📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Lead Content Designer
🔹 Company: Activision Blizzard
🔹 Location: Santa Monica, California, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, On-Site
🔹 Category: Entertainment Providers
🔹 Date Posted: May 20, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-Site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Conceptualizing characters, weapons, and other assets for live operations content
- Collaborating with various teams to ensure content aligns with overall game design and project goals
- Managing team members and contractors to drive content development from ideation to final production
- Bringing unique narrative, characters, and weapons to life through innovative ideas and compelling design
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of first-person shooter games, live service cosmetic content, and a player-first mindset. Experience with mobile device design and familiarity with a global audience are also beneficial.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Conceptualize characters, weapons, and other assets with an emphasis on fast ideation and creative design using mood boards, Gen AI, and written briefs
✅ Work with Art Director, other content designers, and internal and external concept art teams to drive development of content from ideation to final production
✅ Conceptualize, review, and support narrative content
✅ Consistently bring creative and fresh ideas to the table that will surprise and delight our player base
✅ Collaborate with various teams to ensure content aligns with overall game design and project goals
✅ Manage one or more internal team members, as well as contractors
ASSUMPTION: This role involves working closely with multiple teams and requires strong communication and collaboration skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Art, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 5+ years of working experience in a design role with at least one shipped product or having worked on a live ops product
Required Skills:
- Experience working with cosmetic MTX systems
- Comfortable developing visuals using mood boards or concept art
- Strong communication skills; able to direct vendors and external partners
- Organization and self-management skills
- Positive and dedicated demeanor with the ability to be collaborative in a team environment
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: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in relevant design software (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, Blender) is likely expected for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $97,200 - $179,900 Annual (based on experience and 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 a variety of other voluntary benefit programs
- If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for overtime as needed
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the entertainment industry. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Entertainment Providers
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Founded: 1979
Company Description:
- Activision Blizzard is one of the world’s largest interactive entertainment companies, with operations across North America, Europe, and Asia
- Home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, Skylanders®, World of Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, Candy Crush™, and Bubble Witch™
- Recognized as one of FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies To Work For®” for four consecutive years and has earned a spot on FORTUNE’s “Most Admired Companies,” and “Future 50” lists
Company Specialties:
- Video Games
- Entertainment
- Consumer Products
- Media
- Film and TV
- Gaming and Production
Company Website: http://www.activisionblizzard.com/
ASSUMPTION: Activision Blizzard is a well-established company in the entertainment industry, with a strong focus on creating engaging and immersive gaming experiences for a global audience.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-Senior level
Reporting Structure: Reports to Art Director
Work Arrangement: On-site, with potential for remote work depending on team needs and company policies
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to lead larger teams and projects as the company continues to grow
- Opportunities to work on multiple franchises and games within the Activision Blizzard portfolio
- Chance to develop skills in management, mentoring, and leadership
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the company, as well as the chance to work on high-profile gaming franchises.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork
Office Location(s): 3100 Ocean Park Boulevard, Santa Monica, California 90405, US
Geographic Context:
- Santa Monica is a coastal city in California, known for its beaches, parks, and vibrant arts scene
- The office is located near the beach, offering easy access to outdoor activities and amenities
- The area has a diverse range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options
Work Schedule: Standard office hours, with flexibility for overtime as needed
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is collaborative and team-oriented, with a focus on creativity and innovation.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with HR
- Art test and/or portfolio review
- In-person or video interview with hiring manager and team members
- Final interview with Art Director or other senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Portfolio and art test results
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Understanding of game design principles and first-person shooter games
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to conceptualize characters, weapons, and other assets
- Be ready to discuss your creative process and how you approach design challenges
- Research the company and its games to show your enthusiasm and understanding of the Activision Blizzard portfolio
ATS Keywords: Content Designer, Game Design, Character Conceptualization, Weapon Design, Cosmetic MTX Systems, Live Service Content, First Person Shooter, Mobile Device Design, Global Audience
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely competitive, and applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their skills and experience through a portfolio and art test.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Relevant design software (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, Blender)
- Game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine)
- Project management tools (e.g., JIRA, Asana)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the projects and teams the Lead Content Designer works with.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Inclusion
- Integrity
- Fun
Work Style:
- Creative and innovative
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible
- Results-driven and passionate about gaming
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a passion for first-person shooter games and live service cosmetic content?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
- Do you have a player-first mindset and a commitment to creating engaging and immersive gaming experiences?
ASSUMPTION: Activision Blizzard values a diverse and inclusive work environment, and candidates who can demonstrate their alignment with these values are likely to be strong fits for the company.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing team members and contractors, including providing feedback and mentoring
- Balancing creative vision with practical constraints and project timelines
- Adapting to changes in project scope or priorities
- Working with a global audience and ensuring content is culturally sensitive and relevant
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are common in live service game development and require strong communication, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from other content designer positions in its focus on live service cosmetic content and management responsibilities
- Activision Blizzard's global reach and portfolio of franchises offer unique opportunities for growth and development
- Career paths in game design can vary, with opportunities to specialize in specific areas or move into management roles
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other content designer positions, its focus on live service content and management responsibilities sets it apart.
📝 Sample Projects
- Conceptualizing and designing a new character or weapon for an upcoming Call of Duty Mobile event
- Collaborating with the Art Director and other designers to create a cohesive visual style for a new game mode or map
- Managing a team of contractors to develop a series of cosmetic items for a live service game
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and challenges faced by a Lead Content Designer at Activision Blizzard.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in them?
- How does this role fit into the overall game design and project goals for Call of Duty Mobile?
- What opportunities are there for growth and development within the company?
- How does the team collaborate and communicate to ensure content aligns with overall game design and project goals?
- What is the company's approach to working with a global audience, and how does this role contribute to that effort?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help applicants better understand the role, the team, and the company, as well as to demonstrate their interest and engagement.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare examples of your work that demonstrate your ability to conceptualize characters, weapons, and other assets
- Research the company and its games to show your enthusiasm and understanding of the Activision Blizzard portfolio
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
