About the role
General Information
Location: Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
Worker Type: Intern - Temporary Employee
Studio/Department: EA Studios - Respawn
Work Model: Hybrid
Company Overview
Electronic Arts creates next-level entertainment experiences that inspire players and fans around the world. Respawn Entertainment, founded in 2010, operates under the philosophy that talented people with creative freedom make extraordinary games. Respawn is the developer behind Apex Legends, Titanfall, Titanfall 2, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond.
Role Overview
The Game Designer Intern will join the Apex Legends Arcade design team, focusing on Modes. This role works within the multiplayer framework to assist in the conceptualization, development, and implementation of systems designed to keep the game fresh, engaging, and balanced.
What You’ll Do
- LTM Prototyping: Assist in the conceptual loop and rapid prototyping of Limited Time Modes (LTMs), seasonal events, and creative sandbox changes.
- Gameplay Scripting: Utilize scripting languages and game engine tools to hook up mode-specific logic, tweak ability or weapon parameters, construct loot-table distributions, and handle zone configurations.
- Systems Balancing: Work closely with other Designers to monitor, review, and fine-tune live telemetry (Loot, Ring Pacing, Mode performance) to make strategic adjustments and improve the experience.
- Playtesting & Validation: Accumulate and synthesize qualitative game mode feedback and identify critical scripting edge-case bugs.
- Quality of Life: Assist in identifying quality of life opportunities across all Arcade experiences, working with the Arcade Design Director and Lead Designers to prioritize and implement high-value changes.
What We Look For
- Student Requirements: Must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university degree program (Computer Science, Game Design, or equivalent quantitative/creative track) and return to studies upon completion of the internship.
- Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated experience using commercial game engine pipelines (such as Unreal Engine or Unity) paired with functional programming or scripting experience (C++, C#, Blueprints, or Python).
- Design Portfolio: A comprehensive online portfolio demonstrating functional gameplay work. Examples should include systemic mechanics, balance maps, or custom multiplayer scripts (e.g., custom mod frameworks, Overwatch Workshop setups, Fortnite Creative game rules, or standalone logic prototypes).
- Genre Familiarity: Intense tactical knowledge of the First-Person Shooter (FPS) and Battle Royale landscapes, with an analytical perspective on what makes gunplay, hero configurations, and squad mechanics function smoothly.
Bonus Points
- Experience analyzing foundational mathematical odds, drop matrices, or variance curves.
- Familiarity working with multiplayer networking constraints or client/server replication loops.
Benefits and Culture
Electronic Arts values adaptability, resilience, creativity, and curiosity. The company supports a holistic approach to wellness, providing packages that may include:
- Healthcare coverage
- Mental well-being support
- Retirement savings
- Paid time off
- Family leaves
- Complimentary games
Electronic Arts is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EA provides workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by law.