Principal / Lead Gameplay Designer at Absurd Ventures
Santa MonicaFull-timeGame DevelopmentPosted about 1 month ago
Apply with PipelineAbout the Role
<p><strong><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 3">Summary</span></span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":281,"335559739":281}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">We are seeking a Principal / Lead</span><span data-contrast="auto"> Gameplay Designer</span><span data-contrast="auto"> to own the design and implementation of compelling 3 C’s gameplay. This person will work closely with design leadership, animators, engineers, and artists to deliver world-class moment-to-moment gameplay and player feel.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 3">Core Responsibilities</span></span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":281,"335559739":281}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Own and drive implementation of all moment-to-moment player-feel gameplay in alignment with direction from a senior leadership team.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Develop engaging combat mechanics, including player abilities, enemy behaviors, AI tactics, weapons, and camera systems.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to prototype, iterate, and polish combat features from concept through ship.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Author and maintain design documentation, ensuring clarity and alignment across departments.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Analyze playtest data and player feedback to continuously refine and balance combat systems.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Own combat encounters and pacing in collaboration with level and narrative design teams.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Establish metrics and best practices for environment and encounter design to support optimal gameplay.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Mentor junior designers and contribute to the evolution of team processes and best practices.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Maintain high standards for quality, responsiveness, and fun across all combat elements.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 3">Core Qualifications</span></span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":281,"335559739":281}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">5+ years of experience in game design with at least 2 shipped titles, including one in a senior or lead role focused on combat.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Deep understanding of player mechanics, animation-driven gameplay, enemy design, and AI behavior.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">High technical proficiency with Unreal Engine 5.0 and its suite of combat, AI, and animation systems tools.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Strong prototyping skills with scripting languages or visual scripting systems (e.g., Blueprint, Lua, etc.).</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Excellent communication, collaboration, and documentation skills.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Passion for creating satisfying, intuitive, and deep combat systems across various player archetypes.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 3">Plus</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 3"> If...</span></span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"335559738":281,"335559739":281}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience designing melee combat systems, ranged combat, or hybrid mechanics.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Background working on open-world or sandbox games.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience planning player skill and progression systems.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":720,"335559737":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":279,"335559991":360}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Knowledge of cinematic combat presentation and camera work.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience working with motion capture and/or animation pipelines.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><em><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="heading 4">Description</span></span></em></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245418":true,"134245529":true,"201341983":0,"335559738":319,"335559739":319,"335559740":279}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Full-time job with benefits.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":279}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Role is on-site in Santa Monica, CA.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":279}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Office is located near downtown Santa Monica – near metro and freeway.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":279}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-contrast="none">The base pay range for this position is $145,000 to $180,000 per year. </span><span data-contrast="none">Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer a competitive package of benefits including vacation time, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) matc</span><span data-contrast="none">hing</span><span data-contrast="none"> to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":279}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":279}"> </span></p>
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