Principal Research Scientist, Gameplay AI - Tech Research

Responsibilities

Define and lead AI-powered gameplay research directions, translating emerging ML/AI capabilities into concrete, playable game prototypes
Build, lead, and mentor a small cross-functional team, setting technical direction while remaining deeply hands-on
Own research and prototyping roadmaps, milestones, and risk management for multi-quarter initiatives
Work closely with game teams to understand player goals and design constraints, ensuring prototypes are grounded in real gameplay needs
Rapidly iterate on prototypes, balancing research rigor with playability, performance, and developer usability
Stay current with academic and industry advances in AI for games, reinforcement learning, generative models, and agent systems
Communicate vision, progress, and learnings clearly to stakeholders, helping teams understand both what works and what doesn’t
Required Qualifications

MS in Computer Science or equivalent with 6+ years research experience or BS in Computer Science or equivalent with 8+ years research experience
Strong background in applied or foundational research, with experience leading projects through hypothesis-driven experimentation
2+ years of experience in machine learning for sequential decision-making, agents, or complex systems (e.g., RL, imitation learning, planning, or hybrid approaches)
Proficiency in C, C++, or Python
Demonstrated contributions to public research (e.g., publications, talks, open-source projects)
Experience designing and implementing complex systems that integrate ML with real-time or interactive environments
Expertise with PyTorch or TensorFlow
Experience working in commercial game engines for prototyping or production
Strong understanding of gameplay systems, game loops, and real-time constraints
Experience collaborating closely with designers and engineers in a game development context
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.
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 SanFrancisco 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.

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