Technical Gameplay Designer — Prototyping, AI & Systems

Naughty Dog, Inc.; United States; Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Naughty Dog, Inc. is seeking self‑motivated designers to prototype gameplay using in‑house tools and scripting languages. You will prototype combat encounters, narrative sequences, player mechanics, and enemy behaviors, then collaborate across departments to polish your work to the studio’s high standards.

The role emphasizes creativity, rapid iteration, and the ability to balance gameplay mechanics while communicating effectively with animation, programming, and art teams.

Qualifications

• 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, 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 effectively produce the assets and code support required for the areas you're owning.
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Skills

Programming ability

C++

C#

Lua

3D math

Gaming knowledge

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Computer Science degree

Tools

3D level editors

Job description

Naughty Dog, Inc. is seeking self‑motivated designers to prototype gameplay using in‑house tools and scripting languages. You will prototype combat encounters, narrative sequences, player mechanics, and enemy behaviors, then collaborate across departments to polish your work to the studio’s high standards.

The role emphasizes creativity, rapid iteration, and the ability to balance gameplay mechanics while communicating effectively with animation, programming, and art teams.