About the role
United States, Remote
This position is for temporary engagement through our staffing partner, Yoh Enterprise Solutions. This is a 6-month contract.
Insomniac Games is looking for a Senior Combat Designer (Enemies/Bosses). In this role, the Senior Combat Designer (Enemies/Bosses) is accountable for the quality and on-time delivery of combat gameplay, specifically focused on enemies, mini-bosses, and bosses. Designer will be responsible for initial pitches, prototyping, implementation, iteration, polish and balance for AI enemies, smaller-scale mini-bosses, and larger boss encounters, as needed. Work will be done in a highly collaborative, cross-disciplinary pod, under the direction and review of combat and design leads.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Hands-on implementation work on initial design, prototyping, iteration, balance and polish of AI enemy combatants, mini-boss characters, and large-scale boss encounters.
- Directly implements and iterates on Enemy AI and bosses through proprietary internal tools and scripting systems.
- Works within a cross-disciplinary pod. Collaborates directly with Gameplay Programming, Animation, and other pod members to best leverage skills and creativity across all departments.
- Writes and regularly updates clear gameplay system documentation detailing functionality and best practices for using Enemy AI across missions and levels.
- Gathers and prioritized feedback from multiple sources. Proactively implements changes and improvements in enemy / boss design to respond to issues around clarity, balance, and playability. Drives continual improvement on assigned combat work.
- Supports Mission Designers, as needed, through best practices, training, and model encounters. May also work on combat encounters directly within Missions.
- Coordinates with other combat design staff on game-wide combat issues, including difficulty, balance, enemy differentiation, enemy introductions, etc.
- Contributes to a safe, supportive, and creative work environment that exemplifies our studio values.
- Other creative duties as needed.
Experience and Education
- Five or more years of professional game design experience, with at least one shipped title as a Combat Designer.
- Expertise in the current state of combat design craft across the games industry.
- Experience in designing, prototyping, implementing, and polishing enemy AI combatants and boss characters.
- High proficiency with modern game engines, such as Unreal or proprietary engines. Proven experience in scripting, prototyping, and iterating gameplay systems directly. Experience in 3D layout a plus.
- Strong skills in written, verbal, and visual communication across disciplines.
Mathematical Skills
- Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
- Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Reasoning Ability
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
- Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Computer Skills
- Intermediate knowledge and experience with level editing tools and scripting (Unreal Engine, Unity, or similar editors).
- Intermediate knowledge of Maya or other major 3D modeling programs.
- Adobe Illustrator experience and UE4 Blueprint scripting skills are a plus.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Other Skills
- Individual must have very good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with team members and other developers.
- Strong communication skills including verbal and written skills are required.
Compensation and Benefits
- Estimated base pay range: $70 - $90 USD (hourly rate).
- Individual base pay range may vary based on job-related factors including knowledge, skills, experience, and location.
- Eligible for benefit offerings that include medical, dental, and vision.