Designer (Senior)

Velan Studios, Inc.; City of Troy (NY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Velan Studios in Troy, NY (with studios in Toronto) seeks an experienced game designer to lead vehicle-based racing features from concept to launch. You will collaborate with art, engineering, and audio to ensure cohesive gameplay.

You’ll prototype and implement level content, develop racing mechanics, and own a cross-disciplinary sub-team, working closely with directors and other designers.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of design experience.
• At least one shipped title.
• Ability to lead a small cross-disciplinary sub-team on mid- to large-size projects.
• General scripting proficiency.
• Solid cross-disciplinary communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead a cross-disciplinary sub-team with the Game Director to shape features.
• Prototype, design, and implement level content through the product life cycle.
• Prototype and develop vehicle-based racing mechanics with programming teams.
• Prototype and develop racecourse elements such as obstacles and power-ups.
• Act as product owner for a cross-discipline sub-team to deliver high-quality content.
• Collaborate with artists, animators, audio designers, and gameplay programmers.

Skills

5+ years of design experience

At least one shipped title

Lead cross-disciplinary 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.

We’re looking for an experienced designer to work on an exciting new racing concept. You’ll take features from concept to launch, working closely with art, engineering, and audio so every piece fits together. If creating high speed racing with highly responsive vehicle handling is what makes you excited, we’d love to hear from you!

Responsibilities

• Work as a team lead in collaboration with the Game Director and other designers to shape and implement key gameplay features.
• Prototype, design, and implement game level content through the entire life cycle of the product.
• Prototype and develop new vehicle-based racing mechanics in conjunction with programming teams
• Prototype and develop racecourse elements such as obstacles, power up types etc...
• Act as a product owner for a cross-discipline sub-team to deliver novel and high-quality content.
• Collaborate closely with artists, animators, audio designers, and gameplay programmers.

Requirements

• 5+ years of design experience
• At least one shipped title
• 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 with vehicle-based racing
• Experience in Level Design
• 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.