PlayStation Global - Associate Game Designer, Technical

Game Designer is needed in Santa Monica, United States.

Client: PlayStation Global

Location: Santa Monica, CA

Contract: Temporary

Job Description

This position is for temporary engagement through our staffing partner, Yoh Enterprise Solutions. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for this role. This is a hybrid/onsite position. For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. Currently, Naughty Dog is working on upcoming titles and is looking for talented individuals to join their team.

In this role, you will be responsible for prototyping gameplay using in-house tools and scripting languages, focusing on combat encounters, narrative sequences, player mechanics, and enemy behaviors. You will collaborate across departments to bring prototypes into production and ensure high quality in your work.

Requirements

What you will do:

• Prototyping, implementing, and owning gameplay scenarios, narrative sequences, interactive objects, and AI behaviors.
• Collaborating with the Design team to conceptualize, prototype, implement, tune, and balance gameplay mechanics and systems.
• Communicating with animation, programming, and art departments to effectively produce the assets and code support required.
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

What skills will you use:

• Significant programming ability (Computer Science undergraduate degree preferred).
• Knowledge of 3D math.
• Experience with C++, C#, Lua, or other scripting languages.
• Broad understanding of the gaming landscape.
• Self-starter with excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to take design direction, brainstorm, iterate, and come up with creative solutions.
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Bonus Skills:

• Experience developing third-person action games.
• Experience with 3D level editors.
• Understanding of narrative principles and conveying emotion through gameplay.
• Experience in the following areas of design:
• Behavior Trees
• Melee
• Combat Systems
• Character animation
• Enemy & boss design

Additional Information

As part of the Naughty Dog application process, candidates should expect to be given a technical interview.

At SIE, individual base pay will be determined based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. The estimated base pay range for this role is $37–$50 USD per hour. This role is eligible for SIE’s benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program, and employee discounts for Sony products. Additionally, new employees may undergo background checks at the offer stage.