NAUGHTY DOG - Senior Gameplay Animator

Naughty Dog, a studio synonymous with industry-leading narrative and gameplay innovation, is seeking a Senior Combat Designer to define the future of our combat experiences. For nearly four decades, we have pushed the boundaries of technology and storytelling, from the iconic The Last of Us franchise to our highly anticipated upcoming title, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet .

In this role, you will be at the forefront of gameplay design, crafting thrilling enemy archetypes, dynamic AI behaviors, and impactful combat systems. You will bridge the gap between creative vision and technical implementation, collaborating with world-class animation, design, and engineering teams to ensure every encounter is responsive, cinematic, and deeply engaging. This is a rare opportunity for a seasoned designer to take ownership of core gameplay systems and contribute to a legacy of unmatched quality and innovation at one of the world’s most legendary studios.

Job Overview : Senior Combat Designer

Information

Senior Combat Designer

Naughty Dog

Santa Monica, CA (Hybrid)

5+ years (min. 1 shipped AAA title)

$139,000 – $173,800 USD

Combat mechanics, AI systems, enemy archetypes

Systemic design, AI state machines, prototyping

Key Responsibilities

• System Design: Design and iterate on combat mechanics and AI systems that provide dynamic, rewarding, and challenging encounters.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Animation, Design, and Engineering to deliver groundbreaking, integrated gameplay.
• Ownership: Take full responsibility for combat systems, proposing innovative design solutions and refining them through rigorous prototyping.
• Pipeline Integration: Work extensively with motion capture, prototyping, and implementation pipelines to translate high-level concepts into fluid, responsive gameplay.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure that every combat beat feels cinematic, engaging, and consistent with Naughty Dog’s high standards for player experience.

Qualifications

• Industry Experience: 5+ years of experience in the video game industry, including at least one shipped AAA title.
• Design Expertise: Deep understanding of systemic gameplay design, combat-focused mechanics, and core game design principles.
• Technical Knowledge: Proficiency with AI behaviors, state machines, and gameplay implementation.
• Passion: A demonstrable commitment to delivering memorable, impactful combat moments.
• Soft Skills: Superior problem-solving, communication, and collaboration abilities in a fast-paced environment.

Bonus Points:

• Experience in building animation tools, rigging, or physics-based assets.
• Strong scripting skills.
• Proven experience directing motion capture (mocap) shoots.

Why Join Naughty Dog?

• Industry Leadership: Contribute to world-class projects that set global standards for narrative and gameplay.
• Culture of Innovation: Join a team that values diversity, creativity, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
• Competitive Compensation: We offer a competitive base salary, annual performance bonuses, and incentive plans.
• Premium Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, generous paid time off, wellness initiatives, and exclusive Sony employee discounts.