- Job Title: Lead Content Designer
- Company: Activision
- Location: Santa Monica, CA
- Job Type: On-site
- Category: Entertainment Providers
- Date Posted: May 20, 2025
- Experience Level: 5+ years
- Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Activision, a global leader in interactive entertainment, is seeking a Lead Content Designer to drive and implement a vision for live operations content within their Call of Duty Mobile team. This role involves conceptualizing characters, weapons, and other assets, collaborating with various teams, and managing internal team members and contractors. Key aspects include:
- Creative Design: Bring unique narrative, characters, and weapons to life through innovative ideas and compelling design.
- Collaboration: Work with Art Director, content designers, and internal/external concept art teams to drive content development from ideation to final production.
- Player-Centric Mindset: Ensure content aligns with overall game design and project goals, delighting the global player base.
- Team Management: Oversee one or more internal team members and contractors.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of first-person shooters, live service cosmetic content, and a global audience.
📋 Key Responsibilities
- Conceptualize characters, weapons, and other assets using mood boards, Gen AI, and written briefs.
- Collaborate with Art Director, content designers, and concept art teams to develop content from ideation to final production.
- Conceptualize, review, and support narrative content.
- Consistently bring fresh ideas to surprise and delight the player base.
- Manage internal team members and contractors.
- Ensure content aligns with overall game design and project goals.
ASSUMPTION: This role may require working on multiple projects simultaneously, balancing short-term needs with long-term vision.
🎯 Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Art, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Experience: 5+ years in a design role with at least one shipped product or live ops experience.
- Required Skills:
- Experience with cosmetic MTX systems.
- Proficiency in developing visuals using mood boards or concept art.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to direct vendors and external partners.
- Positive and dedicated demeanor with collaborative team environment experience.
- Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with Call of Duty IP and storylines.
- First-person shooter development experience.
- Previous experience designing for mobile devices.
- Familiarity with a global audience.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in live service games and a passion for first-person shooters will thrive in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: $97,200 - $179,900 Annual (standard base pay range for new hires across all U.S. locations). Final offer will be based on relevant experience, performance, and work location.
- Benefits:
- 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 other voluntary benefit programs.
- Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for project needs.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's experience, skills, and location.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
- Industry: Entertainment Providers
- Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees
- Founded: 1979
- Company Description: Activision is a global leader in interactive entertainment, delivering iconic game changers like Pitfall, Tony Hawk, Guitar Hero, Crash Bandicoot, Skylanders, and Call of Duty. With a history of innovation and a commitment to delighting players worldwide, Activision is an inclusive place where everyone can thrive.
- Company Specialties: Video Games, Entertainment, Consumer Products, Media, Film and TV, Gaming, and Production
📊 Role Analysis
- Career Level: Mid-level to senior
- Reporting Structure: Reports to Art Director
- Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time
- Growth Opportunities: Potential to grow within the company, manage larger teams, or transition into other design roles as the company and industry evolve.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
- Office Type: On-site, with a collaborative and creative workspace.
- Office Location: 3100 Ocean Park Boulevard, Santa Monica, California 90405, US
- Geographic Context: Santa Monica, CA, offers a vibrant, multicultural environment with a strong gaming industry presence.
- Work Schedule: Standard business hours with flexibility for project needs.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
- Typical Process: Online application submission, phone or video screen, on-site interview with Art Director and other team members, final interview with hiring manager.
- Key Assessment Areas: Creative problem-solving, communication skills, cultural fit, and relevant experience.
- Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills.
- Showcase your portfolio or examples of your work.
- Prepare questions about the role, team, and company culture.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Familiarity with game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) is a plus.
- Proficiency in design software (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, Blender) is required.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values: Innovation, Collaboration, Passion, Quality, and One Activision.
- Work Style: Creative, collaborative, and player-centric.
- Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you stay updated with the latest trends and innovations in first-person shooter games?
- Describe a time when you had to manage a team to complete a project. What was the outcome?
- How do you ensure your designs cater to a global audience?
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Balancing short-term needs with long-term vision.
- Managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Working in a fast-paced, evolving industry.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Role Differentiation: This role focuses on live operations content for a mobile game, while similar roles may concentrate on console or PC games, or specific aspects of game design (e.g., level design, systems design).
- Industry-Specific Context: The gaming industry is competitive and fast-paced, with a strong emphasis on innovation and player satisfaction.
- Career Path Comparison: This role can lead to promotions within the design department, management positions, or transitions into other design roles as the company and industry evolve.
📝 Sample Projects
- Conceptualize and develop a new character or weapon for an upcoming in-game event.
- Collaborate with the narrative team to create a compelling backstory for a new character.
- Manage a team to create a series of cosmetic items for a seasonal update.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most significant challenges facing the Call of Duty Mobile team currently?
- How does the team approach balancing short-term needs with long-term vision?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the role and the company?
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
1. Submit your application through [this link](https://careers.activision.com/job/ACPUUSR025375EXTERNAL/Lead-Content-Designer).
2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills.
3. Prepare a portfolio or examples of your work showcasing your design skills.
4. Prepare questions about the role, team, and company culture.
5. Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
