Gaming Full-Time Hybrid

Senior Game Designer (Combat)

Company: Naughty Dog

Location: Santa Monica, California, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $145,100 – $181,400 USD

About the Role

Naughty Dog is looking for a Senior Game Designer (Combat) to help create engaging enemy encounters and impactful gameplay systems for its next generation of action-adventure experiences. The role focuses on designing memorable combat scenarios, advanced enemy behaviors, and polished gameplay mechanics.

This opportunity is ideal for experienced combat designers who thrive in collaborative AAA game development environments and enjoy blending technical systems with cinematic gameplay experiences.

Job Overview

The Senior Game Designer will own enemy archetype development, collaborate with AI and animation teams, and help shape the overall combat experience within the game. The role involves prototyping, balancing, tuning, and iterating on gameplay systems to deliver responsive and immersive combat encounters.

Candidates should have strong technical design knowledge, experience with modern game engines, and a deep understanding of action-adventure and shooter gameplay design principles.

Key Responsibilities

  • Enemy Design: Design, implement, and maintain unique enemy NPC archetypes and combat behaviors.
  • AI Collaboration: Partner with AI programmers to develop and tune enemy AI systems and behavior trees.
  • Gameplay Systems: Prototype, balance, and refine combat mechanics and gameplay systems.
  • Cross-Department Communication: Work closely with animation, programming, and art teams to support combat feature development.
  • Documentation: Create and maintain clear design documentation outlining enemy vision and gameplay goals.
  • Playtesting: Organize testing sessions and iterate on combat systems based on player feedback and gameplay analysis.
  • Mentorship: Support junior designers and contribute to the growth of the overall design team.

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in combat design or technical game design.
  • At least one shipped title in a combat design or related gameplay role.
  • Strong knowledge of behavior trees and enemy AI systems.
  • Proficiency with Unreal Engine, Unity, or similar game engines.
  • Experience with scripting tools such as C#, Lua, or visual scripting systems.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and collaborative problem-solving skills.

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Game Design, Computer Science, Interactive Media, or a related field preferred.
  • Equivalent professional game development experience may be accepted.
  • Strong understanding of gameplay systems, combat pacing, and player engagement.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary with potential bonus opportunities.
  • Access to Sony Interactive Entertainment employee benefit programs.
  • Opportunity to contribute to industry-leading AAA game projects.
  • Collaborative and innovative game development environment.
  • Professional growth opportunities alongside experienced developers.

Naughty Dog continues to push the boundaries of storytelling and gameplay innovation in the gaming industry. This role offers experienced combat designers the opportunity to help shape immersive and memorable gameplay experiences for players worldwide.

If you are passionate about enemy AI, combat systems, and cinematic action gameplay, this is an excellent opportunity to join one of the industry’s most respected studios.

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