deliver projects successfully.

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Describe a challenging project you worked on and how you overcame obstacles.

Be specific about the project details, the obstacles encountered, and the strategies you implemented to overcome them. This demonstrates problem-solving skills and resilience in the face of challenges.

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How do you keep up with industry trends and new technologies in game development?

Mention your methods for staying informed, whether through attending conferences, joining professional organizations, or engaging with the developer community online. Share how you’ve applied new technologies in your work.

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Why do you want to work at Riot Games and specifically in Teamfight Tactics?

Express your passion for gaming and Riot Games’ mission. Talk about your admiration for Teamfight Tactics, what excites you about the future of the game, and how you envision contributing to its success.

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Riot aspires to be the most player-focused company in the world.

40 jobs
MATCH
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BADGES
Badge Diversity ChampionBadge Global CitizenBadge InnovatorBadge Work&Life Balance
CULTURE VALUES
Customer-Centric
Collaboration over Competition
Growth & Learning
Mission Driven
BENEFITS & PERKS
Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Family Coverage (Insurance)
Life insurance
Maternity Leave
Paternity Leave
Paid Time-Off
Social Gatherings
Company Retreats
Fitness Stipend
FUNDING
SENIORITY LEVEL REQUIREMENT
TEAM SIZE
EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
April 10, 2025

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