About the role
Role Overview
At Blizzard, we craft genre-defining games and legendary worlds for all to share. Through unparalleled creativity and storytelling, we create immersive universes and iconic characters that are beloved across platforms, borders, backgrounds, and generations - only made possible by building a work environment that nurtures the artistry of game development and unleashes the aspirations of our people.
As a Technical Combat Designer, you will drive the design and implementation of enemy NPCs and combat encounters, ensuring combat is challenging, understandable, and satisfyingly fun. You will be responsible for creating custom behaviors, designing and tuning attacks and abilities, and tuning and adjusting enemy perception and combat strength to create unique and challenging enemies. You will collaborate closely with art and engineering teams to take enemies from early prototypes to highly polished characters. You will also work alongside level designers to create engaging combat encounters using these enemies.
This role is anticipated to be a hybrid work position, with some work on-site and some work-from-home. The potential home studio for this role is Irvine, CA.
Responsibilities
Priorities can often change in a fast-paced environment, so this role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:
- Design and implement exciting gameplay on a AAA title.
- Push forward development on enemies and encounters – from ideation, through prototyping, to final best-in-class execution.
- Leverage technical expertise to implement combat systems.
- Collaborate with multiple disciplines, ensuring partners are involved and informed throughout development.
- Create one-page designs, briefs, and system outlines as needed to communicate design goals.
Minimum Requirements
- 5+ years of experience in combat or systems design, or applicable combination of education and experience.
- Experience designing systems and encounters from conception to implementation.
- Experience scripting for game development; comfortable creating prototypes from scratch.
- Comfortable working with basic 3D math concepts like vectors and rotations.
- Proactive and effective communicator, passionate about making great games.
Extra Points
- Work experience in the AAA space.
- Familiarity with visual scripting languages such as Blueprint.
- Familiarity with AI behavior trees.
- A background in encounter design or AI design.
Company Information
Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. is a division of Activision Blizzard, which was acquired by Microsoft. Blizzard is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment experiences and has created some of the industry’s most critically acclaimed and genre-defining games over the last 30 years.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply. We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities.
Compensation and Benefits
In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $30.47 - $56.35 Hourly. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. New hire compensation is negotiable.
Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:
- Health and Wellness:
- Medical, dental, vision
- Health savings account or health reimbursement account
- Healthcare spending accounts
- Dependent care spending accounts
- Mental health & wellbeing programs
- Fitness programs
- Financial and Insurance:
- Life and AD&D insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k) with Company match
- Tuition reimbursement
- Charitable donation matching
- Supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance
- Time Off:
- Paid holidays and vacation
- Paid sick time
- Floating holidays
- Compassion and bereavement leaves
- Parental leave
- Perks:
- Free and discounted games
- Relocation assistance (if the Company requires a move)