Technical Game Designer

Naughty Dog; Santa Monica (CA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

Naughty Dog is seeking a capable designer to prototype gameplay and related systems in a hybrid Santa Monica setting. You will explore combat encounters, narrative sequences, and player mechanics using in-house tools and scripting languages, coordinating with multiple departments to bring prototypes into production.

The role requires self-motivation, proactive communication, and the ability to iterate quickly while delivering high-quality experiences that align with Naughty Dog's renowned

Qualifications

• Significant programming ability; Computer Science degree preferred.
• Strong 3D math knowledge.
• Experience with C++, C#, Lua or other scripting language.
• Broad understanding of the gaming landscape and industry trends.
• Self-starter with excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to take design direction, iterate quickly and brainstorm 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 support assets and code for owned areas.

Skills

Programming ability

3D math

C/C++/C#/Lua scripting

Gaming industry knowledge

Communication & teamwork

Design iteration mindset

Education

Computer Science degree preferred

Tools

3D level editors

Job description

This position is for a temporary engagement through our staffing partner, DZConneX Services. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States for this position.

This hybrid role will be based in Santa Monica, CA.

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 a brand-new single player game that we're excited about 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 as such 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 working 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’ll 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 you’ll 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

Bonus Skills:

• Experience developing AAA 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

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 color, nationality, ethnic, national origin), religion or belief, martial or civil partnership, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, 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.

At SIE, working with our partners, we consider several factors when setting each role’s base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.

Please note that the individual base pay range may vary based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

In addition, this role is eligible for benefit offerings that include medical, dental, and vision.

The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below, this is an hourly rate.

$58.03 - $72.55 USD

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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