Senior Game Designer - AI & Encounters (Apex Legends)

About the role

Electronic Arts creates next-level entertainment experiences that inspire players and fans around the world. We're hiring a Senior Game Designer – AI & Encounters to create engaging AI-driven combat encounters that elevate gameplay across Apex Legends. You will partner with multidisciplinary teams to design, implement, and refine encounters that deliver challenge, variety, and memorable player experiences while supporting the game's long-term vision.

Responsibilities

• Design, prototype, tune, and iterate on AI encounters from initial concept through implementation and once live.
• Create encounter scenarios that support gameplay, pacing, and player progression.
• Collaborate with AI Engineering, Level Design, Art, and Production to deliver gameplay features.
• Balance AI behaviors using playtest feedback, gameplay metrics, and player insights.
• Document encounter systems, design intent, and implementation guidelines.
• Review gameplay experiences and iterate to improve quality, readability, and player satisfaction.
• Mentor designers through design reviews and collaborative feedback.

Requirements

• Experience designing AI systems, encounters, or combat gameplay for shipped AAA titles.
• Experience owning gameplay features from concept through release.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary development teams.
• Portfolio demonstrating encounter design, gameplay systems, or AI-focused work.
• Experience balancing gameplay using qualitative and quantitative feedback.

Skills

• Knowledge of AI enemy design, combatant archetypes, and encounter pacing.
• Proficient in scripting and programming tools to implement systems within modern game editors.
• Clear documentation and communication across design and development teams.
• Experience evaluating gameplay through playtesting and data-informed iteration.
• Familiarity with live service development and ongoing gameplay improvements.
• Experience designing AI systems or encounters for PvP or PvE gameplay is an asset.

Pay

Pay ranges listed below reflect what EA in good faith expects to pay for this role in these locations at the time of posting.

• British Columbia (e.g., Vancouver vs. Victoria): $114,300 – $156,200 CAD
• California (e.g., Los Angeles vs. San Francisco): $127,700 – $190,600 USD

Benefits

United States

• Paid time off: 3 weeks per year to start
• Sick time: 80 hours per year
• Paid company holidays: 16 per year
• Paid parental leave: 10 weeks to bond with baby
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Eligibility for bonus and other incentive programs (certain roles only)

Canada

• Vacation: 3 weeks per year to start
• Sick time: 10 days per year
• Paid top-up to EI/QPIP benefits up to 100% of base salary for new parents (12 weeks maternity, 4 weeks parental/adoption leave)
• Extended health, dental, and vision coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement plan
• Eligibility for bonus and other incentive programs (certain roles only)

About Electronic Arts

We’re proud of our extensive portfolio of games and experiences, global locations, and growth opportunities. We value adaptability, resilience, creativity, and curiosity. From leadership that brings out your potential to spaces for learning and experimenting, we empower you to do great work and pursue growth. Our benefits emphasize physical, emotional, financial, career, and community wellness, tailored to local needs. These may include healthcare, mental well-being support, retirement savings, paid time off, family leaves, complimentary games, and more. We nurture environments where teams can bring their best to their work.