Combat Designer
Join our award-winning God of War team
Combat Designers will assist, collaborate with, and take direction from the Lead Combat Designer and Game Director as needed on any the following: character and boss designs from concept to implementation completion. Combat Designers will also work with multiple disciplines including Animation, Level Design, Character Art, Vis Dev, Encounters, etc in ensuring that characters are cohesively executed on in game.
Responsibilities
Creating high level character design intent & combat flow plans.
Character animation and behavior implementation via state machines, behavior trees, visual effects, sound effects and various other scripting systems.
Iteratively work within the set standard for all character asset design, creation and in-game implementation within the production path as it relates to design, art and otherwise.
Attend and participate in combat-specific discussions concerning combat design and combat design issues.
Represent design and character features to multiple departments as “the point person”.
Must understand the relationship between gameplay elements within the level and the overall game and all of the ways the player can respond to each gameplay element.
Respond and act on playtest and lead feedback with the aim of creating the best experience for all player skill levels.
Requirements
Experience using a text-based scripting language to set-up character logic, debug complex problems, and test work thoroughly.
Basic knowledge of scripting languages and code (e.g., XML, C++, Lua) is preferred but not required.
Must be able to grasp and work with code-based proprietary tools to implement and troubleshoot assigned characters.
Must have knowledge of competitive products and various gameplay genres, as well as a personal understanding of video game fun with regards to combat and enemy design.
Ability to think logically with a strong level of attention to detail.
Must possess quality written communication skills and the ability to convey abstract concepts.
Must be able to professionally communicate and work with other members of the game production team.
Must have knowledge of God of War (2018) and be able to speak about the combat systems, mechanics and enemies.
Preferred Experience
2 plus years in game development in a Character or Systems design capacity (creative and technical).
We value talent, self-motivation, and team spirit. In turn, we provide an environment with a large degree of autonomy and opportunities for growth.
Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, legally protected physical or mental disability, covered veteran status, status in the U.S. uniformed services, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information or membership in any other legally protected category. We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond. We genuinely appreciate the time and effort you spent in contacting us and we thank you for your interest in Santa Monica Studio.