... that empower designers, artists, and gameplay engineers to deliver the vision of the game and ... Our World Activision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive ...
... that empower designers, artists, and gameplay engineers to deliver the vision of the game and ... Our World Activision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive ...
... that empower designers, artists, and gameplay engineers to deliver the vision of the game and ... Our World Activision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive ...
... that empower designers, artists, and gameplay engineers to deliver the vision of the game and ... Our World Activision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive ...
Senior Software Engineer, Production Technology
Irvine, CA · On-site
$131K - $173K/yr
R027475 Blizzard's game teams thrive when they can ride the wave of what's next: new platforms, new ... Experience with designing, developing and maintaining highly available, distributed, live, real ...
Senior Software Engineer, Production Technology
Irvine, CA · On-site
$131K - $173K/yr
R027475 Blizzard's game teams thrive when they can ride the wave of what's next: new platforms, new ... Experience with designing, developing and maintaining highly available, distributed, live, real ...
Work with Supervisors, Art Directors, Cinematic Directors, and, as required, Game Team counterparts ... Our World Activision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive ...
Work with Supervisors, Art Directors, Cinematic Directors, and, as required, Game Team counterparts ... Our World Activision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive ...
Senior Software Engineer, Production Technology
Irvine, CA · On-site
$130K - $172K/yr
R027475 Blizzard's game teams thrive when they can ride the wave of what's next: new platforms, new ... Experience with designing, developing and maintaining highly available, distributed, live, real ...
Senior Software Engineer, Production Technology
Irvine, CA · On-site
$130K - $172K/yr
R027475 Blizzard's game teams thrive when they can ride the wave of what's next: new platforms, new ... Experience with designing, developing and maintaining highly available, distributed, live, real ...
Work with Supervisors, Art Directors, Cinematic Directors, and, as required, Game Team counterparts ... Our World Activision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive ...
Work with Supervisors, Art Directors, Cinematic Directors, and, as required, Game Team counterparts ... Our World Activision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive ...
Lead Software Engineer (Remote)
Sunrise, FL · On-site +1
Participate in the game programming design process. * Maintain regular communication with other ... Provide input as to the project's technical feasibility and helps the Producer and Lead Designer to ...
Lead Software Engineer (Remote)
Sunrise, FL · On-site +1
Participate in the game programming design process. * Maintain regular communication with other ... Provide input as to the project's technical feasibility and helps the Producer and Lead Designer to ...
Lead Character Artist - Overwatch | Irvine, CA
$129K - $136K/yr
Experience designing visuals that support gameplay clarity. * Skills in adjacent disciplines ... Our World Activision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive ...
Lead Character Artist - Overwatch | Irvine, CA
$129K - $136K/yr
Experience designing visuals that support gameplay clarity. * Skills in adjacent disciplines ... Our World Activision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive ...
Senior Software Engineer II, Client Foundations
Irvine, CA · On-site
$130K - $172K/yr
R027522 Your Mission At Blizzard, we craft genre-defining games and legendary worlds for all to ... Develop and improve client-side tools and workflows that accelerate iteration for designers ...
Senior Software Engineer II, Client Foundations
Irvine, CA · On-site
$130K - $172K/yr
R027522 Your Mission At Blizzard, we craft genre-defining games and legendary worlds for all to ... Develop and improve client-side tools and workflows that accelerate iteration for designers ...
Senior Software Engineer II, Client Foundations
Irvine, CA · On-site
$131K - $173K/yr
R027522 Your Mission At Blizzard, we craft genredefining games and legendary worlds for all to ... Develop and improve client-side tools and workflows that accelerate iteration for designers ...
Senior Software Engineer II, Client Foundations
Irvine, CA · On-site
$131K - $173K/yr
R027522 Your Mission At Blizzard, we craft genredefining games and legendary worlds for all to ... Develop and improve client-side tools and workflows that accelerate iteration for designers ...
This is primarily a game and engine runtime role, not a tools, workflow, or graphics-focused ... Strong experience designing, debugging, andoptimizingcore engine or runtime systems. * Solid ...
This is primarily a game and engine runtime role, not a tools, workflow, or graphics-focused ... Strong experience designing, debugging, andoptimizingcore engine or runtime systems. * Solid ...
This is primarily a game and engine runtime role, not a tools, workflow, or graphics-focused ... Strong experience designing, debugging, andoptimizingcore engine or runtime systems. * Solid ...
This is primarily a game and engine runtime role, not a tools, workflow, or graphics-focused ... Strong experience designing, debugging, andoptimizingcore engine or runtime systems. * Solid ...
Activision Game Designer information
See salary details
$47K - $56.9K
1% of jobs
$56.9K - $66.8K
0% of jobs
$66.8K - $76.7K
0% of jobs
$76.7K - $86.6K
0% of jobs
$86.6K - $96.5K
1% of jobs
$96.5K - $106.5K
1% of jobs
$106.5K - $116.4K
0% of jobs
$116.4K - $126.3K
0% of jobs
$126.3K - $136.2K
3% of jobs
$136.2K - $146.1K
0% of jobs
$148.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$146.1K - $156K
94% of jobs
$47K
$156K
How much do activision game designer jobs pay per year?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Activision Game Designer, and why are they important?
What is the difference between Activision Game Designer vs Activision Level Designer?
| Aspect | Activision Game Designer | Activision Level Designer |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Game mechanics, story, gameplay systems | Level layout, environment design, player experience within levels |
| Required Skills | Game design principles, scripting, creativity | Level design tools, spatial awareness, environment art |
| Work Environment | Collaborates with programmers, artists, writers | Works closely with artists, level artists, and gameplay teams |
| Common Certifications | Game design degrees, portfolio | Level design courses, 3D modeling skills |
While both roles are integral to game development at Activision, the Game Designer focuses on overall gameplay mechanics and story, whereas the Level Designer specializes in creating engaging environments and levels. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations within the industry.
What are the most common challenges faced by an Activision Game Designer during the development process?
What does an Activision Game Designer do?

Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Posted 13 days ago
Blizzard Entertainment rating
9.3
Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
3rd of 68 rated media
Job description
Team Name:
DiabloJob Title:Lead Software Engineer, Engine SystemsRequisition ID:R027633Job Description:We need you
The minions of hell are growing stronger...
Join us as we continue to shape the Diablo universe! Diablo games are action RPG experiences with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish Dungeons, and legendary loot. Come work with us, and togetherwe'llcreate something amazing. Our team of passionate developers is growing.
We are seeking aLead Engine Systems Engineerto help drive the creation of new ARPG experiences within one of Blizzard's most iconic worlds, Diablo. In this role, you will lead and support a team of engineers focused on advancing the core technology that powers the game, including streaming, asset loading, job scheduling, performance systems, platform support, and key runtime systems across audio, physics, UI, VFX, and more.
You will partner closely with engineering leadership and cross-disciplinary teams toidentifytechnical risks, shape priorities, and guide the roadmap for critical systems that enable smooth, stable, andperformantgameplay across platforms. This role balances hands-on technical contribution with team leadership, helping deliver scalable engine technology that supports both current and future Diablo experiences.
This role offers a flexible hybrid work week, with a mix of remote and on-site days. While hybrid is the standard arrangement, you're also welcome to work on-site full-time if you prefer. Our primary studio locations are Irvine, CA or Albany, NY.
Responsibilities
Manage, evaluate, and mentor the engineering staff of the engine core team.
Act as the primary point of contact for required engine functionality, collaborating with multi-disciplinary stakeholders and with project leadership to define and execute project requirements.
Partner with the production staff and the rest of the leadership team for milestone planning and tracking development progress.
Author andmaintaintechnical design documents that outline key project architectural decisions, features, milestones, and technical risks.
Provideengine-based guidance and define best practices that empower designers, artists, and gameplay engineers to deliver the vision of the game and ensure we delight and entertain our players.
Partner in driving processes and tooling necessary to ensure the game runs smoothly and efficiently across multiple hardware platforms of varying capabilities.
MinimumRequirements
Experience
8+ years of experience in game development engineering, or a combination of applicable training and experience.
Experience working in proprietary C++ engines, Unreal Engine, or similar AAA game engine environments.
Experience tuning engine systems to run efficiently on PC and modern consoles.
Previousleadership experience, including at least one shipped game title.
Strong experience with multithreading, performance analysis, and code optimization.
Ability to author, debug, and optimize production-grade C++ code.
Ability to make frequent, readable, and well-tested codecommits.
Strong communicationskills, with the ability to articulate technical vision, share ideas and learnings, and provide meaningful feedback.
Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.
Experience mentoring engineers, growing technical talent, and developing others in areas of expertise.
Extra Points:
Experience in creating technologies to enable large-scale AAA-game development productions to meet performance, scope,and timeline requirements.
Computer science, mathematics, physics, or related degree(s).
Experience making games with large, open worlds.
Your Platform
Best known for iconic video game universes including Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, and StarCraft, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. (www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard, which wasacquiredby Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment experiences. Blizzard Entertainment has created some of the industry's most critically acclaimed and genre-defining games over the last 30 years, witha track recordthat includes multiple Game of the Year awards. Blizzard Entertainment engages tens of millions of players around the world with titles available on PC via Battle.net, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.
Our World
Activision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive entertainment companies and is at the intersection of media,technologyand entertainment. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, Candy Crushand Bubble Witch. Our combined entertainment network delights hundreds of millions of monthly active users in 196 countries, making us the largest gaming network on the planet!
Our ability to build immersive and innovative worlds is only enhanced by diverse teams working in an inclusive environment. We aspire to have a culture where everyone can thrivein order toconnect and engage the world through epic entertainment. We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical,emotionaland financial well-being for 'Every World' -we'vegot our employees covered!
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 the qualifications?Let usdecide! 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 reasonableassistanceto 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 accommodationrequests@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 discriminateon the basis ofrace, 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:
- Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
- 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
- Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
- Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
- If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.
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 $124,000.00 - $229,400.00 Annual. 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.What Blizzard Entertainment employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About Blizzard Entertainment
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Blizzard Entertainment is a globally recognized leader in the Digital Gaming industry, renowned for creating some of the world's most popular video games such as "World of Warcraft," "Overwatch," and "Diablo." The company was founded in 1991 and is currently based in Irvine, California, USA. Aside from creating engaging video games, Blizzard Entertainment also develops and supports a wide range of software products within the realm of entertainment. The company prides itself on its commitment to quality, an element that can be recognized in its vast array of legendary games. Notably, its creation, World of Warcraft, remains one of the highest-grossing video games of all time.
Industry
Arts, entertainment, and recreation
Company size
1,001 - 5,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Irvine, CA, US
Year founded
1991