About the role
Employment Terms:
- Temporary engagement through staffing partner, Yoh Enterprise Solutions.
- Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.
- Hybrid / onsite position based in Santa Monica, CA.
Company Overview
Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games for nearly 40 years, focusing on narrative, gameplay, and technology. Notable titles include The Last of Us Part II Remastered and the current generation remake of The Last of Us Part I for PS5 and PC. The studio is committed to innovation and welcomes diverse candidates.
Role Overview
You will be responsible for prototyping gameplay using in-house tools and scripting language, ranging from combat encounters to narrative sequences, player mechanics, and enemy behaviors. You will collaborate across departments to bring prototypes into production and polish work to a high standard of quality.
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 own.
- Additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.
Required Skills
- Significant programming ability (Computer Science undergraduate degree preferred).
- Knowledge of 3D math.
- Experience with C++, C#, Lua, or other scripting languages.
- Broad understanding of the gaming landscape.
- Self-starter with excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Willingness to take design direction, brainstorm, iterate, and develop creative solutions.
Bonus Skills
- Experience developing third-person action games.
- Experience with 3D level editors.
- Understanding of narrative principles and conveying emotion through gameplay.
- Experience in the following design areas:
- Behavior Trees
- Melee
- Combat Systems
- Character animation
- Enemy & boss design
Application Process
Candidates should expect to be given a technical interview. Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage for all new employees.
Compensation and Benefits
- Estimated base pay range: $37 - $50 USD per hour.
- Individual base pay may vary based on job-related factors including knowledge, skills, experience, and location.
- Eligible for benefit offerings including medical, dental, and vision.