Associate Design Director, Missions - Unannounced Game

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Design Director, Missions - Unannounced Game Company: Blizzard Entertainment Location: Irvine, California, United States Job Type: Other Category: Game Design & Development Operations Date Posted: November 13, 2025 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the vision and execution of iconic in-game locations, blending narrative depth with engaging gameplay mechanics to drive player immersion and satisfaction.
• Spearhead the growth and development of the Mission Design team through strategic hiring, comprehensive training, and effective mentorship, fostering a high-performing design unit.
• Oversee the end-to-end development lifecycle of game missions, from initial concept and iterative prototyping to final, best-in-class execution across PC and console platforms.
• Champion and uphold design philosophies for multiplayer mission-based gameplay, ensuring consistency and quality throughout the game's lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is described as "Associate Design Director, Missions" within an "Unannounced Game" project at Blizzard Entertainment. Given the title and company, the role is deeply embedded in game development operations, focusing on the strategic direction and execution of mission design. The "unannounced" nature suggests a high degree of ambiguity and the need for strong leadership in defining foundational elements. The hybrid work model indicates a need for strong remote collaboration skills alongside on-site presence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and iterate on a clear vision and strategic direction for iconic game locations that seamlessly integrate memorable storytelling with compelling and satisfying gameplay experiences, aligning with the unannounced project's overall narrative and design goals.
• Deliver high-quality results by building and driving progress towards short-term, medium-term, and long-term project deliverables and release milestones, encompassing all phases from iterative prototyping to final polished execution.
• Build and nurture the Mission Design team by actively participating in the hiring process, providing comprehensive training, and offering effective mentorship to mission designers, thereby cultivating a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Create essential communication artifacts such as design briefs, detailed specifications, and compelling decks to effectively articulate potential designs, solutions, trade-offs, and associated risks to cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Define and maintain robust design philosophies and frameworks specifically for multiplayer mission-based gameplay, ensuring these principles guide the team's efforts throughout the game's development and live-service phases.
• Shepherd missions from initial concept through to final completion, meticulously managing all steps of the development process, including conceptualization, prototyping, iteration, implementation, and final polish.
• Craft clear rules, establish effective structures, and provide ongoing guidance that empowers the broader development team to successfully craft compelling missions throughout the entire lifecycle of the game.
• Collaborate closely and synergistically with narrative designers to ensure that the game's story is effectively and emotionally expressed through engaging gameplay mechanics and mission design.
• Remain consistently current on evolving industry trends, including emerging game genres, innovative new game design techniques, and current best practices in audio-visual excellence and player engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are heavily skewed towards leadership, strategic vision, and team management within the game development lifecycle. The emphasis on "iconic locations," "memorable stories," and "compelling gameplay" points to a role that requires a deep understanding of player experience and narrative integration. The need to "define guardrails" and operate in "ambiguous environments" highlights the strategic leadership aspect of this position, requiring proactive problem-solving and decision-making.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio and proven experience in game design leadership are paramount. A background in Computer Science, Game Design, or a related field may be beneficial. Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in mission design, level design, gameplay design, or a closely related discipline within the video game industry.

Required Skills:

• Mission Design Expertise: Deep understanding and proven track record in designing engaging, narrative-driven, and mechanically sound missions for PC and console games.
• Team Leadership & Management: Demonstrated experience in leading, mentoring, and developing design teams, including hiring and performance management, with a focus on fostering talent and driving team success.
• Game Development Lifecycle: Proven ability to shepherd game features from concept through to final implementation, understanding all stages of AAA game development.
• AAA Game Engine Proficiency: Hands-on experience and familiarity with industry-standard AAA game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity, custom engines) for content creation and implementation.
• Documentation & Communication: Exceptional ability to create clear, concise, and effective design documentation (briefs, specs, presentations) for diverse audiences, articulating complex ideas and strategic trade-offs.
• Multiplayer Design Philosophy: Experience in defining and implementing design philosophies for multiplayer or live-service game modes, focusing on player engagement and retention.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong ability to collaborate effectively with various disciplines, including narrative, art, engineering, and production, to achieve shared project goals.
• Industry Trend Awareness: Keen awareness of current industry trends, emerging game design techniques, and player engagement strategies.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with iterative prototyping and rapid iteration cycles.
• Proficiency in scripting languages or visual scripting tools relevant to game design.
• Experience with player feedback mechanisms and incorporating player insights into design iterations.
• A strong understanding of storytelling principles and narrative integration within gameplay.
• Experience in defining and managing design metrics for player engagement and mission success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize leadership ("leading design teams," "shipped at least 1 major title in a leadership capacity," "experience in people management") and core design skills ("Mission design," "Gameplay design," "Level design"). The mention of "ambiguous environments" and "defining guardrails" suggests a need for strategic thinking and problem-solving beyond just execution. The requirement for AAA game engine experience and PC/console platform experience is critical for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Mission Design Case Studies: Showcase at least 2-3 distinct projects demonstrating your leadership in defining and executing mission design. Each case study should detail the initial concept, design challenges, your specific contributions and leadership role, the iterative process, and the final outcome.
• Gameplay Systems Design Examples: Include examples of designing core gameplay loops, player progression systems, or reward structures that were integral to mission success.
• Level Design/Environment Integration: If applicable, provide examples of how mission design was integrated with level layout, environmental storytelling, and player navigation.
• Documentation Samples: Present samples of design briefs, detailed mission flowcharts, or system specifications that illustrate your ability to communicate complex design ideas clearly and effectively.
• Team Leadership Evidence: While not a direct portfolio item, be prepared to discuss how you have led, mentored, and developed design teams, providing examples of team growth and successful project delivery under your guidance.

Process Documentation:

• Design Vision & Strategy Documentation: Demonstrate experience in creating and articulating a clear design vision for missions, including strategic roadmaps for feature development and iteration.
• Workflow Optimization: Provide examples of how you have implemented or improved design workflows to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and quality within a development team.
• Metrics and Analysis: Be prepared to discuss how you have used data, player feedback, or internal playtesting to analyze mission performance and drive design improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Director" level and emphasis on leadership and end-to-end execution, a robust portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase design acumen but also leadership capabilities and the ability to manage complex processes from conception to completion. The portfolio should highlight strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to translate vision into tangible game elements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $124,400 - $230,300 Annually (U.S. Standard Base Pay Range)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision insurance plans.
• Financial Well-being: Health Savings Account (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), Healthcare Spending Accounts, Dependent Care Spending Accounts, 401(k) with Company Match, Charitable Donation Matching.
• Insurance: Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Disability Insurance.
• Time Off & Leave: Paid Holidays, Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Time, Floating Holidays, Compassion and Bereavement Leaves, Parental Leave.
• Well-being & Development: Mental Health & Wellbeing Programs, Fitness Programs, Tuition Reimbursement, Opportunities for professional development and industry conferences.
• Perks: Free and discounted Blizzard games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs.
• Relocation Assistance: May be available if the Company requires a geographic move for the job.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week is the standard. Given the hybrid nature and the demands of game development, flexibility may be required, with potential for extended hours during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is a standard U.S. range and will vary based on location, experience, and performance. The benefits package is extensive, covering health, financial, and personal well-being, which is typical for large entertainment companies. The hybrid work arrangement implies a need for strong self-management and communication skills, alongside on-site collaboration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Interactive Entertainment / Video Game Development Company Size: Large Enterprise (Part of Activision Blizzard, acquired by Microsoft) Founded: Warcraft® (1994), Blizzard Entertainment (1991), Activision Blizzard (1979, formed 2008), Microsoft (1975)

Team Structure:

• Mission Design Team: This role will lead a dedicated team of Mission Designers, likely working closely with other design disciplines (e.g., Level Design, Systems Design, Narrative Design) and reporting up through a Game Director or Lead Designer.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Expect extensive collaboration with Narrative Design, Level Design, Art, Engineering, QA, and Production teams to ensure cohesive and high-quality mission delivery.
• Reporting Structure: The Associate Design Director will likely report to a higher-level design lead or director, and will manage a team of individual contributors. The specific reporting line will depend on the unannounced project's structure.

Methodology:

• Agile/Iterative Development: Blizzard is known for its rigorous development process, emphasizing iterative design, extensive playtesting, and a commitment to polish. This role will be central to driving these processes for mission content.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: While creativity is paramount, decisions regarding gameplay mechanics, player engagement, and mission success are increasingly informed by data analysis and player feedback.
• Vision-Led Execution: The company culture supports strong creative visionaries who can define compelling directions and guide teams to execute them flawlessly.

Company Website: https://careers.blizzard.com/global/en

📝 Enhancement Note: Blizzard Entertainment is a titan in the gaming industry with a storied history of creating critically acclaimed and commercially successful titles. The company culture is deeply rooted in a passion for game development, a commitment to quality, and fostering creativity. The acquisition by Microsoft adds another layer to its corporate structure, potentially influencing resources and strategic direction. The "unannounced game" aspect implies a dynamic and potentially fast-paced environment where defining foundational elements is key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Leadership / Management in Game Design This role represents a significant step into senior leadership within game design operations. It involves not only direct design contribution but also strategic planning, team building, and the mentorship of design talent. The scope extends to defining the core player experience for a major game title, influencing its overall success and player reception.

Reporting Structure:

• Direct Reports: The Associate Design Director will manage a team of Mission Designers.
• Superiors: Likely reports to a Game Director, Executive Producer, or a higher-level Design Director, depending on the project's organizational structure.
• Peers: Works closely with leads from other disciplines (Level Design, Narrative Design, Art Direction, Engineering Leads, Production Leads) to ensure alignment and cohesive execution.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is profound, directly shaping the core gameplay loops and player experience of an unannounced AAA title. Success in this position means delivering missions that are not only fun and engaging but also align with the game's narrative, technical, and artistic goals, ultimately contributing to player retention, critical acclaim, and commercial success. The role is integral to the "revenue operations" of the game by ensuring its core content is compelling and drives player engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Lead Design Director: Progression to a full Design Director role, leading broader design initiatives or multiple teams on future projects.
• Design Leadership: Transition into higher executive design roles within Blizzard or other major game studios, overseeing entire game franchises or studios.
• Specialized Design Leadership: Develop expertise in a specific area of design (e.g., live-service operations, multiplayer systems) and lead those specialized teams.
• Studio Leadership: Potential to move into broader studio management or executive roles, leveraging design and leadership experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant leadership position within the game development pipeline, directly impacting the core player experience and, by extension, the commercial success of the game. The "Associate" title suggests a path to full Directorship, with ample opportunities for growth within Blizzard's established structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Model. This means a combination of working from the Blizzard Irvine, CA studio and working remotely from home. Office Location(s): Primary studio location is Irvine, California. Blizzard Entertainment also has other studio locations globally, but this specific role is tied to the Irvine studio.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Studio Space: The Irvine studio is designed to foster creativity and collaboration, with shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and areas for informal interaction.
• Access to Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to industry-leading game development tools, software, and hardware necessary for AAA game production.
• Team Interaction: The hybrid model necessitates strong communication and collaboration tools to maintain team cohesion and productivity across remote and in-office team members. This includes virtual meetings, collaborative document platforms, and project management software.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. However, the nature of AAA game development, especially for unannounced projects, often requires flexibility and dedication, potentially involving extended hours during crunch periods or to meet critical milestones. Effective time management and the ability to balance remote and on-site work are crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role requires a candidate comfortable with a blend of in-office collaboration and remote self-management. The Irvine studio environment is designed for creative output, and the role will involve significant interaction with cutting-edge game development technologies.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Game Director or Lead Designer) focusing on your experience, leadership philosophy, and strategic approach to mission design.
• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A critical stage where you will present your portfolio, showcasing relevant experience, case studies, and leadership examples. Be prepared to walk through your design process, decision-making, and team management strategies.
• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with potential peers (other design leads, narrative designers, producers) and potentially members of your future team to assess collaboration style and technical/design fit.
• Executive/Final Interview: A final conversation with senior leadership to confirm strategic alignment and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Focus on projects that best demonstrate your leadership in mission design, team management, and AAA game development. Prioritize quality over quantity.
• Tell a Story: For each portfolio piece, outline the problem, your approach, your leadership role, the challenges overcome, and the measurable results or impact. Use visuals effectively.
• Highlight Process & Iteration: Showcase your design process, including how you iterate based on feedback, player data, and team input. Demonstrate your ability to define and refine design systems.
• Emphasize Leadership Metrics: If possible, quantify the impact of your leadership. For example, "Grew mission design team from 3 to 8 members, resulting in a 20% increase in feature velocity," or "Mentored junior designers who were subsequently promoted."
• Prepare for Ambiguity: Be ready to discuss how you operate and lead in uncertain environments, and how you help establish clarity for your team.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: You may be given a design challenge, potentially a mission concept or a problem statement related to player engagement or narrative integration. Focus on demonstrating your thought process, strategic approach, and communication clarity.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would address common challenges in game development, such as scope creep, technical limitations, or conflicting stakeholder feedback, from a design leadership perspective.
• Leadership Scenarios: Be ready to answer behavioral questions about how you handle conflict, motivate a team, give feedback, and foster collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a leadership role at a company like Blizzard will be rigorous. The portfolio review is paramount, and candidates must be prepared to demonstrate not just design skills but also strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and the ability to operate within a complex, collaborative development environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Game Engines: Extensive experience with AAA game engines such as Unreal Engine, Unity, or proprietary engines (e.g., Blizzard's internal engines). Proficiency in using engine editors for level design, scripting, and asset integration.
• Design & Prototyping Software: Tools for creating detailed design documents, flowcharts, wireframes, and potentially interactive prototypes (e.g., Miro, Figma, Axure, in-engine scripting tools).
• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana, or Trello for task tracking, documentation, and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: While not directly a data analyst role, understanding how to interpret player data and analytics to inform design decisions is crucial. Familiarity with tools used for game telemetry and player behavior analysis.
• Performance Tracking: Ability to define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for missions, such as completion rates, engagement times, player satisfaction scores, and progression metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Development Tools: Blizzard likely utilizes a suite of proprietary tools for asset management, version control, and game development pipelines. Familiarity with such systems or the ability to quickly adapt is expected.
• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Discord, and similar platforms for team communication and collaboration, especially critical for the hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, the role implies a deep familiarity with AAA game development pipelines and engines. The ability to adapt quickly to proprietary tools and leverage collaboration software is essential for success in a hybrid environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship & Quality: A relentless pursuit of excellence in game design, ensuring every mission is polished, engaging, and memorable.
• Player Focus: Designing with the player experience at the forefront, aiming to create immersive worlds and compelling gameplay that resonates deeply.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional teams work together seamlessly to achieve shared goals.
• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging bold ideas, experimentation, and pushing the boundaries of game design to create genre-defining experiences.
• Accountability & Ownership: Taking personal responsibility for deliverables, driving projects forward, and being accountable for the success of missions and the design team.

Collaboration Style:

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and honest communication across all levels and disciplines.
• Constructive Feedback: Valuing constructive criticism and using it as a tool for continuous improvement of both designs and team processes.
• Shared Vision: Working collaboratively to build and maintain a unified vision for the game, ensuring all efforts are aligned towards common objectives.
• Empowerment: Empowering team members to take ownership of their work and contribute their best ideas.

📝 Enhancement Note: Blizzard's culture is built on passion for games and a commitment to quality. The values emphasize player-centric design, collaborative execution, and a drive for innovation, all critical for creating successful AAA titles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Defining Vision in Ambiguity: Establishing a clear and compelling design vision for missions in an unannounced project, where requirements may evolve, requires strong leadership and adaptability.
• Balancing Narrative and Gameplay: Seamlessly weaving deep storytelling with satisfying and accessible gameplay mechanics is a perpetual challenge in game design.
• Team Development & Management: Effectively hiring, mentoring, and motivating a team of mission designers, especially within a hybrid work environment, requires strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Technical & Scope Constraints: Navigating the technical limitations of game engines and managing design scope within project timelines and budgets.
• Industry Evolution: Staying ahead of rapidly evolving player expectations, game design trends, and new technologies in the competitive AAA gaming market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Leadership: Opportunities to hone strategic design thinking, leadership, and team management skills through hands-on experience and mentorship.
• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to industry events, workshops, and training programs to stay abreast of the latest design techniques and technologies.
• Mentorship from Senior Leaders: Direct mentorship from experienced Game Directors and executive leadership within Blizzard Entertainment.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to and collaboration with world-class talent across art, engineering, narrative, and production disciplines.
• Contribution to AAA Titles: The opportunity to leave a significant mark on a major AAA game title, contributing to its critical and commercial success.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth, particularly in leadership and strategic game design. The challenges are inherent to AAA game development, especially on unannounced projects, and provide fertile ground for skill development and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you define a compelling mission design philosophy for a new AAA title, considering both narrative integration and player engagement?"
  • Preparation: Think about core pillars of engaging gameplay (challenge, reward, exploration, mastery) and how they can be tied to narrative arcs. Prepare examples of games that excel in this.
• "Describe a time you had to lead a design team through a period of significant ambiguity or change. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?"
  • Preparation: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answer. Focus on your leadership actions, communication strategies, and how you guided the team to clarity and progress.
• "How do you ensure that mission design aligns with the overall game vision and technical constraints of a AAA project?"
  • Preparation: Discuss your process for collaborating with other leads (narrative, engineering, art) and your understanding of trade-offs. Highlight your ability to scope and prioritize design features.
• "What are your key strategies for mentoring and developing junior designers, and how have you seen this lead to their promotion or increased impact?"
  • Preparation: Focus on your mentorship philosophy, specific techniques you use (e.g., design critiques, 1-on-1s, skill-building exercises), and concrete examples of success.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Blizzard Entertainment and the opportunity to work on an unannounced project?"
  • Preparation: Research Blizzard's history, key franchises, and recent news. Connect your passion for game design and leadership to the company's mission and values.
• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive environment within your design team, especially in a hybrid work setting?"
  • Preparation: Discuss your strategies for team building, promoting open communication, ensuring equitable participation, and leveraging collaboration tools effectively.
• "How do you measure the success of your mission designs and the performance of your team?"
  • Preparation: Prepare to discuss both qualitative (player feedback, critical reviews) and quantitative (engagement metrics, completion rates, team velocity) measures.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin your presentation with your most impactful leadership projects and designs.
• Focus on "Why" and "How": For each example, explain the design problem, your strategic approach, the key decisions you made, and the rationale behind them.
• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use data or metrics to illustrate the success of your designs and leadership.
• Showcase Team Leadership: Dedicate a portion of your presentation to how you manage, mentor, and empower your design teams. Use examples of team growth and project success under your guidance.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, technical implementation, and team dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, a deep understanding of game design principles, and the ability to thrive in a collaborative, AAA development environment. The portfolio is your primary tool for showcasing these attributes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Blizzard Entertainment careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience in mission design leadership, AAA game development, team management, and cross-functional collaboration. Emphasize specific achievements and quantify your impact whenever possible.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 10+ years of experience, leadership roles, shipped titles, and proficiency with relevant game engines and design tools. Use keywords from the job description naturally.
• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly prepare for each stage of the interview process. Practice articulating your design philosophy, leadership style, and problem-solving approaches. Prepare specific examples using the STAR method for behavioral questions.
• Company Research: Deeply research Blizzard Entertainment, its history, current projects (if publicly available), and its company culture. Understand their commitment to quality and player experience. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs.

⚠️ 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.