Senior Narrative Gameplay Designer (Hybrid)

PlayStation; Santa Monica (CA); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Wellness program

Employee discounts

Job summary

Naughty Dog in Santa Monica is seeking a Technical Designer to prototype, implement, and own gameplay sequences, AI behaviors, and related systems in a hybrid/onsite role. You will collaborate across animation, programming, and art to deliver compelling interactive experiences.

Candidates should have 5+ years in technical design for games, 2+ shipped titles, strong programming in C++/C#/Lua, and a deep understanding of narrative-driven gameplay.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of industry experience in technical design for games.
• 2+ shipped games.
• Significant programming ability; CS degree preferred.
• Deep understanding of narrative principles and how to convey emotion through gameplay.

Responsibilities

• Prototype, implement, and own gameplay sequences, AI behaviors, and other mechanics and systems.
• Collaborate with animation, programming, and art to deliver assets and code support.
• Foster team cohesion and advise design leadership on communication and conflicts.
• Work with minimal supervision while keeping lead designers and directors informed.

Skills

Technical Design

Shipped titles

Programming

Narrative gameplay

3D math

C++/C#/Lua

Tooling improvements

Communication & teamwork

Self-starter

Education

Computer Science degree preferred

Tools

C++

C#

Lua

Job description

Naughty Dog in Santa Monica is seeking a Technical Designer to prototype, implement, and own gameplay sequences, AI behaviors, and related systems in a hybrid/onsite role. You will collaborate across animation, programming, and art to deliver compelling interactive experiences.

Candidates should have 5+ years in technical design for games, 2+ shipped titles, strong programming in C++/C#/Lua, and a deep understanding of narrative-driven gameplay.