Associate Game Designer, Technical

Naughty Dog; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Naughty Dog is looking for a proactive designer for a hybrid role focused on prototyping gameplay using in-house tools and scripting. You will be responsible for developing engaging gameplay scenarios and narrative sequences while working closely with various departments to ensure high-quality production.

Candidates must have a strong programming background, preferably in C++, C#, or Lua, along with excellent communication skills. A Computer Science degree is preferred. Join Naughty Dog and be part of crafting innovative gaming experiences.

Qualifications

• Significant programming ability in languages like C++, C#, Lua.
• Knowledge of 3D math to support gameplay design.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Prototyping and implementing gameplay scenarios and narrative sequences.
• Collaborating with design teams to balance gameplay mechanics.
• Communicating across departments to support asset production.

Skills

Significant programming ability

Knowledge of 3D math

Experience with C++, C#, Lua, or other scripting language

Broad understanding of gaming landscape

Self-starter with excellent communication and teamwork skills

Willingness to take design direction

Education

Computer Science undergraduate degree preferred

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 position.

This is a hybrid / onsite position.

For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best‑selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us Part II Remastered as well as a current‑generation remake of The Last of Us Part I for the PS5. We’re also proud to say that The Last of Us Part I is now available for the first time on PC. Currently, we’re busy at the kennel working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PC, and we’d love to find talented individuals to join us.

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character‑driven stories and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation within our games and have curated some of the top creative and technically innovative minds in the industry. We welcome diverse candidates and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contribute to the overall well‑being and success of the studio and the titles we craft together.

In this role you’ll be responsible for prototyping gameplay using our in‑house tools and scripting language, which could range from combat encounters to narrative sequences to player mechanics and enemy behaviors. Then work across departments to bring your prototypes into production and polish your work to the high level of quality Naughty Dog is known for. We’re looking for self‑motivated, proactive designers who enjoy creating unique experiences and can combine their technical and creative skills while iterating rapidly.

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 for the areas you’re owning
• 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 language
• Broad understanding of gaming landscape
• Self‑starter with excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Willingness to take design direction when offered, brainstorm, iterate and come up with fun and 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 with the following areas of design
  • Behavior Trees
  • Melee
  • Combat Systems
  • Character animation
  • Enemy & boss design

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