Design Intern

R-121967

About the Team

At Insomniac Games, the Game Design team is responsible for creating high-quality, Game of the Year–level design that is delivered on time and on budget within a highly collaborative environment. Using our internal engine and toolset, Design Interns work alongside experienced designers, artists, and engineers to prototype, implement, polish, and debug gameplay content and systems.

This internship offers hands-on experience contributing to real game development projects while learning the full lifecycle of game design—from concept to implementation.

About the Role

As a Design Intern, you’ll help implement core game content, build levels and gameplay scenarios, and collaborate with senior design mentors to refine gameplay systems. You’ll gain exposure to Insomniac’s proprietary tools, design workflows, and cross-discipline collaboration—key skills for anyone aspiring to design interactive worlds and experiences.

What You’ll Do

• Implement gameplay content such as world authoring, combat setups, event triggering, and scripted structural elements

• Collaborate across disciplines to prototype, test, and refine gameplay features

• Use internal tools and engines to create, polish, and debug game systems and mechanics

• Participate in design discussions and contribute creative ideas to improve player experience

• Work closely with senior designers for mentorship and feedback

What You’ll Learn

• How gameplay content and systems are designed, implemented, and refined in a AAA production environment

• Best practices for scripting, level design, and iteration using industry tools

• How to collaborate effectively across design, art, and engineering teams

• Experience working with real production assets and proprietary toolsets

• How design decisions impact narrative, pacing, and player engagement in action games

What We’re Looking For

• Current enrollment in an accredited university Bachelor’s program in game design degree, or a related field, with graduation expected between May 2025 and Spring 2027.

• A game design portfolio, or links to playable projects, are appreciated. Cover letter is required please include explanation of game design you've personally implemented

• Familiarity with development tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, Maya, or other 3D modeling software

• Strong technical skills, including visual scripting or programming experience

• Basic familiarity with a 3D package such as Maya or 3DSMax; experience with Maya is preferred

• Experience with level-editing tools (e.g., Unreal, Unity, Hammer) is a plus

• Passion and knowledge of the game industry and narrative action games

• Self-motivated, creative, and responsible, with the ability to articulate and act on creative goals

Eligibility

• Students with expected graduation between May 2025 and Spring 2027 from an accredited university. Undergraduate

• Able to work during one of the following periods: May 18th - August 7th or June 15th - September 4th. Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates.

• Must be available for the entire 12-week internship period.

At this time, SIE will only consider applicants who are authorized to work for any employer in the United States and who will not require work visa sponsorship from SIE now or in the future to maintain their authorization to work in the United States.

Our intern positions offer a fixed hourly pay rate. Please note that the pay rate is exclusive to the internship period and may not reflect what pay may look like following the completion of an internship.