Riot Games Business Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Riot Games is a leading interactive entertainment company known for creating immersive gaming experiences, particularly through its flagship title, League of Legends.

As a Business Analyst at Riot Games, you'll be responsible for leveraging data to drive strategic decision-making and enhance the player experience. This role requires a strong analytical mindset, proficiency in SQL, and the ability to solve complex problems through data interpretation. Key responsibilities include conducting quantitative analysis, developing insights to inform product development, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to address business challenges. Ideal candidates will possess a passion for gaming, excellent communication skills, and a talent for translating data into actionable strategies.

In this guide, you will find tailored insights and preparation tips to help you navigate the unique interview process at Riot Games, ensuring you stand out as a candidate who aligns with the company's culture and values.

The interview process for a Business Analyst role at Riot Games is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit within the company. It typically consists of several stages, each focusing on different aspects of the candidate's abilities and alignment with Riot's values.

1. Initial Contact

After applying online, candidates can expect to hear back from the recruitment team within a week or so. This initial contact usually involves a brief phone interview with a recruiter. During this conversation, the recruiter will discuss the role, the company culture, and gauge the candidate's interest in Riot Games. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their motivations for applying and their understanding of the gaming industry, particularly League of Legends.

2. Technical Assessment

Following the initial contact, candidates may be required to complete a technical assessment, often involving SQL exercises. This assessment typically includes a set of questions that candidates must complete within a specified timeframe, usually 48 hours. The focus is not solely on the correctness of the answers but also on the candidate's thought process and problem-solving approach. Candidates should familiarize themselves with SQL and be ready to analyze data sets relevant to gaming and monetization strategies.

3. Technical Interview

Candidates who perform well in the technical assessment will be invited to a technical interview, which may be conducted over the phone or via video call. This interview often consists of two parts: brain teasers and SQL-related questions. The brain teasers can be challenging and may not directly relate to the candidate's analytical skills, so preparation for unconventional problem-solving scenarios is essential. Candidates should also be ready to discuss their SQL skills and how they apply to real-world business problems.

4. Final Interview Rounds

The final stage of the interview process typically includes multiple rounds of interviews with team members, including hiring managers and other analysts. These interviews may cover a mix of behavioral questions, cultural fit assessments, and further technical discussions. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their understanding of Riot's culture and how they can contribute to the team. Additionally, candidates may be asked to discuss their experiences and how they align with Riot's mission and values.

As you prepare for your interview, it's crucial to understand the types of questions that may arise during this process.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Embrace the League of Legends Culture

Riot Games is deeply rooted in the culture of League of Legends, and understanding this culture is crucial. Familiarize yourself with the game, its mechanics, and the community surrounding it. This knowledge will not only help you connect with your interviewers but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the company. Be prepared to discuss your experiences with the game, as well as how you can contribute to enhancing the player experience.

Prepare for Brain Teasers

Expect a significant focus on brain teasers during your interviews. These questions are designed to assess your problem-solving skills and creative thinking. Practice various types of brain teasers, especially those that involve mathematical reasoning and logical deduction. Familiarize yourself with common formats and themes, but be ready for Riot's unique twists. Remember, the goal is to showcase your thought process, so articulate your reasoning clearly as you work through these challenges.

Hone Your SQL Skills

SQL proficiency is essential for a Business Analyst role at Riot Games. Prepare for technical assessments that may include complex SQL exercises. Focus on understanding data manipulation, joins, subqueries, and analytical functions. Practice with real-world datasets to simulate the types of questions you might encounter. Be ready to explain your thought process and approach to problem-solving, as the interviewers will be interested in how you tackle challenges rather than just the final answer.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

While technical skills are important, Riot Games also values cultural fit. Expect behavioral questions that explore your motivations, teamwork, and how you handle challenges. Reflect on your past experiences and be prepared to share specific examples that highlight your skills and alignment with Riot's values. Show enthusiasm for collaboration and a commitment to improving the player experience, as these traits resonate well with the company's mission.

Stay Positive and Adaptable

Throughout the interview process, maintain a positive attitude, even if you encounter challenging questions or a less-than-friendly interviewer. Demonstrating resilience and adaptability can leave a lasting impression. If you find yourself struggling with a question, take a moment to think it through and communicate your thought process. This approach shows that you can handle pressure and are willing to learn from the experience.

Follow Up Thoughtfully

After your interviews, consider sending a thoughtful follow-up email to express your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the role. Mention specific aspects of the interview that resonated with you, such as discussions about the game or the team dynamics. This not only reinforces your enthusiasm but also helps you stand out in a competitive candidate pool.

By preparing thoroughly and embracing the unique aspects of Riot Games, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Business Analyst role. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Analyst interview at Riot Games. The interview process will likely focus on your analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of the gaming industry, particularly League of Legends. Be prepared to tackle brain teasers, SQL exercises, and questions that assess your ability to think critically and creatively.

Analytical Skills

1. How would you approach analyzing player engagement metrics for a new game feature?

This question assesses your analytical thinking and ability to derive insights from data.

How to Answer

Discuss your methodology for analyzing metrics, including defining key performance indicators (KPIs), collecting data, and interpreting results to inform decisions.

Example

“I would start by identifying the KPIs that align with the feature’s goals, such as daily active users and session length. Then, I would collect data pre- and post-launch to compare engagement levels, using statistical methods to ensure the results are significant. Finally, I would present my findings to the team, highlighting actionable insights to optimize the feature.”

2. Describe a time when you had to make a decision based on incomplete data.

This question evaluates your decision-making skills under uncertainty.

How to Answer

Explain the context, the data you had, and how you made a reasoned decision despite the gaps.

Example

“In a previous project, I had to decide on a marketing strategy with limited user feedback. I analyzed existing data trends and consulted with team members to gather qualitative insights. Based on this, I proposed a targeted campaign that ultimately increased user engagement by 15%.”

SQL and Data Analysis

3. Can you explain how you would write a SQL query to find the average spending of accounts reported for misconduct?

This question tests your SQL skills and understanding of data relationships.

How to Answer

Outline the steps you would take to construct the query, including the necessary joins and aggregations.

Example

“I would start by joining the accounts table with the reports table on the account ID. Then, I would filter for accounts reported for misconduct and use the AVG function to calculate the average spending, grouping by payment type to provide more granular insights.”

4. What SQL functions would you use to analyze player spending trends over time?

This question assesses your knowledge of SQL functions and their application in data analysis.

How to Answer

Discuss specific SQL functions that are useful for time-series analysis, such as window functions and date functions.

Example

“I would use the SUM function to aggregate spending over time and the DATE_TRUNC function to group data by month. Additionally, I might employ window functions like ROW_NUMBER() to rank players based on their spending, allowing for a deeper analysis of trends.”

Problem Solving and Brain Teasers

5. If five Teemos can plant five mushrooms in five minutes, how long does it take twenty Teemos to plant one hundred mushrooms?

This brain teaser tests your logical reasoning and problem-solving skills.

How to Answer

Break down the problem into manageable parts and explain your thought process clearly.

Example

“Since five Teemos plant five mushrooms in five minutes, each Teemo plants one mushroom in the same time frame. Therefore, twenty Teemos can plant twenty mushrooms in five minutes. To plant one hundred mushrooms, it would take twenty Teemos twenty-five minutes.”

6. How would you calculate the sum of numbers from 1 to 99?

This question evaluates your mathematical reasoning and ability to apply formulas.

How to Answer

Explain the formula for the sum of an arithmetic series and how you would apply it.

Example

“I would use the formula for the sum of an arithmetic series, which is n(n + 1)/2. For the numbers 1 to 99, n would be 99, so the sum would be 99(100)/2, resulting in 4950.”

Cultural Fit and Industry Knowledge

7. Why do you want to work at Riot Games, and how do you see yourself contributing to our mission?

This question gauges your motivation and alignment with the company’s values.

How to Answer

Express your passion for gaming and how your skills can help enhance player experiences.

Example

“I’ve been a fan of League of Legends for years, and I admire Riot’s commitment to player-centric design. I believe my analytical skills can help identify player needs and improve game features, ultimately enhancing the overall gaming experience.”

8. How do you stay updated on trends in the gaming industry?

This question assesses your commitment to professional development and industry knowledge.

How to Answer

Discuss the resources you use to stay informed, such as gaming news websites, forums, and community engagement.

Example

“I regularly read industry publications like Gamasutra and follow gaming influencers on social media. I also participate in online forums and communities to engage with other gamers and stay informed about emerging trends and player preferences.”