Senior Progression Designer (CONTRACT)

Sonyinteractiveentertainmentglobal; Oregon (WI); Hybrid; USD 68,191 - 97,120; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Job summary

Sony Bend Studio, part of Sony Interactive Entertainment, is searching for a Senior Progression Designer to shape the progression systems for their upcoming AAA title. The role requires a blend of design expertise and collaboration, focusing on player engagement and satisfaction.

With over five years of experience in video game design and a strong understanding of player motivation, the successful applicant will work on innovative reward structures and gameplay experiences. The position offers competitive pay and various benefits, contributing to a highly creative environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in video game progression design with shipped games.
• Strong knowledge of current trends in game progression and reward design.
• Ability to translate design goals into practical systems and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design, tune, and implement progression systems and reward structures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build and maintain features.
• Communicate design goals and updates to stakeholders.

Skills

Video game progression design

Data management and analysis

Collaboration skills

Player-centered design

Job description

Sony Bend Studio, renowned creator of Days Gone, Uncharted: Golden Abyss, and Syphon Filter, is seeking outstanding talent to join our passionate and creative team in crafting our next high‑profile AAA title.

We are seeking a Senior Progression Designer to help shape and own the progression systems, rewards, and support economies for our next AAA title. In this role, you will contribute to player experiences that drive satisfaction, motivation, and long‑term engagement.

Responsibilities

• Design, tune, and implement fun, meaningful progression systems, reward structures, and supporting economies that align with the game’s creative vision and player experience goals.
• Collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams to define the tools, workflows, and processes needed to build, tune, and maintain progression features.
• Create and maintain clear documentation for progression systems and related features, including design briefs, spreadsheets, tuning models, and data visualizations.
• Communicate design goals, feature updates, and implementation details to team members and stakeholders.
• Partner with developers in the design and creation of new content, assets, features, and rewards that support progression goals.
• Work with User‑Experience Research (UXR) to test design hypotheses, understand player behavior, and improve the overall player experience.
• Help implement changes to progression systems based on testing, feedback, and data insights.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in video game progression design, systems design, economy design, or related fields, with experience contributing to shipped games.
• Strong knowledge of current trends, innovations, and competitive approaches in game progression and reward design.
• A player‑centered approach to design, with empathy for players and an understanding of player motivation, needs, and psychology.
• Strong proficiency in data management, spreadsheet modeling, analysis, and visualization.
• Ability to translate design goals into practical systems, tuning models, and implementation‑ready documentation.
• Strong collaboration skills, with a commitment to inclusive, accessible design and a positive team culture.
• Ability to break down, prioritize, and manage tasks across sprints, milestones, and development phases.
• Advanced knowledge of scripting languages and code is preferred, but not required. Comfort working in data tools, tuning pipelines, and implementation‑facing workflows is important.

Base Pay and Benefits

The estimated base pay range for this role is $60–$60 USD per hour.

The individual base pay range may vary based on job‑related factors such as knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

This role is eligible for benefit offerings that include medical, dental, and vision.

Additional Information

Please note, Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage for all new employees (which may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will need to process personal information to support these checks.

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Equal Opportunity Statement

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression, and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic, or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, maternity or parental status, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.

Sony Interactive Entertainment is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.