Content Designer - College Football

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Content Designer - College Football

Company: Electronic Arts

Location: Orlando, Florida, United States of America

Job Type: Temporary Employee

Category: Game Design / Content Development

Date Posted: 2026-10-01T16:44:16.642

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and maintain core and meta-game systems for EA SPORTS College Football, ensuring alignment with the game vision and high standards of quality.

• Create and implement engaging live service ideas and features to drive player acquisition, monetization, and long-term engagement.

• Collaborate with Creative Directors, Product Owners, and development teams to deliver a fun, balanced, and compelling player experience.

• Support the entire project life cycle of a game-as-a-service title, from concept to ongoing live operations.

• Contribute to a dynamic and creative environment within the EA SPORTS studio, focusing on innovation in sports gaming.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for the highly anticipated EA SPORTS College Football title, requiring a deep understanding of college football and sports gaming. The emphasis on "game-as-a-service" indicates a focus on ongoing content development, player retention strategies, and iterative design post-launch.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the overarching game vision established by the Creative Director and Product Owner.

• Maintain and balance all design aspects of the game throughout its entire lifecycle, with a particular focus on live service components.

• Develop engaging game designs and prototypes that meet EA SPORTS' rigorous quality benchmarks.

• Strategize game balance considering fun gameplay, player acquisition, monetization opportunities, and player engagement metrics.

• Ensure the retention of the original IP's core brand values and the established game experience within the live service framework.

• Inspire the game team through innovative and progressive design concepts.

• Actively participate in providing and receiving constructive critique, offering actionable suggestions and solutions for improvement.

• Stay current with industry trends, including new game genres, emerging design methodologies, and the latest gaming platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core game design and live service management. "Maintaining and balancing the core and meta-game" suggests a need for analytical skills and a data-driven approach to gameplay tuning. The emphasis on "player acquisition, monetization, and engagement" points to a requirement for understanding player psychology and business objectives within a gaming context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Game Design or equivalent experience.

Experience: 2+ years of industry experience specifically in game design or quality assurance.

Required Skills:

• Bachelor's Degree in Game Design or equivalent experience.

• 2+ years of industry experience in game design or quality assurance.

• Deep knowledge of college football, its players, and teams, serving as a primary playground for design.

• Proven experience creating and implementing game concepts using various design tools.

• Strong knowledge of and enthusiasm for sports gaming.

• Demonstrated experience in troubleshooting problems and discovering effective solutions, both independently and collaboratively.

• Experience with Live Service mechanics, theories, and implementation strategies. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with game balancing and meta-game design.

• Proficiency in prototyping tools and game engines.

• Understanding of player psychology and engagement drivers.

• Ability to create compelling narratives and content within a sports simulation context.

• Familiarity with data analysis tools for game performance metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Knowledge of the NFL or College Football. Its players and teams will be your playground" is a critical qualification. This indicates that practical, real-world sports knowledge is as important as technical design skills for this role. The "2+ year’s industry experience specifically in game design or quality assurance" suggests that candidates with QA backgrounds who can demonstrate design thinking and problem-solving skills are also highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of game design projects, emphasizing contributions to core gameplay mechanics, meta-game systems, and live service features.

• Include examples of system balancing, demonstrating an understanding of player acquisition, monetization, and engagement metrics.

• Present prototypes or design documents for features that were implemented or considered for live service environments.

• Detail your role and specific contributions in each project, highlighting problem-solving and solution-discovery capabilities.

• Evidence of creating engaging content and maintaining brand integrity within existing IPs. Process Documentation:

• Document the design process for at least one live service feature, from initial concept to implementation and iteration.

• Illustrate how you balanced complex game systems, considering player fun, acquisition, monetization, and engagement.

• Provide examples of how you incorporated player feedback or data analysis into design adjustments.

• Showcase your approach to maintaining brand values and core game experience within a live service context.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Content Designer role, especially in a "game-as-a-service" context, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but demonstrate a thought process. For this role, specific emphasis should be placed on how candidates have designed for ongoing engagement, balanced complex systems (like player acquisition and monetization), and maintained brand identity in a live environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the role's location in Orlando, Florida, a hybrid work model, and the specialized nature of game design within a major studio like EA, the estimated annual salary for a Content Designer with 2-5 years of experience typically ranges from $70,000 to $95,000 USD. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for game designers in major metropolitan areas, considering the experience level and the temporary employee status.

Benefits:

• Healthcare coverage

• Mental well-being support

• Retirement savings plan

• Paid time off (PTO)

• Family leaves

• Complimentary EA games

• Opportunities for professional development and networking within the EA SPORTS studio. Working Hours:

The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. As a hybrid role, employees are expected to be in the office for a portion of the week, with flexibility for remote work. Specific in-office days will be determined by the team's needs and project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits are typical for large tech/gaming companies. The salary range is an estimate based on publicly available data for similar roles in Orlando, FL, and the specified experience level. The "Temporary Employee" status might affect the comprehensiveness of certain benefits compared to permanent roles, though EA's stated benefits suggest a robust package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development & Entertainment. EA SPORTS is a dominant force in the sports gaming market, known for its annual releases and deep integration with professional sports leagues. The "EA SPORTS College Football" title taps into a highly passionate and engaged fanbase, indicating a culture that values fan connection and community.

Company Size: Electronic Arts is a large, publicly traded company with thousands of employees globally, operating multiple studios. This implies a structured environment with established processes, but also significant opportunities for specialization and career growth.

Founded: Electronic Arts was founded in 1982, giving it a long history and deep experience in the gaming industry. This longevity suggests a stable company with a proven track record of innovation and adaptation.

Team Structure:

• The Content Designer will be part of the EA SPORTS studio, specifically working on the College Football title development team.

• The team likely includes various disciplines such as Producers, Game Designers, Technical Designers, Artists, Engineers, and QA Testers, all collaborating under a Development Director and reporting to a Team Producer.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring close interaction with creative leads, product owners, and other design specialists to align on game vision and implementation. Methodology:

• Design decisions are expected to be data-informed, balancing player fun with acquisition, monetization, and engagement metrics.

• A "game-as-a-service" approach means iterative design, continuous content updates, and ongoing player feedback integration.

• Emphasis on creative design and inspiring the team, fostering an environment where progressive ideas are encouraged.

• Constructive critique is a core part of the process, promoting continuous improvement and shared problem-solving.

Company Website: https://www.ea.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: EA's emphasis on "everyone is part of the story," "creativity thrives," and "new perspectives are invited" suggests a culture that values diverse input and collaborative problem-solving. For this role, understanding the passionate college football fanbase and translating that into engaging game content will be key cultural touchpoints.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Content Designer," typically falling into an early to mid-career level within the game development industry. It requires specialized skills in game design and content creation, with a focus on live service mechanics. The "Associate Game Designer" title, though not explicitly stated but implied by the job link, suggests a foundational level with room for significant development.

Reporting Structure: The Content Designer reports to the Team Producer and Development Director. This structure indicates direct oversight and guidance, with opportunities to learn from experienced leaders in game development. Collaboration will extend to Creative Directors and Product Owners for strategic alignment.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to the success of EA SPORTS College Football. By designing engaging content and balancing live service features, the Content Designer will influence player acquisition, retention, monetization, and overall player satisfaction, directly contributing to the game's commercial success and the EA SPORTS brand's reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in live service design, game balancing, and player engagement strategies. Opportunity to specialize in specific game systems or content types.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to Senior Content Designer, Lead Designer, or move into related fields like Systems Design or Product Management within EA.

• Learning & Development: Access to EA's internal learning resources, workshops, and potential for mentorship from senior design staff. Exposure to cutting-edge game development technologies and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Temporary Employee" status might affect long-term career progression within EA, but the skills gained in designing for a major live service title are highly transferable and valuable across the industry. The focus on "game-as-a-service" means growth opportunities will likely involve mastering iterative design and player retention strategies.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid," meaning a blend of remote and in-office work. This suggests a modern office setup designed for collaboration and focused work, while also offering flexibility.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Orlando, Florida. EA has a significant studio presence in Orlando, which likely offers state-of-the-art facilities for game development, including dedicated design labs, testing areas, and collaborative workspaces.

Workspace Context:

• The Orlando studio is known for its creative atmosphere, fostering collaboration among diverse teams of game developers.

• Expect access to industry-standard game development tools and technology, including game engines (likely Frostbite or Unreal Engine), design software, and collaboration platforms.

• Regular opportunities for interaction with other designers, producers, and cross-functional teams, facilitating knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid nature allows for a mix of remote and in-office days, providing flexibility. Specific in-office requirements will be communicated by the team, likely aligning with critical project phases and team collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in a creative industry like gaming often means that in-office days are prioritized for collaborative sessions, brainstorming, and team-building activities, while remote days can be used for focused individual work and content creation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by the recruiting team to assess qualifications and suitability.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the Hiring Manager (likely a Producer or Development Director) to discuss your experience, design philosophy, and understanding of sports gaming.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A practical exercise or in-depth review of your portfolio. This may involve a presentation of past work, a hypothetical design problem related to college football content, or a request to prototype a specific feature.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with other designers, producers, or leads to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and ability to work within a team environment.

• Final Interview: Potentially a conversation with senior leadership to finalize decisions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Relevance: Prioritize projects that demonstrate experience in game design, content creation, live service mechanics, and ideally, sports gaming or similar simulation genres.

• Highlight Impact: Clearly articulate your role, the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable impact of your contributions (e.g., improved engagement, successful feature launch).

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your design process, including ideation, prototyping, balancing, and iteration. Show how you approach problem-solving and incorporate feedback.

• Tailor to College Football: If possible, include examples that show an understanding of sports mechanics, player progression, or live service content relevant to a college football game.

• Be Concise and Clear: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and clearly communicates your skills and achievements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Live Services: Be ready to discuss your understanding of live service mechanics, player retention strategies, and monetization models in games.

• Sports Gaming Knowledge: Brush up on current college football trends, player archetypes, and the general appeal of the sport.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare for hypothetical design challenges related to balancing game systems, creating new content, or improving player engagement within a college football context.

• Communication Skills: Practice articulating your design ideas clearly, concisely, and persuasively. Be prepared to defend your design choices with data and logical reasoning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review for a Content Designer in gaming is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their projects, explaining their thought process, design decisions, and the impact of their work. For this specific role, demonstrating an understanding of what makes college football unique and how to translate that into compelling gameplay is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Game Engines: Proficiency with industry-standard game engines such as Frostbite (EA's proprietary engine) or Unreal Engine is highly beneficial.

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Experience with tools like Unity, Godot, or specialized in-house tools for rapid prototyping and content creation.

• Content Management Systems: Familiarity with systems used for managing in-game assets, narrative elements, and live service content.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Platforms: Experience using tools to analyze player data, game performance metrics, and engagement statistics.

• Dashboarding Tools: Ability to interpret and potentially contribute to dashboards that visualize key performance indicators (KPIs) for live service games.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools like Jira, Confluence, or Asana for task tracking, documentation, and team collaboration.

• Version Control Systems: Familiarity with systems like Perforce or Git for managing game assets and code.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, game development studios like EA typically use a mix of proprietary and industry-standard software. For a Content Designer, understanding how to use game engines for implementing content and utilizing data analysis tools to inform design decisions are critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Play: A deep love for games and the player experience is fundamental.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively with diverse teams to achieve shared goals.

• Player Focus: Designing with the player experience at the forefront, ensuring fun, fairness, and engagement.

• Excellence & Quality: Striving for the highest standards in all aspects of game development.

• Adaptability & Resilience: Thriving in a dynamic industry and embracing challenges.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with producers, engineers, artists, QA, and other designers to bring concepts to life.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: Openness to giving and receiving feedback, with a focus on solutions and continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: A willingness to share insights, best practices, and learnings across the team and studio.

📝 Enhancement Note: EA's stated values of "creativity thrives," "new perspectives are invited," and "ideas matter" align with a collaborative and innovative work environment. For a Content Designer, this means being comfortable sharing ideas, working with diverse perspectives, and contributing to a collective vision for the game.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Live Service Demands: Continuously designing and implementing new content and features while maintaining game stability, player balance, and adherence to brand values.

• Meeting Fan Expectations: Delivering on the immense anticipation for EA SPORTS College Football, satisfying a passionate and knowledgeable fanbase.

• Iterative Design: Adapting designs based on player feedback, data analytics, and evolving market trends in a fast-paced live service environment.

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Effectively communicating design intent and integrating feedback from various specialized teams within the development pipeline.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Game Design Training: Access to internal EA resources for advanced training in game mechanics, live services, and player psychology.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Opportunities to attend leading game development events to stay abreast of industry trends and network.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior designers and leads within EA SPORTS, fostering career growth and skill development.

• Exposure to AAA Development: Hands-on experience with the development of a high-profile, AAA sports title, providing invaluable industry insight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenge of meeting high fan expectations for a beloved franchise like College Football is significant. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they handle pressure, manage feedback, and ensure their designs resonate with the target audience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach balancing the core gameplay of EA SPORTS College Football to ensure it's both fun and authentic to the sport, while also supporting live service goals like player retention and monetization?"

• "Describe a time you had to implement a live service feature or mechanic. What were the key considerations, challenges, and outcomes?"

• "Given the passionate fanbase for college football, how would you ensure that new content and design decisions resonate with players and maintain the game's brand identity?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about the opportunity to work on EA SPORTS College Football specifically?"

• "How do you approach giving and receiving constructive feedback within a game development team?"

• "Describe your understanding of EA's company culture and how you see yourself contributing to it." Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly explain the game/feature, your specific role, the design problem, your proposed solution, and the impact of your work.

• Focus on Live Services: Highlight any experience with designing for ongoing engagement, player progression, or monetization.

• Demonstrate College Football Insight: If you have relevant examples, show how you've incorporated sports knowledge or designed for sports-related mechanics.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics whenever possible to illustrate the success of your designs.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs considered, and how you would adapt designs based on feedback or data.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for candidates who not only possess strong design skills but also understand the unique demands of a live service game and have a genuine passion for sports gaming, particularly college football. Demonstrating an analytical approach to balancing systems and a player-centric mindset will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Content Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the EA Careers website.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight specific game design experience, especially in live services, content creation, and any sports gaming projects. Quantify achievements with metrics where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills in game design, content development, and live service mechanics. Ensure your contributions are clearly defined.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on your design process, problem-solving, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss trade-offs and design rationale.

• Research EA SPORTS: Familiarize yourself with EA's portfolio, particularly their sports titles, and research current trends in the sports gaming and live service markets. Understand the hype and expectations surrounding EA SPORTS College Football.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.