CD PROJEKT RED, the globally renowned developer behind The Witcher series and Cyberpunk 2077, is looking for an imaginative and technically curious Gameplay Design Intern to join our Warsaw studio. This is a premier opportunity to participate in the RED Summer Internship 2026, a program designed to bridge the gap between passionate gamers and professional game developers.
Our mission is to create revolutionary, story-driven RPGs that go straight to the hearts of gamers. As a Gameplay Design Intern, you will not be a spectator; you will be an active contributor to the mechanics and systems that define our player experiences. You will work under the mentorship of industry veterans, gaining hands-on experience with the tools and workflows used to build world-class AAA titles.
Job Overview: Gameplay Design Intern
| Category | Details |
| Company Name | CD PROJEKT RED |
| Project Name | RED Summer Internship 2026 |
| Job Title | Gameplay Design Intern |
| Location | Warsaw, Poland (Office-First) |
| Job Type | Full-Time Internship (40h/week) |
| Duration | July – September 2026 |
| Gross Hourly Rate | 31.40 PLN |
| Contract Type | Contract of Mandate (Umowa Zlecenie) |
CD PROJEKT RED believes in fair compensation for the talent of the future. This internship is fully paid and provides a structured environment for professional growth.
- Salary Structure: The role offers a gross hourly rate of 31.40 PLN. As a full-time intern (40 hours per week), you will receive a consistent monthly income while gaining invaluable industry experience.
- Office-First Strategy: To maximize mentorship and collaborative learning, this role requires an office-first presence. Interns are expected to be in the Warsaw office at least 4 days per week. This ensures you are fully immersed in the studio culture and can interact directly with various development departments.
As a Gameplay Design Intern, you will contribute to the technical and creative heart of our projects. Your goal is to turn abstract ideas into functional, fun gameplay systems.
1. System Design and Documentation
You will be responsible for proposing and documenting innovative designs for systems and features that align with the overall game direction. This involves creating comprehensive Design Documents that serve as the blueprint for programmers and artists. You will also spend time iterating on and improving existing documentation to ensure clarity and technical accuracy.
2. Prototyping and Scripting
Using Unreal Engine 5, you will design, prototype, and script new features. You will be expected to work in short iteration cycles, building “grey-box” mechanics to test the viability of combat systems, character progression, or world interactions.
3. Cross-Discipline Collaboration
Game design does not happen in a vacuum. You will actively collaborate with other disciplines, including:
- Quest Designers: To ensure mechanics support narrative beats.
- Cinematic Designers: To bridge the gap between gameplay and storytelling.
- QA Teams: To identify bugs and refine the “feel” of the gameplay.
4. Quality Assurance
You will continuously monitor the quality of the content you produce, ensuring that every mechanic meets the high standards of a CD PROJEKT RED title.
We are looking for individuals who possess a blend of creative “blue-sky” thinking and technical discipline. To be considered, you must meet the following mandatory criteria:
Mandatory Eligibility
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Academic Status: You are either a fresh high school graduate or a current university student.
- Residency: You must reside in Poland throughout the entire duration of the internship (July–September).
- Availability: Full-time availability (40 hours per week) is required for the entire three-month period.
- Language: A good command of English is essential, as we are a global studio. Your CV must be submitted in English.
Technical and Creative Requirements
- Design Passion: A deep-seated passion for storytelling and gameplay design, particularly within the RPG genre.
- System Knowledge: A strong understanding of combat design and the underlying mechanics of RPGs.
- Studio Familiarity: Knowledge of CD PROJEKT RED’s previous work, with a specific interest in the Witcher universe and its mechanics.
- Soft Skills: Openness to constructive feedback, the ability to work in fast-paced iteration cycles, and a collaborative mindset.
Nice-to-Have Skills
- Prior experience (even in a modding or indie capacity) with Unreal Engine 5.
- Experience pitching design concepts or participating in Game Jams.
- A portfolio or background in other creative fields (writing, music, art).
Your portfolio is a mandatory part of the application. We want to see how you think as a designer. Ideally, your portfolio should showcase:
- Gameplay mechanics of your own creation.
- A focus on combat mechanics and/or complex RPG elements.
- Clear documentation or videos showing the “intent vs. result” of your designs.
At CD PROJEKT RED, we foster an environment where “rebels” can thrive. Our Warsaw campus is designed to support your well-being and fuel your creativity.
- Flexible Working Hours: Start your workday anytime between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM to fit your lifestyle.
- Well-Being & Fitness: Access our onsite gym, which features a climbing wall, yoga classes, and boxing sessions. A Gym Assistant is available daily to help you reach your fitness goals.
- Pet-Friendly Office: You don’t have to leave your dog at home. Our studio is dog-friendly, and there are always furry friends to meet.
- International Environment: Join a truly diverse team of people from all over the world.
- Sustainable Campus: Our facilities include electric car charging points, green zones, and extensive bicycle infrastructure (including repair equipment and showers).
- Social Life: Participate in regular studio gatherings, game nights, and social events designed to help you unwind and connect with the team.
- No Dress Code: We value your talent, not your suit. Feel free to keep it casual.
About CD PROJEKT RED
CD PROJEKT RED was founded by people who love games, for people who love games. We are a studio built on independence and a commitment to quality above all else. By joining the RED Summer Internship, you are taking your first step into a world-class production environment where your ideas can help shape the future of role-playing games.
Whether you have spent your hours uncovering the secrets of Night City or tracking drowners in the swamps of Nilfgaard, we want your unique perspective.
Apply now and help us build the next generation of revolutionary RPGs!
