Summary
We are seeking a Senior Combat Designer to own the design and implementation of compelling combat systems. This person will work closely with design leadership, animators, engineers, and artists to deliver world-class moment-to-moment gameplay.
Core Responsibilities
- Develop engaging combat mechanics, including player abilities, enemy behaviors, AI tactics, weapons, and camera systems.
- Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to prototype, iterate, and polish combat features from concept through ship.
- Author and maintain design documentation, ensuring clarity and alignment across departments.
- Analyze playtest data and player feedback to continuously refine and balance combat systems.
- Own combat encounters and pacing in collaboration with level and narrative design teams.
- Mentor junior designers and contribute to the evolution of team processes and best practices.
- Maintain high standards for quality, responsiveness, and fun across all combat elements.
Core Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in game design with at least 2 shipped titles, including one in a senior or lead role focused on combat.
- Deep understanding of player mechanics, animation-driven gameplay, enemy design, and AI behavior.
- Professional proficiency with Unreal Engine 4.0+ or other applicable industry standard game engine.
- Strong prototyping skills with scripting languages or visual scripting systems (e.g., Blueprint, Lua, etc.).
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and documentation skills.
- Passion for creating satisfying, intuitive, and deep combat systems across various player archetypes.
Plus If
- Experience designing melee combat systems, ranged combat, or hybrid mechanics.
- Background working on open-world or sandbox games.
- Experience planning player skill and progression systems.
- Knowledge of cinematic combat presentation and camera work.
- Experience working with motion capture and/or animation pipelines.
Description
- Full-time job with benefits.
- Role is on-site in San Rafael, CA or Santa Monica, CA.
The base pay range for this position is $110,000 to $150,000 per year. 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) matching to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.
