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PCF

Combat Designer

People Can Fly
Location
Montreal, Quebec
Experience
Senior
Posted
18 days ago
Type
Permanent · On-site

About the role

Company Description

People Can Fly is one of the leading independent AAA game development studios. The international team consists of hundreds of talented individuals working from offices in Poland, the UK, Ireland, the US, and Canada, as well as remotely across the globe.

Founded in 2002, the company made its mark on the shooter genre with titles such as Painkiller, Bulletstorm, Gears of War: Judgment, and Outriders. As one of the most experienced Unreal Engine studios in the industry, the company continues to expand on its expertise and push the boundaries of what is possible in game development.

Creative teams are currently working on several titles: Gears of War: E-Day developed in collaboration with Microsoft; Project Echo for KRAFTON; and Lost Rift, an original IP developed in-house under a self-publishing model. The studio is also exploring new platforms and experiences with VR and other unannounced projects.

With over 20 years of experience, PCF aims to combine expertise with the creativity of the best and most forward-thinking talent in the industry, building the next generation of action games for players worldwide.


Job Description

  • Creating, pitching, and prototyping gameplay ideas for core combat and moment-to-moment mechanics and systems, combat characters, their feel, behavior, abilities, and encounters in various settings.
  • Implementing combatant character with animations and behavior using state machines, behavior trees, visual effects, sound effects, and combat encounters with arena layouts, and pacing using provided level design tools and various other scripting systems.
  • Creating design documents, content briefs, system outlines, and other means of sharing all the necessary information with involved teams.
  • Collaborating with multiple disciplines, ensuring the correct partners are involved and informed throughout the development process.
  • Remaining current on industry trends, including new game genres, new game design methods and techniques, and trending audio-visual excellence.
  • Operating with a high degree of agency and autonomy, and helping shape the goals of the combat design team.

Qualifications

  • At least 5+ years of experience in the production of AAA games for consoles and PC.
  • 2+ years of experience shipping third-person melee combat titles in AI, combat, or systems design roles.
  • Working proficiency with at least one game editor; multiple engine experience is valued.
  • Exceptional ability to conceptualize, pitch, and implement game systems and features using various tools, technology, and visual language.
  • Clear understanding of creative and game development processes.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
  • Proven successes in creating compelling and fun gameplay, scenarios, and encounters.
  • Self-motivated, hard worker with a team-focused attitude and ability to both give and take feedback and criticisms.
  • Passion for combat-oriented games (action-adventure titles with 3rd person combat, or combat RPGs).
  • Experience with scripting (visual and/or text based) to support avatar behaviors, combat actions, and actions related to hero state machines.
  • Proficiency in English is required for this position, as the role involves regular communication with international colleagues, partners, and stakeholders based outside of Québec.

Nice to have:

  • Familiarity with Lua scripting language.
  • Good understanding of action-adventure genre design, player psychology, and emerging industry trends.
  • Some knowledge of Maya, 3DS Max or similar 3D package.
  • JIRA, Confluence and Perforce Knowledge.

Additional Information

What we offer:

  • Benefit package 100% paid by PCF. Insurance company reimburses 100% of claims (Up to $500 per service a year, as well as individual family coverage).
  • Full Dental coverage, including major dental and orthodontics.
  • 4% RRSP matching before tax deductions, 100% vested on day 1.
  • Paid week off during Winter Holidays.
  • 20 paid vacation days and 5 paid sick days.
  • Free virtual health and mental wellbeing sessions included in the plan for members and their dependents.
  • Personal development opportunities and ability to work in a global environment.
  • Work in a creative team with people full of passion for what they do.

Logistics:

  • Employment Type: Full-time
  • Project: Unannounced 2025
  • Department: Design
  • Location: Montreal, Canada (Remote/Hybrid)
PCF

People Can Fly

Games & Interactive
Open roles
8
Founded
2002
Employees
201-500
Location
8 offices