Technical Game Designer - Prototyping & Systems (Hybrid)

PlayStation; Santa Monica (CA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Job summary

Naughty Dog in Santa Monica is seeking a self-motivated gameplay designer to prototype and implement gameplay scenarios, narrative sequences, and AI behaviors using in-house tools and scripting languages. You will work across design, animation, programming, and art to turn prototypes into production-ready content, balancing gameplay, mechanics, and player experience.

Ideal candidates have strong programming ability (CS degree preferred), knowledge of 3D math, and experience with C++, C#, or Lua,

Qualifications

• Significant programming ability; Computer Science degree preferred.
• Strong knowledge of 3D math.
• Experience with C++, C#, Lua or other scripting languages.
• Broad understanding of the gaming landscape.

Responsibilities

• Prototype, implement, and own gameplay scenarios, narratives, interactive objects, and AI behaviors.
• Collaborate with Design to prototype, implement, tune, and balance gameplay mechanics.
• Coordinate with animation, programming, and art to provide assets and code support.
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Skills

Programming

C++

3D Math

Scripting

Communication

Teamwork

Self-motivation

Education

CS degree

Tools

3D level editors

Job description

Naughty Dog in Santa Monica is seeking a self-motivated gameplay designer to prototype and implement gameplay scenarios, narrative sequences, and AI behaviors using in-house tools and scripting languages. You will work across design, animation, programming, and art to turn prototypes into production-ready content, balancing gameplay, mechanics, and player experience.

Ideal candidates have strong programming ability (CS degree preferred), knowledge of 3D math, and experience with C++, C#, or Lua,