This job listing expired on May 25, 2022
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Ascendant Studios is hiring a Senior Boss Designer to assist in the continued development of key combat moments as part of our brand new IP. Our ideal candidate has previously design boss fights and is experienced in setting up player abilities, enemy abilities, and enemy behavior trees, as well as level design for boss arenas and overall design for the whole boss fight experience. They are able to both conceptualize and implement combat systems design, and will be working alongside the Lead Combat Designer, engineering, and animation teams to create an exceptional combat experience for our upcoming original IP.

This is a full time, contract position. We are all currently working remotely due to Covid-19, but once we return the position may either be based in our office in San Rafael, CA, or remain fully remote.

What you'll do:

  • Work with the Lead Combat Designer and Game Director to design, implement, and iterate on several boss fights inside Unreal Engine
  • Document the design and communicate its needs and progress to engineering, animation, sound, level design, and other teams.
  • Take responsibility for your areas of the boss experience and effectively communicate with content teams to ensure the best player experience possible
  • Attend and contribute to general combat meetings and meetings surrounding specific combat features
  • Identify, troubleshoot, and solve problems surrounding performance and technical limitations
  • Analyze and act on feedback from internal and external playtests

Who you are:

  • Experience designing and building scripted key combat moments (“bosses”), including setting up the enemy and player abilities and scripting the wholesale experience.
  • Worked on at least one shipped title as a combat designer or senior combat-focused systems designer on a recent AA/AAA shooter or action title
  • 5+ years as a designer in games, participating in every part of development from preproduction to launch and post-launch support
  • Deep understanding of animation, anticipation, execution, and timing for enemy attacks.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, takes and gives feedback well
  • Excels at communicating with both your direct team, members of the studio at large, external partners, and the wider player community
  • Understands of the role of other departments in the creation of a fun combat experience
  • Knowledge and experience working with Unreal Engine (prefered), Unity, CryEngine, Radian, or other similar editors
  • Loves to work in a collaborative, fast paced environment focused on iteration and frequent feedback cycles. Great at giving and receiving feedback.
  • Advocate for player experience, fun, excitement, and accessibility in our combat experience

Bonus points:

  • Work on a title for the PS5, Xbox Series X or S a big plus
  • Experience with Unreal Engine 4 and Blueprint scripting a big plus
  • Knowledge of C++ or C#
  • Experience with animation and VFX direction for enemy attacks
  • Shipped work in both the single and multiplayer spaces
  • Passion for creating compelling narrative experiences