2026 US Summer Internships – Game Design

Job Description

About Company

Activision Blizzard, Inc. is one of the world’s largest and most successful interactive entertainment companies, operating at the intersection of media, technology, and entertainment. The company is dedicated to creating the most epic entertainment experiences, driven by its values and passion, with a mission to entertain the universe. Activision Blizzard is home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises, including Call of Duty®, World of Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, Candy Crush™, and Bubble Witch™. Its combined entertainment network reaches hundreds of millions of monthly active users across 196 countries, making it the largest gaming network globally.

Activision Blizzard fosters a culture where everyone can thrive, aspiring to build immersive and innovative worlds through diverse teams working in an inclusive environment. The company is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourages individuals from under-represented groups to apply, emphasizing that women and members of other under-represented groups often meet qualifications even if they don’t perceive it. Activision Blizzard is an Equal Opportunity Employer, ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. The company also provides reasonable assistance and accommodations for individuals with physical and mental disabilities.

Job Description: 2026 US Summer Internships – Game Design

Activision Blizzard is seeking talented and innovative students for its 2026 summer internship program in Game Design. This program offers a meaningful project and an unparalleled experience over a 12-week period, starting in late-May or mid-June. Interns will be provided with the necessary tools and resources for learning, and their challenging and creative work will directly impact their contributing teams.

Player Profile (General Eligibility & Skills):

• Enrollment: Currently enrolled in a certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree program.
• Graduation: Graduating between December 2026 and July 2027.
• Availability: Available for a 12-week internship starting in late-May or mid-June 2026.
• Location: Currently residing in the US or open to self-relocating to the US.
• Key Qualities:
• Exhibits learning agility, with the ability to think differently and grasp/apply new skills and concepts.
• Approaches problems in a clear, well-organized, and solutions-oriented manner.
• Works well with others and contributes to team tasks.
• Able to effectively communicate problems, solutions, needs, or priorities.
• Is engaged, seeks to learn, and capable of managing time effectively.
• Application Requirement: Applicants must apply with a resume and a link to their portfolio to be considered.

Internship Opportunities (Logistics & Specific Roles):

All internships will be conducted in-person. Hosting managers will determine the specific frequency and schedule for working in the office. Interns will have the option to opt into relocation services (including flights, trains, or car mileage reimbursement) and will receive a living stipend to supplement housing, utility, commuting, and miscellaneous costs.

The program offers a variety of specialized Game Design internship roles:

1. Multiplayer Game Design Intern:
• Focus: Work closely with artists, designers, and engineers to create, implement, and polish Call of Duty gameplay, focusing on existing systems and mechanics. Interns will learn how game systems and content combine to create compelling multiplayer experiences.
• Required Skills: Experience with Unity, Unreal, or other game engines. Familiarity with one or more scripting or programming languages (C#, C++, Python). Understanding of fundamental game design principles. Strong ability to collaborate and incorporate feedback.
• Hosting Location: Treyarch (Playa Vista, CA).

2. Game Design (Zombies) Intern:
• Focus: Assist with creating exciting new Call of Duty Zombies experiences.
• Required Skills: Experience with Unity, Unreal, or other game engines. Familiarity with one or more scripting or programming languages (C#, C++, Python). Experience crafting player quests, puzzles, or events within game development toolsets. Ability to clearly articulate and communicate design ideas using text and visuals.
• Hosting Location: Treyarch (Playa Vista, CA).

3. Card Design Intern:
• Focus: Collaborate with the Hearthstone team on designing fun-to-play, clear, and balanced cards for upcoming expansions. Utilize design and analytical sensibilities to develop cards, concepts, and flavor.
• Required Skills: Ability to analyze games critically and articulate what makes the player experience compelling and fun. Experience implementing and iterating on creative content design based on feedback. Familiarity with card games or competitive strategy games. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Hosting Location: Blizzard Entertainment (Irvine, CA).

4. Class Design Intern:
• Focus: Work with the Diablo team’s designers, programmers, and artists to implement and tune character classes.
• Required Skills: Experience with Unity, Unreal, or other game engines. Strong sense of what creates a fun and compelling experience for classes and systems. Analytical skills for evaluating systems and interpreting player behavior.
• Hosting Location: Blizzard Entertainment (Irvine, CA).

5. Hero Design Intern:
• Focus: Work with the Overwatch team on creating compelling yet simple gameplay. This includes various design aspects of Heroes, from ideation and implementation to progression, balance, and bug fixing.
• Required Skills: Experience with Unity, Unreal, or other game engines. Familiarity with scripting languages. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. An interest in FPS games and character-related design mechanics.
• Hosting Location: Blizzard Entertainment (Irvine, CA).

6. Systems Design Intern (Diablo Immortal or Overwatch 2):
• Focus: Work with the team to ensure game systems and content work cohesively. This involves exploring deep progression systems, events, player-to-player interactions, and the overall content presentation.
• Required Skills: Analytical skills for evaluating gameplay systems and interpreting player behavior. Familiarity with scripting languages and game engines. Strong writing, communication, and organizational skills. Examples of past game design projects outlined on resume are essential.
• Specific Interests: Interest in Diablo Immortal and mobile game design best practices for the Diablo Immortal role, or interest in multiplayer games and technical aspects of gameplay design for the Overwatch 2 role.
• Hosting Location: Blizzard Entertainment (Irvine, CA).

Rewards (Benefits & Compensation):

Activision Blizzard provides a comprehensive suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional, and financial well-being for its employees. Subject to eligibility requirements, benefits include:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision insurance; health savings account (HSA) or health reimbursement account (HRA); healthcare spending accounts; dependent care spending accounts.
• Financial & Security: Life and AD&D insurance; disability insurance; 401(k) with Company match; tuition reimbursement; charitable donation matching.
• Time Off & Leave: Paid holidays and vacation; paid sick time; floating holidays; compassion and bereavement leaves; parental leave.
• Perks & Programs: Mental health & wellbeing programs; fitness programs; free and discounted games; a variety of other voluntary benefit programs (e.g., supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance).
• Relocation: If the company requires geographic relocation for the job, employees may be eligible for relocation assistance.

For this intern role in the U.S., the standard base pay range is $20.00 – $50.00 Hourly. The specific range and offer will be based on factors such as relevant experience, performance, and work location. While incentive compensation may be available, it is not guaranteed, and new hire compensation is negotiable.