A Thrilling Company With True Character
Pros
Business values that are built on real, human virtues: I get to talk about thinks like humility, kindness, thoughtfulness, passion, curiosity, craftsmanship and emotional intelligence and these things resonate with those around me to the extent that I've watched Rioters grow faster as a direct result of focusing on these virtues. An unbelievable level of dedication to the player and the products / features that express that dedication: Working at Riot has made me realized the subtle ways in past work that I've compromised on the principle of being truly engaged with the things I was building. Individuals at Riot have more opportunity and scope to affect change than in any organization I've ever worked in (including a startup). In order to make this real every day, Rioters have to possess strong self-awareness, situational awareness, an upbeat sense of togetherness and an ever-present entrepreneurial streak. Reading some of Riot's reviews on here, some submitters appear to consider these things cons. They are, in fact, demands that grow individuals in ways they may never see in other parts of their career. As such, they are enormous pros. I'm surrounded by people with whom I can default to trust; people I know will have my back whenever I need it (not just when I ask for it). They possess extraordinary domain expertise but are most focused on what they don't know (as an expression of their humility and their drive to grow). They have a genuine determination to build things of value and to have fun while they do it. As a matter of determination, Riot is not a fairytale. Like anything worthwhile and enduring, it takes love, work and faith. One of the things I like most about Riot (and the way I know it's not a cult or some sort of fraternity) is the level of recognition it has collectively that 'getting it wrong' is a normal part of doing something of value. There is a notable persistence with which Rioters try to address shortcomings whenever they happen, whatever they are and whomever they involve. Sometimes problems will seem trivial, sometimes insurmountable, but there is always a resolve to reflect and move forward together. The fact that Riot has such a strong feedback culture and that Rioters take their duty of care to each others' development so seriously is what has allowed Riot to retain its soul as it has scaled. In summary, Rioters keep trying, with humility, to do better in the face of success and failure. They do this, overwhelmingly, without compromising their principles. This is the very definition of character and it is what makes me most proud to be a member of this family.
Cons
Riot continues to grow quickly. As a manager, some of the tools and systems I use to help care for people are a little behind the curve - which is both completely expected and being visibly addressed. For now, however, as Riot finds its feet with respect to some of the more 'run-of-the-mill' bits of operating a business with thousands of people, these shortfalls are noticeable and do have a drag coefficient. More broadly, Riot's culture is a self-directed one. It's a very flat organization and the tools in general for helping Rioters navigate, coalesce and self-organize also need to be leveled-up. Again, this is being visibly addressed but the use of social networks and tacit knowledge as a substitute for some of these tools is currently one of the more intimidating things about working at Riot. Not a deal breaker, but unnecessary friction to be sure.