Class Designer

Responsibilities:

• Create, implement, and tune character classes, abilities, and traits to ensure they are fun, balanced, and engaging.
• Work closely with designers, programmers, and artists to integrate classes and features seamlessly into the game.
• Thoroughly test your work to identify and fix bugs, balance issues, and other problems.
• Find innovative solutions to design challenges, ensuring the game remains fun and accessible.
• Analyze player behavior and feedback to make informed decisions about class design and balance.
• Operate with a high degree of autonomy when executing assigned features, efficiently managing day‑to‑day tasks while aligning closely with design leadership.
• Utilize tools like Excel for data analysis and balancing, and possibly scripting languages for implementing and testing features.
• Demonstrate initiative and strong problem‑solving skills when addressing design and balance challenges.

Minimum Requirements:

• 8+ years of experience as a designer in the game industry.
• Strong technical foundation in gameplay systems, balance, and iterative development.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills for evaluating systems, interpreting player behavior, and iterating on design.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong sense of what makes a fun and compelling experience for classes and systems.
• Familiarity with scripting languages and a strong foundation in math.

Bonus Points:

• Strong understanding of ARPG gameplay systems, including character builds, itemization, and endgame progression; familiarity with Diablo is a plus.
• Experience contributing to live game updates or seasonal content.
• Comfort using proprietary tools.

Work Arrangement & Location:

This role offers a flexible hybrid work week, with a mix of remote and on-site days. You are also welcome to work on-site full-time. Primary studio locations are in Irvine, CA, or Albany, NY.

About the Team & Company:

Join the team continuing to shape the Diablo universe. The ideal candidate has a deep knowledge of Diablo games and other action RPGs, a longstanding passion for playing video games, and experience in the games industry. Diablo games are action RPG experiences with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish Dungeons, and legendary loot.

Blizzard Entertainment is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software, part of Activision Blizzard, which was acquired by Microsoft. The company is home to iconic franchises including Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, and StarCraft®.

Activision Blizzard aspires to have a culture where everyone can thrive. They are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage applications from women and members of other under-represented groups, even if you do not meet every listed qualification. They provide reasonable assistance to individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation during the application process.

Compensation & Rewards:

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $80,800.00 - $149,400.00 Annual. Your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation, which is not guaranteed.

Benefits include:

• 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.
• Eligibility for relocation assistance if required to move geographic locations for the job.