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Game Systems Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lightspeed Studios

Senior Gameplay Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Design, implement, and support quality gameplay systems and tools. * Collaborate directly and proactively with engineers, designers, artists, and QA to explore and identify needs and opportunities.

ovoshpere

We design 3D worlds and virtual reality worlds that are not games but tools for business and are integrated into the web. We are also working on intelligent toys that can run iOS apps. If you want to ...

SIDE

Lead Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Whether you're currently a Lead Designer ready for a broader challenge or an established Design ... Drive gameplay, systems, level, and technical design initiatives from concept through delivery.

Side

Lead Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Whether you're currently a Lead Designer ready for a broader challenge or an established Design ... Drive gameplay, systems, level, and technical design initiatives from concept through delivery.

Naughty Dog

Core Tech Programmer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

... game systems and pipeline technologies. As a core tech programmer at Naughty Dog, you will experience total project ownership: talk directly to the artists and designers, devise and build the ...

NAUGHTY DOG, LLC

Core Tech Programmer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

... game systems and pipeline technologies. As a core tech programmer at Naughty Dog, you will experience total project ownership: talk directly to the artists and designers, devise and build the ...

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All JobsGame Systems Designer JobsGame Systems Designer Jobs in California

Game Systems Designer information

See California salary details

$46.4K

$154K

How much do game systems designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for game systems designer in California is $147,165.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $153,000.00 and $153,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game systems designer?

To thrive as a Game Systems Designer, you need strong analytical thinking, a solid understanding of game mechanics, and a background in game design or computer science. Familiarity with scripting languages, game engines like Unity or Unreal, and prototyping tools is typically required, along with experience using software such as Excel for balancing systems. Creativity, collaboration, and effective communication help you work with multidisciplinary teams and iterate on ideas. These skills are crucial to create engaging, balanced, and innovative gameplay experiences that resonate with players.

How does a game systems designer typically collaborate with other departments during game development?

Game Systems Designers work closely with a variety of teams, including programmers, artists, and narrative designers, to ensure game mechanics are balanced, engaging, and integrated seamlessly into the game's world. They often participate in cross-functional meetings to communicate system requirements, provide documentation, and iterate on feedback from playtests. Strong collaboration skills are essential, as adjustments to systems may impact art assets, technical implementation, or storytelling elements, requiring ongoing coordination throughout development.

What is the difference between Game Systems Designer vs Game Level Designer?

AspectGame Systems DesignerGame Level Designer
Primary FocusDesigning game mechanics, systems, and rulesCreating and designing individual game levels and environments
Skills & QualificationsKnowledge of game mechanics, scripting, systems designLevel design, 3D modeling, environment art
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with programmers, designers, and producersWorks closely with artists and level artists
Industry UsageCommon in game development teams across genresPrimarily in level design departments, especially in AAA and indie games

The Game Systems Designer focuses on creating the core mechanics and systems that define gameplay, while the Game Level Designer specializes in designing engaging levels and environments. Both roles require collaboration with different teams but serve distinct functions in game development.

How to become a game systems designer?

A game systems designer typically needs a bachelor's degree in game design, computer science, or a related field, along with strong skills in programming, mathematics, and game development tools. Gaining experience through internships, personal projects, or portfolio work is important, and knowledge of game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine is often required. Building a solid understanding of game mechanics, player psychology, and balancing systems is essential for success in this role.

Is there a high demand for game systems designers?

Game systems designers are in growing demand as the gaming industry expands, especially with the rise of mobile, console, and online games. Employers seek candidates with strong technical skills, knowledge of game mechanics, and experience with design tools like Unity or Unreal Engine, making it a competitive but promising field.

What does a game systems designer do?

A game systems designer develops and balances the rules, mechanics, and systems that define how a game functions and interacts. They collaborate with other team members to create engaging gameplay experiences and often use tools like design documents and game engines to implement their ideas. Strong understanding of game theory, programming, and player behavior is essential for this role.

What cities in California are hiring for Game Systems Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Game Systems Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Game Systems Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,165 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Senior Technical Designer, Combat | Unannounced Project - Irvine, CA

Irvine, CA • On-site

Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.external

$109K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Blizzard Entertainment rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 79 rated media

Job description

Team Name:

Unannounced ProjectJob Title:Senior Technical Designer, Combat | Unannounced Project - Irvine, CARequisition ID:R027700Job Description:

Your Mission

At Blizzard, we craft genre-defining games and legendary worlds for all to share. Through unparalleled creativity and storytelling, we create immersive universes and iconic characters that are beloved across platforms, borders, backgrounds, and generations - only made possible by building a work environment that cultivates the artistry of game development and unleashes the aspirations of our people.

We are looking for a Senior Technical Designer, Combat to help craft a new, unannounced game for Blizzard. As a key member of the development team, you will be responsible for designing and implementing engaging combat encounters, enemy behaviors, and gameplay systems that create clear, responsive, and satisfying experiences for players. You are comfortable operating in a dynamic environment, navigating fluid deadlines and changing priorities with purpose.
This role is anticipated to be a hybrid work position, with some work on-site and some work from home. The potential home studio for this role is Irvine, CA.
Responsibilities
Priorities can often change in a fast-paced environment like ours, so this role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:
  • Design and implement combat encounters, enemy behaviors, and supporting gameplay systems.
  • Create, tune, and iterate on combat mechanics, attacks, abilities, and enemy attributes that deliver engaging and responsive gameplay experiences.
  • Develop and improve tools, workflows, and pipelines that enable efficient creation and iteration of combat encounters and gameplay systems.
  • Collaborate closely with engineering, art, design, and production partners to bring gameplay features from concept through implementation and polish.
  • Partner with level designers to ensure combat spaces support readability, pacing, navigation, and player understanding.
  • Prototype gameplay systems and mechanics through scripting and technical design tools.
  • Identify workflow, tooling, and pipeline opportunities that improve development efficiency and game quality.
  • Create clear and actionable documentation that communicates design intent, implementation details, and system functionality.
  • Support the continued evolution of combat design practices through feedback, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
  • Contribute to the creation of compelling combat experiences that reinforce player engagement and long-term gameplay satisfaction.
Minimum Requirements (Experience, Knowledge & Skills)
  • 8+ years of experience in technical design, combat design, systems design, or a closely related game development discipline.
  • Experience contributing to at least one shipped game, including ownership of gameplay systems, combat encounters, enemy behaviors, gameplay prototypes, or related features.
  • Strong scripting experience for game development, with the ability to independently build complex gameplay behaviors, encounters, and prototypes.
  • Experience implementing, tuning, and balancing combat systems, abilities, enemy behaviors, and progression mechanics.
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively within teams and foster productive partnerships across engineering, art, design, production, and other disciplines.
  • Demonstrated ability to inspire colleagues through an enthusiastic approach to game development and a commitment to continuous improvement of core skills.
  • Ability to take initiative and manage responsibilities independently, demonstrating strong ownership and accountability.
  • Experience working with modern game engines and development tools.
  • Strong understanding of combat readability, player feedback, pacing, encounter design, and gameplay iteration.
  • Clear communication skills with the ability to convey technical and design concepts to a broad range of development partners.
  • Experienced and knowledgeable player of a wide range of games, with the ability to apply that expertise to gameplay design and development decisions.
  • Comfortable operating in a dynamic environment while navigating fluid deadlines and changing priorities with purpose.
Extra Points
  • Proficiency with visual scripting tools such as Unreal Engine Blueprint.
  • Strong understanding of combat systems, enemy behaviors, Combat AI, behavior trees, and encounter scripting.
  • Demonstrated success designing combat systems for action-oriented games.
  • Knowledge of implementing engaging melee and ranged enemy combat behaviors.
  • Ability to mentor, support, and provide technical guidance to fellow designers.
  • Shipped at least one game for PC, Xbox, and/or PlayStation platforms.
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines throughout all phases of game development.
  • Track record of creating tools or workflows that improve team efficiency and iteration speed.
Required Application Materials
  • Resume.
  • Portfolio demonstrating relevant gameplay, combat, technical design, or systems design work.
  • Examples of shipped work and a clear description of your contributions to each project.
Your Platform
At Blizzard Entertainment, we pour our hearts and souls into everything we create. Best known for iconic video game universes including Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, and StarCraft, we've been creating genre-defining games for millions of players around the world for more than 30 years. We're on a quest to bring our dreams to life and craft the most epic entertainment experiences ever. Hard work, iteration, and polish go into the Blizzard secret recipe, but the most important ingredients come from talented people who share our vision. If that sounds like you, join us.
Our World
Best known for iconic video game universes including Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, and StarCraft, Blizzard Entertainment 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, with a track record that includes multiple Game of the Year awards.
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 thrive in order to connect and engage the world through epic entertainment.
The videogame industry and our business are fast-paced and 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 needs.
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 underrepresented 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

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 $82,240.00 - $152,160.00 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

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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

Social media

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