Senior Designer, Combat

NetherRealm Studios (WB Games); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 89,600 - 166,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Employee wellness program

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

NetherRealm Studios (WB Games) is looking for a Senior Combat Designer in Chicago. This position plays a crucial role in game design focusing on combat mechanics and character implementation. Candidates should have over 6 years of experience, with at least two titles shipped that emphasize combat design.

The ideal candidate will establish design documentation, work closely with teams, and have a strong programming background. A passion for action and fighting games is essential. The role offers a competitive salary range of $89,600 - $166,400 annually, with various benefits.

Qualifications

• 6+ years game design experience required.
• Shipped at least 2 titles with a strong emphasis in combat design and implementation.
• Direct experience in implementing combat mechanics on at least 2 shipped titles.

Responsibilities

• Establishes and maintains design documentation for combat gameplay and systems.
• Designs and builds game experiences, including character implementation.
• Works closely with art teams to collaborate on visual elements.

Skills

Combat design implementation

Game design experience

Programming or scripting knowledge

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

B.A. degree or equivalent experiences

Job description

Senior Combat Designer

The Senior 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 Senior Combat Designer is expected to implement and maintain combat-centric systems, game balance, and character tuning.

Daily

• Establishes and maintains design documentation for combat gameplay and systems.
• Designs and builds game experiences, including implementation of characters and their navigation, combat move sets, and moment-to-moment gameplay.
• Works closely with art teams to collaborate on and help define all associated visual elements.
• Iterate with gameplay teams to drive the implementation of character combat with the highest degree of polish.
• Analyze and incorporate user feedback from usability tests.
• Works with personnel on R&D efforts for new game systems and creates playable prototypes as required.

Essentials

• 6+ years game design experience required.
• Shipped at least 2 titles with a strong emphasis in combat design and implementation.
• Direct experience in implementing combat mechanics (with a preference on melee-based combat) on at least 2 shipped titles.
• Strong programming or scripting knowledge and experience required.
• B.A. degree preferred or equivalent job experiences.
• Ability to work well under pressure and with deadlines.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Strong passion for action and fighting games with a focus on combat mechanics.
• Positive attitude and collaborative approach to problem solving.

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.

If you’re a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance. Base pay is just one component of Warner Bros. Discovery’s total compensation package for employees. Pay Range: $89,600.00 - $166,400.00 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 to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and sick time and vacation.