Game Designer Intern - Summer 2027 (Apex Legends)

Electronic Arts•Madison, WI

18h•Hybrid

About The Position

Electronic Arts creates next-level entertainment experiences that inspire players and fans around the world. Here, everyone is part of the story. Part of a community that connects across the globe. A place where creativity thrives, new perspectives are invited, and ideas matter. A team where everyone makes play happen. Founded in 2010, Respawn was created with the philosophy that when talented people have creative freedom, they’ll make extraordinary games that achieve the unexpected. Respawn Entertainment is the Academy Award-winning studio behind critically acclaimed multi-platform games Apex Legends, Titanfall, Titanfall 2, Star Wars™ Jedi: Fallen Order, Star Wars™ Jedi: Survivor, and Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond. As a collective of creative developers, we have launched some of the industry’s most critically and commercially successful games. We truly love what we do and want to share our passion with players worldwide. Join us for the opportunity to create groundbreaking games with some of the best developer talent in the industry. We are seeking a Game Designer Intern to join the Apex Legends Arcade design team, specifically focused on Modes. In this role, you will work directly within our multiplayer framework to assist in the conceptualization, development, and implementation of systems that keep our game fresh, engaging, and balanced for millions of active players.

Requirements

Must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university degree program (Computer Science, Game Design, or equivalent quantitative/creative track) and return to your studies upon completion of the internship.
Demonstrated experience using commercial game engine pipelines (such as Unreal Engine or Unity) paired with functional programming or scripting experience (C++, C#, Blueprints, or Python).
A comprehensive online portfolio demonstrating functional gameplay work. We look for tangible examples of systemic mechanics you have built, balance maps, or custom multiplayer scripts (e.g., custom mod frameworks, Overwatch Workshop setups, Fortnite Creative game rules, or standalone logic prototypes).
Intense tactical knowledge of the First-Person Shooter (FPS) and Battle Royale landscapes, with an analytical perspective on what makes gunplay, hero configurations, and squad mechanics function smoothly.

Nice To Haves

Experience analyzing foundational mathematical odds, drop matrices, or variance curves.
Familiarity working with multiplayer networking constraints or client/server replication loops.

Responsibilities

Assist in the conceptual loop and rapid prototyping of Limited Time Modes (LTMs), seasonal events, and creative sandbox changes.
Utilize scripting languages and game engine tools to hook up mode specific logic, tweak ability or weapon parameters, construct loot-table distributions, and handle zone configurations.
Work closely with other Designers to monitor, review, and fine-tune live telemetry (Loot, Ring Pacing, Mode performance) to make strategic adjustments and improve the experience.
Accumulate and synthesize qualitative game mode feedback and identify critical scripting edge-case bugs.
Assist in identifying quality of life opportunities across all Arcade experiences, working with the Arcade Design Director and Lead Designers to prioritize and implement high value changes.