Justin Hanson
About Justin Hanson
Justin Hanson is a Principal Game Designer at Riot Games, specializing in MMO development since 2021. He has extensive experience in game design, having previously worked on League of Legends and at Red 5 Studios.
Work at Riot Games
Justin Hanson has been employed at Riot Games since 2017, holding various positions. He started as a Game Designer on the League of Legends Champions Team from 2017 to 2019. He then served as the Design Lead for the League of Legends Monetization Team from 2019 to 2021. Currently, he is the Principal Game Designer in the R&D department focused on MMO games, a role he has held since 2021. His work at Riot Games has contributed to the development and monetization strategies of popular gaming titles.
Education and Expertise
Justin Hanson studied at DigiPen Institute of Technology from 2000 to 2003, where he earned an Associate degree in Real Time Interactive Simulation. He furthered his education at Colorado Technical Institute, obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from 2004 to 2006. His educational background provides him with a strong foundation in both technical game design and business principles, which he applies in his current role.
Background
Before joining Riot Games, Justin Hanson worked at Red 5 Studios. His tenure there included roles as Associate Level Designer from 2008 to 2010, Technical Designer from 2010 to 2013, and Senior Designer from 2013 to 2014. This experience in various design capacities contributed to his skill set in game development and design, preparing him for his subsequent roles at Riot Games.
Career Progression
Justin Hanson's career in game design has progressed through various roles and responsibilities. His journey began at Red 5 Studios, where he developed his skills over several years. After transitioning to Riot Games, he took on increasingly significant roles, culminating in his current position as Principal Game Designer in the R&D department focused on MMO games. His career reflects a commitment to advancing in the field of game design.