Lead Class Design - Diablo | Irvine, CA or Albany, NY

Blizzard Entertainment • Village of Colonie, NY

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

We Need You
The minions of hell are growing stronger...
Join us as we continue to shape the Diablo universe! Diablo games are action RPG experiences with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish dungeons, and legendary loot. Come work with us, and together, we’ll create experiences that not only meet but exceed the expectations of those who call Sanctuary home.
We are seeking a Lead Class Designer to assist in the creation of new ARPG experiences within one of Blizzard’s most iconic worlds, Diablo. In this role, you will lead the design and development of character classes, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure every class feels distinct, balanced, and deeply satisfying to play. You’ll be a key voice in shaping the systems and philosophies that drive Diablo forward.
This role offers a flexible hybrid work week, with a mix of remote and on-site days. While hybrid is the standard arrangement, you're also welcome to work on-site full-time if you prefer. Our primary studio locations are in Albany, NY, and Irvine, CA.

Requirements

• 8+ years of professional game design experience, with a strong focus on systems or class design.
• 1+ year of experience as a Lead or People Manager in the Design field.
• Proven ability to lead features or systems from concept through implementation and iteration.
• Deep understanding of gameplay balance, progression, and player behavior analysis.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills across multiple disciplines.
• A well‑developed sense of what makes classes and systems fun, rewarding, and replayable.
• Familiarity with scripting languages and a solid foundation in math or analytical problem‑solving.
• Deep familiarity with ARPG gameplay and player motivations.
• Experience contributing to or supporting live‑service games and post‑launch content updates.
• Hands‑on experience designing classes that are tightly integrated with itemization, progression, or endgame systems.
• Comfort prototyping gameplay or implementing abilities using scripting languages or proprietary tools.
• Demonstrated success growing, mentoring, and developing designers through sustained leadership and feedback.

Responsibilities

• Own the design of character classes, abilities, and gear, ensuring they’re fun, balanced, and aligned with the Diablo experience.
• Lead class development from early concepts through implementation, iteration, and live service evolution. service evolution.
• Collaborate closely with design, engineering, and art leads to integrate features seamlessly into the game.
• Partner with production to plan, scope, and execute on our long-term vision.
• Drive playtesting and iteration, identifying balance issues and opportunities for improvement.
• Champion innovation in class design while maintaining accessibility and clarity for players.
• Partner with Systems Design to ensure classes scale meaningfully across progression, itemization, and endgame content.
• Analyze player feedback and gameplay data to inform design decisions.
• Clearly document and communicate design goals, decisions, and systems to the broader team.
• Lead initiatives that support design consistency, team alignment, and long-term scalability.
• Foster a healthy feedback culture by providing and receiving objective, actionable feedback.
• Coach, mentor, and support a team of class designers, setting standards and best practices for class development.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
• 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
• Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
• Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
• If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed