As part of the UTS Tech Festival 2025, Level Up: Industry Insights from the Inside offered students a unique opportunity to learn directly from one of the most influential voices in the games industry. Held on Thursday, 26 June in UTS Building 11, the event featured an in-depth fireside chat with Naresh Hirani, Head of Development at Riot Games.

Naresh shared his personal journey through the games industry, from his early career steps to his current leadership role at Riot. He spoke candidly about the challenges and turning points that shaped his path, offering valuable insights into studio life, team leadership, and the realities of large-scale game development.

Throughout the session, Naresh provided practical advice for students aspiring to work in games—covering topics like portfolio preparation, industry expectations, and the importance of communication and collaboration. The Q&A that followed gave attendees the chance to ask about breaking into the field, the skills Riot looks for in new hires, and how to grow as a developer in a constantly evolving industry.

This event was one of several games-focused highlights at this year’s UTS Tech Festival, showcasing the university’s strong connections with industry and its commitment to preparing students for real-world careers.

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