The Initiative is an early stage first-party game development studio located in Santa Monica and part of Microsoft’s XBOX Game Studios. Our studio is about craft, creating story, innovating, and looking ahead to the next big thing.

The Initiative is looking for a Senior World Builder to craft genre defining AAA gameplay locales for our next project. As a Senior World Builder, you are a master at building 3D worlds. While reporting to the Lead Level Designer, you will be expected to straddle the line between artist and designer as you conceive and construct amazing locations that drive gameplay while staying true to the game’s aesthetics. You will design, build, and produce level content from blue-sky to final product – serving as the development point person and vision holder across all departments to ensure quality and successful execution.

You have strong opinions and relish participating in team critiques, offering and receiving feedback in a positive and constructive manner. You are obsessed with creating inventive, high-quality player experiences and have remarkable attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a superhuman ability to “get it done”. We’re looking for collaborative problem solvers who want to dive into something new and create groundbreaking experiences for our players, while helping us build the studio and define our culture

Responsibilities

Design locations that serve as the backbone of our game – driving gameplay to realize the unique opportunities of each level.
Craft level pitch documents comprised of 2D/3D level layouts, gameplay beats, and reference.
Construct 3D levels using our level editor and 3D modelling software.
Pitch, define and execute level sequences and encounters.
Work with game designers to prototype and build game systems, features, and mechanics that reinforce level design initiatives and support our missions.
Collaborate with all departments to bring the content vision to life from concept to final product – evangelizing the design intent and upholding quality .
Analyze feedback from team critiques and user research and create actionable plans to improve the player-experience.
Willingness to mentor other designers.

Qualifications

8 years minimum game development experience in a level design or environment art role.
Shipped at least two AAA console projects.
Experienced building large levels in a sandbox or wide linear style.
Demonstrated experience with 3D level editors or modelling packages (Unreal, Unity, Maya, etc.)
Experience with rapidly prototyping game features, levels, setups, and sequences.
Demonstrated experience designing spaces that utilize principals of architecture and city planning.

Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request via the Accommodation request form.

Benefits/perks listed below may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Microsoft and the country where you work.