Designer, Combat

NetherRealm Studios (WB Games); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 47,600 - 88,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Employee wellness program

Retirement savings plan

Paid holidays

Sick time

Vacation

Job summary

NetherRealm Studios (WB Games) is seeking a Combat Designer in Chicago, Illinois. This role focuses on significant contributions to combat design within games, requiring strong programming knowledge and a passion for fighting games. Ideal candidates have 4+ years of game design experience and have shipped titles with an emphasis on combat.

Your responsibilities will include designing character actions, establishing documentation for combat systems, and collaborating closely with art teams. The position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of game design experience required.
• Shipped at least 1 title with strong combat design.
• Experience in melee-based combat mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Establish design documentation for character combat.
• Design and implement in-game character actions.
• Collaborate with art teams on visual elements.
• Build AI logic and behaviors for NPCs.

Skills

Game design experience

Combat design implementation

Programming or scripting knowledge

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

B.A. degree or equivalent experience

Job description

The Job

The Combat Designer will be responsible for significant contributions to game design, with a focus on combat, moment-to-moment gameplay, and character implementation. Alongside Lead and fellow Designers, the Combat Designer is expected to implement and maintain combat‑centric systems, game balance, and character tuning.

The Daily

• Establishes and maintains design documentation for player character combat and enemies.
• Design, implement and iterate on in‑game character actions, including attacks, reactions and navigation.
• Works closely with art teams to collaborate on and help define all associated visual elements.
• Supports combat efforts through building gameplay functions and scripted encounters.
• Builds AI logic and behaviors for enemies and NPCs.

The Essentials

• 4+ years of game design experience required.
• Shipped at least 1 title with a strong emphasis in combat design and implementation.
• Direct experience in implementing combat mechanics (with a preference for melee‑based combat) on at least 1 shipped title.
• Strong programming or scripting knowledge and experience required.
• B.A. degree preferred or equivalent job experience.
• Ability to work well under pressure and with deadlines.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Passion for action and fighting games with a focus on combat mechanics.
• Positive attitude and collaborative approach to problem solving.

Compensation & Benefits

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Base pay is just one component of Warner Bros. Discovery’s total compensation package for employees. Pay Range: $47,600.00 - $88,400.00 salary per year. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short‑ and long‑term incentives, and program‑specific awards. In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery provides a variety of benefits, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.

Championing Inclusion at WBD

Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or any other category protected by law.