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Title: Associate Systems Designer (Temporary)
Reporting To: VP, System Design
Department: Central Design Team
Location: Santa Monica, CA
As an Associate Systems Designer you will support the development of a new IP at Elsewhere Entertainment by contributing to the design, implementation, and tuning of core gameplay systems.
You will collaborate closely with experienced designers, engineers, and artists to help bring engaging, accessible, and high-quality gameplay experiences to life.
In this role, you will focus on learning and contributing within a highly collaborative design environment, helping to translate design direction into clear documentation, in-game implementation, and iterative improvements based on feedback and play testing.
You will also contribute to building a culture rooted in inclusivity, mutual respect, empathy, professionalism, and strong cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Success in this role means reliably supporting system design work, producing clear and useful design documentation, implementing assigned features with guidance, and growing your ability to independently own smaller gameplay components.
This role is based in our Santa Monica office and follows an onsite work schedule of four days per week. Work arrangements may change at the company's discretion to meet business needs.
Priorities can often change in a fast-paced environment like ours, so this role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:
Support the design and documentation of gameplay systems under the direction of Senior Designers
Assist in implementing gameplay features and systems in collaboration with design and engineering teams
Contribute to tuning, balancing, and iteration of gameplay systems to improve player experience
Build and maintain clear design documentation including feature specs and implementation notes
Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure design intent is understood and executed
Use scripting tools or supported development languages to implement or adjust gameplay features as needed
1–3 years of experience in game design, systems design, or a related discipline (including internships, academic projects, or professional experience)
Exposure to at least one game development project (academic, indie, studio, or game jam)
Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams in a development environment
Basic understanding of gameplay systems design principles
Foundational knowledge of object-oriented programming or scripting languages
Familiarity with core math concepts used in gameplay systems (e.g., ratios, probabilities, scaling)
Bachelor’s degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent practical experience
Eager to learn and grow within a systems design discipline
Strong collaboration and communication skills across disciplines
Able to receive feedback and iterate quickly in a team environment
Detail oriented with a focus on execution and follow-through
Experience using game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity
Participation in shipped titles, game jams, or meaningful independent projects
Exposure to gameplay balancing or tuning in a production environment
Familiarity with development pipelines in AAA or AA game production
Understanding of player experience principles and gameplay feel
Exposure to version control systems or collaborative development tools
At Activision, we strive to create the most iconic brands in gaming and entertainment. We’re driven by our mission to deliver unrivaled gaming experiences for the world to enjoy, together. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, Crash Bandicoot™, Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™, and Guitar Hero®. As a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and products, our “press start” is simple: delight hundreds of millions of players around the world with innovative, fun, thrilling, and engaging entertainment experiences.
We’re not just looking back at our decades-long legacy; we’re forging ahead to keep advancing gameplay with some of the most popular titles and sophisticated technology in the world. We have bold ambitions to create the most inclusive company as we know our success comes from the passionate, creative, and diverse teams within our organization.
We’re in the business of delivering fun and unforgettable entertainment for our player community to enjoy. And our future opportunities have never been greater — this could be your opportunity to level up.
Ready to Activate Your Future?
The video game industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners.
We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.
We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email your request to candidate-accommodations@activisionblizzard.com. General employment questions cannot be accepted or processed here. Thank you for your interest.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, among other characteristics.
Rewards
We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for ‘Every World’ - we’ve got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:
Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.
In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $24.43 - $45.19 Hourly. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role’s range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.