Mark Sassenrath
About Mark Sassenrath
Mark Sassenrath serves as the Senior Game Design Manager at Riot Games, where he has worked since 2011. He specializes in gameplay initiatives for Legends of Runeterra and has led efforts to enhance team efficiency and collaboration across multiple projects.
Work at Riot Games
Mark Sassenrath has been employed at Riot Games since 2011, serving as a Senior Game Design Manager. In this role, he has contributed to various projects and initiatives within the company. His responsibilities include overseeing the Gameplay initiative for Legends of Runeterra, a live service strategy game available on PC and mobile platforms. Mark acts as a representative and stakeholder for over 10 designers, facilitating collaboration across multiple teams and concurrent projects.
Education and Expertise
Mark Sassenrath studied at the University of California, Santa Cruz from 2007 to 2011, where he focused on Media Studies and Game Studies, earning a degree in Film & Digital Media. His academic background provides a foundation for his expertise in both research and development (R&D) and live game development. He emphasizes sustainability, accountability, and empathy in his work, which informs his approach to game design and team management.
Team Leadership and Management
In his role as Senior Game Design Manager, Mark recently led a team reorganization and workflow overhaul aimed at improving team efficiency and effectiveness. He collaborates closely with other discipline leads and senior stakeholders to ensure cohesive product and team development. His leadership style focuses on fostering collaboration among designers and enhancing the overall productivity of the teams he oversees.
Background
Mark Sassenrath has a professional background that spans over a decade in the gaming industry. His tenure at Riot Games has allowed him to develop a comprehensive understanding of game design and development processes. His experience includes working on both R&D and live game projects, which has equipped him with a diverse skill set applicable to various aspects of game development.