Prototype Gameplay Designer - AI, Mechanics & Narrative (Hybrid)

Naughty Dog; Santa Monica (CA); Hybrid; USD 51,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

Naughty Dog is seeking a talented gameplay designer to prototype and implement engaging gameplay scenarios, narrative sequences, and AI behaviors. You will collaborate with design, animation, programming, and art teams to deliver polished assets and systems for production.

This role emphasizes rapid iteration, self-motivation, and creative problem-solving in a hybrid/onsite environment. You will work across departments to bring prototypes into production, balancing gameplay mechanics and

Qualifications

• 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, brainstorm, iterate and create fun, creative solutions.

Responsibilities

• 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 produce assets and code support for your areas.
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Skills

Programming

3D math

Scripting languages (C++, C#, Lua)

Gaming landscape

Communication

Design direction adaptation

Job description

Naughty Dog is seeking a talented gameplay designer to prototype and implement engaging gameplay scenarios, narrative sequences, and AI behaviors. You will collaborate with design, animation, programming, and art teams to deliver polished assets and systems for production.

This role emphasizes rapid iteration, self-motivation, and creative problem-solving in a hybrid/onsite environment. You will work across departments to bring prototypes into production, balancing gameplay mechanics and