Design Director, Systems

BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT, INC; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 124,000 - 231,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading entertainment company seeks a Design Director for Diablo IV, responsible for overseeing game systems and mentoring designers. This role requires extensive experience in systems design, leadership, and a deep understanding of ARPG mechanics. The position offers a flexible hybrid work environment and competitive salary.

Benefits

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Wellness programs

Qualifications

• 12+ years of professional systems design experience in games.
• 4+ years leading design teams.
• Extensive experience in developing progression systems and game economies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and communicate a vision for gameplay and balance systems.
• Lead the creation of progression and reward structures.
• Coordinate across departments for effective collaboration.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Communication

Passion for games

Tools

Data-driven design tools

Job description

Team Name:

Diablo IV

Job Title:

Design Director, Systems

Requisition ID:

R025353

Job Description:

We Need You

The minions of hell are growing stronger...

Join us as we continue to shape the Diablo universe! Diablo games are action RPG experiences with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish dungeons, and legendary loot. Come work with us, and together, we’ll create experiences that not only meet but exceed the expectations of those who call Sanctuary home.

As a Systems Design Director, you will lead our talented team of designers on Diablo, overseeing high-level game systems, player progression, social engagement features, and overall game balance. You will guide and mentor a group of seasoned lead designers, setting a strategic vision to deliver compelling and balanced gameplay systems to millions of passionate players worldwide.

This role offers a flexible hybrid work week, with a mix of remote and on-site days. While hybrid is the standard arrangement, you're also welcome to work on-site full-time if you prefer. Our primary studio locations are in Albany, NY, and Irvine, CA.

Responsibilities

• Develop and communicate a clear, compelling vision for progression, social, gameplay, and balance systems.

• Ensure design alignment across multiple teams, fostering consistency and cohesion within the player experience.

• Coordinate across departments (Art, Engineering, Production, UX/UI, QA, Live Operations) to facilitate smooth and effective cross-team collaboration.

• Maintain a deep understanding of Diablo’s core mechanics, player motivations, and community expectations to inform system evolution.

• Lead the creation and refinement of progression and reward structures, social engagement mechanics, competitive leaderboards, and economy systems.

• Oversee the tuning and iteration of gameplay balance, ensuring fair and engaging experiences at all levels of player skill and progression.

• Provide mentorship, guidance, and career development to a team of experienced Lead Systems Designers.

• Represent Systems Design in cross-disciplinary leadership discussions, advocating effectively for team goals and player experience.

Minimum Requirements

• 12+ years of professional systems design experience in games, with 4+ years leading design teams.

• Extensive, hands-on experience developing progression systems, game economies, social features, and balancing complex gameplay ecosystems in live-service games.

• Deep understanding of Diablo series, ARPG mechanics, player psychology, and player retention strategies.

• Exceptional analytical skills; ability to communicate complex systems clearly to both designers and non-designers.

• Proven track record managing and mentoring experienced designers, demonstrating strong leadership and interpersonal skills.

• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with experience leading multidisciplinary teams in iterative environments.

• Passion for games, systems design, and industry trends.

• Dedication to quality, gameplay, and player experience.

• Commitment to a culture of iteration, transparency, mentorship, and continuous improvement.

Bonus Points

• Shipped multiple successful AAA ARPG or RPG titles.

• Experience managing large organizations and maintaining clarity of vision across development efforts.

• Technical familiarity with data-driven design tools and scripting languages.

Your Platform

Blizzard Entertainment, known for Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, and StarCraft, is a division of Activision Blizzard (www.blizzard.com), acquired by Microsoft. We create critically acclaimed games enjoyed worldwide across multiple platforms, including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.

Our World

Activision Blizzard is a leading entertainment company, home to franchises like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, Candy Crush, and Bubble Witch. We connect millions globally through immersive worlds and diverse, inclusive teams that thrive in a dynamic industry.

Our industry is fast-paced and evolving; roles and responsibilities may change to support our business and partnerships.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. If you need accommodations, contact [e-mail]. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity, without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or other characteristics.

Rewards

We offer comprehensive benefits supporting well-being, including health, retirement, paid time off, wellness programs, and more. Eligibility varies; learn more at https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/. The base salary range for the U.S. is $124,400 - $230,300, negotiable based on experience and location, with potential incentive compensation.