Combat Designer (Senior+)

Velan Studios, Inc.; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 75,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Velan Studios is seeking an experienced Combat Designer to drive early-stage design decisions and lead the implementation of combat and traversal systems for a forthcoming third-person shooter. This hybrid role involves collaboration with VFX artists, animators, audio designers, and gameplay programmers across our Troy, NY and Toronto, ON studios.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in design, at least one shipped combat designer title in action/shooter games, and strong cross-disciplinary

Qualifications

• 5+ years of design experience.
• At least one shipped title as a combat designer in action, shooter genres.
• Ability to lead a small cross discipline sub team on a mid- or large-size development project.
• General scripting proficiency.
• Solid cross-disciplinary communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Create compelling combat design and traversal sets for playable characters.
• Define the combat behaviors of enemies, allies, and bosses.
• Collaborate closely in cross-discipline teams with artists, animators, audio designers, and gameplay programmers.
• Implement key systems in partnership with engineering teams.
• Work closely as a team lead with the Game Director to shape and implement compelling combat designs.

Skills

5+ years design experience

Shipped title as combat designer

Lead cross-discipline sub team

General scripting proficiency

Cross-disciplinary communication

Job description

From dodgeball in the streets to racetracks in your living room, we've always been more interested in asking "what if?" than following a roadmap. Whether we're dreaming up a chaotic game of hide & seek in the dark or putting a legendary space fox back in the pilot's seat, that inventor's mindset runs through everything we do. We make games for people who appreciate craft and a little bit of magic. If you're curious, you'll be in good company.
Are you a designer who obsesses over player traversal, intuitive camera controls, and shooter-based combat? Do you have experience collaborating with VFX artists and animators to deliver responsive, engaging and intuitive combat mechanics? If so, we'd love to hear from you about helping us work on an exciting new third-person shooter concept.
Velan Studios is entering pre-production on this forthcoming title, and we are looking for an experienced Combat Designer who can drive critical early-stage design decisions and then lead the implementation of compelling combat design throughout the project.
Responsibilities

• Create compelling combat design and traversal sets for playable characters
• Define the combat behaviors of enemies, allies, and bosses
• Collaborate closely in cross-discipline teams with artists, animators, audio designers, and gameplay programmers
• Implement key systems in partnership with engineering teams
• Work closely as a team lead with the Game Director to shape and implement compelling combat designs.
  

Requirements

• 5+ years of design experience
• At least one shipped title as a combat designer in action, shooter genres
• Ability to lead a small cross discipline sub team on a mid- or large-size development project.
• General scripting proficiency
• Solid cross-disciplinary communication skills
  

Big Plusses

• Experience in 3rd person controller-based shooter combat in an action-adventure setting
• Experience designing co-op gameplay
• Experience with quick initial gameplay prototyping to prove/disprove direction
  

This is a hybrid or onsite position. Hybrid is 3 days a week in studio - Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Our studios are located in Troy, NY & Toronto, ON.
The salary for this position is typically within the range specified below per year. Please note that the actual base pay may vary based on factors such as your qualifications, skills, experience, and other relevant considerations.
US Salary Range:

• Senior $80,000. -$115,000. USD
• Specialist $100,000. - $130,000. US

Canada Salary Range:

• Senior $75,000. - $110,000. CAD
• Specialist $95,000. - $125,000. CAD

Velan Studios is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about a role, but your experience doesn't align perfectly, we encourage you to submit a General Application. Velan Studios is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion, diversity, and providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We seek to create a work culture that matches the diversity of our players.