Staff Hero Designer

The posting, as Insomniac Games wrote it

Insomniac is looking for a Staff level Hero Designer, focused on combat, traversal, and 3Cs (Camera, Character, Controls) for an upcoming project. This role is accountable for the quality and on-time delivery of design and execution for one or more playable characters, including core combat and features like traversal, abilities, non-combat mechanics, camera, and more. Work will require hands-on, technical implementation and tuning for prototyping, iteration, and polish, as well as creative leadership and vision setting for playable characters.

The person in this role will drive the creative vision, gameplay design, and execution quality of new playable hero characters and collaborate with our Gameplay Programmers, Animators, VFX Artists, and Character Artists to create world class moment-to-moment gameplay.

The ideal candidates are self-driven, highly technical, and extremely creative, with deep experience in leading and creating high quality 3rd person gameplay. We’re looking for designers who value game feel, player clarity, and high levels of polish in their work and are searching for highly collaborative development environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIE S

• Creative leadership and primary ownership of player character systems for one or more playable characters. Accountable for the design, prototyping, iteration and polish of hero core combat, as well as features such as movement / traversal, abilities, interactivity, progression, non-combat mechanics, allies, or game balance.
• Directly prototypes, implements, and iterates on Hero combat and non-combat gameplay through proprietary internal tools and scripting systems. Brings a focus on innovation, clarity, playability, and presentational polish to hero design work.
• Collaborates directly with Gameplay Programming and Animation partners to best leverage skills and creativity across both departments. Fosters a strong environment of creative collaboration across all disciplines

Creative leadership for one or more development pods of cross-discipline contributors. Collaborates with Development Management to plan milestones, set priorities, and coordinate feedback.

• Works autonomously to drive quality, iterate, and innovate in service of the project’s creative goals and values. Is proactive about flagging problems, implementing solutions, and responding to feedback to continuously improve Hero gameplay. Drives collaboration with cross-discipline stakeholders for problem solving and alignment.
• Collaborates directly with Mission Designers and Combat Designers to integrate and support player work in Missions, encounters, and core combat gameplay.
• Works with Systems Designers, Gameplay Programmers, and the UI/UX team to help create compelling long-term gameplay through player progression systems and meaningful player growth.
• Collaborates with the Narrative Department, Mission Designers, and Mission Directors to support player-driven storytelling through player m

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variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills

Intermediate knowledge and experience with level editing tools and scripting (Unreal Engine, Unity, or similar editors). Intermediate knowledge of Maya or other major 3D modeling programs. Experience with animation tools or programming languages a plus. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Miro, Confluence or equivalent office software.

Other Skill s

Individual must have very good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with team members and other developers. Strong communication skills including verbal and written skills are required.

At SIE, we consider several factors when setting each role’s base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.

Please note that the base pay range may vary in line with our hybrid working policy and individual base pay will be determined based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

In addition, this role is eligible for SIE’s top-tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and coveted employee discounts for Sony products. This role also may be eligible for a bonus package. Click here to learn more.

This is a flexible role that can be remote, with varying pay ranges based on geographic location. For example, if you are based out of Seattle, the estimated base pay range for this role is listed below.
$148,000 — $222,000 USD

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