Principal Researcher - League of Legends PubSports

Principal Researcher (League of Legends PubSports) - Central Product Insights
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Principal Researcher (League of Legends PubSports) - Central Product Insights

role at

Riot Games .

The Insights discipline helps empower Rioters’ decision‑making to be more data‑informed. We are an interdisciplinary group of scientists, consultants, and strategists from diverse backgrounds who come together to represent and advocate for gamers worldwide. We believe that illuminating the globally diverse experiences, behaviors, and needs of gamers is critical to fulfilling Riot’s player‑focused mission. We are united by our love of games, science, and helping others succeed.

Pubsports Insights is forming a team to embed into League of Legends to deepen our understanding of players out‑of‑game. We’re seeking a

Principal Researcher

to build a deep understanding of how players connect to our Publishing and Esports content, how ecosystem elements keep players attached to the League brand even when they’re not actively playing, and what would be required to bring new players into the ecosystem. This role will conduct research using custom and survey methods to inform data‑driven strategies for improving player experiences. You’ll collaborate with researchers on League game insights as well as within Pubsports and Central teams, reporting to a League Pubsports Insights lead. The position blends onsite work in Santa Monica, CA with remote flexibility.

Responsibilities

Design and execute end‑to‑end studies using a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methods to uncover player motivations, pain points, and emerging opportunity areas.

Generate strategic insights that inform high‑impact publishing, esports, and additional out‑of‑game decisions for League ranging from positioning, to regional investment strategies and GTM planning.

Work closely with League product teams to build cohesive insights about how out‑of‑game experiences impact players and what can be improved to enhance them.

Communicate research findings through compelling narratives that align stakeholders and drive executive decision‑making.

Champion the player perspective by delivering evidence‑based guidance on player needs, motivations, and behaviors, both current and prospective League players.

Collaborate closely with game teams, additional researchers, and Insights partners to develop and socialize research‑driven frameworks that shape League’s product strategy and help elevate research capabilities at Riot.

Advance strategic thinking and research framework development to support long‑term innovation and player‑focused development.

Required Qualifications

9+ years of relevant research experience (advanced degrees may substitute for up to 2 years).

Demonstrated ability to conduct research that informs game product and portfolio strategy.

Experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods—including in‑depth interviews, focus groups, playtests, diary studies, and surveys—with deep specialization in at least one.

Skill at synthesizing research findings into clear, actionable insights for product leadership.

Excellent communication and collaboration skills; able to influence across all levels of an organization.

Experience integrating research findings with analytics to combine out‑of‑game player understanding with behavioral patterns.

Proven ability to independently lead complex, multi‑stakeholder projects and cross‑functional workstreams with diverse partners.

Experience managing external vendors in driving research/insights projects.

Desired Qualifications

Experience working in gaming, entertainment, or live‑service product marketing.

Familiarity with League of Legends and the PC PvP gaming space.

Familiarity with distributed data processing frameworks (e.g., Spark).

Exposure to global and regional marketing campaign planning and execution.

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 401(k) 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. 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
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 applicants 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 all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law.

Duties

Safeguarding confidential and sensitive company data.

Communicating with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors and players, including minors.

Accessing company assets, secure digital systems, and networks.

Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters.

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