About the role
Company Background
From dodgeball in the streets to racetracks in your living room, Velan Studios has always been more interested in asking "what if?" than following a roadmap. Whether dreaming up a chaotic game of hide & seek in the dark or putting a legendary space fox back in the pilot's seat, that inventor's mindset runs through everything. They make games for people who appreciate craft and a little bit of magic. Velan Studios is expanding the design team as production heads into multiple forthcoming titles, seeking experienced Level Designers to drive critical design decisions and build compelling level designs.
Responsibilities
- Work closely with the Game Director and other Lead Designers to shape and implement compelling level and mission content.
- Own the entire development cycle of various game levels, from prototype phase to polished, shippable content.
- Greybox layouts to determine gameplay spaces, high level pacing, and identify key moments.
- Collaborate with environment artists and Gameplay Programmers to generate expertly-designed game spaces that deliver unique, replayable levels and missions.
- Help define and implement unique gameplay mechanics that fit different environments and biomes.
Requirements
- 3+ years of design experience
- At least one shipped title as a level designer
- Experience grey-boxing to blockout of gameplay spaces and establishing landmarks
- Ability to do quick prototypes to prove out gameplay ideas
- A knack for visual storytelling
- An understanding of level pacing and encounter design
- Familiarity with tool-use and basic scripting in any major game-engine such as Unity, Unreal, or equivalent
Big Plusses
- Experience in creating Co-Op gameplay
- Experience crafting cinematic gameplay moments, an eye for camera
- Experience with procedurally-created level design systems
- Experience seamlessly blending hand-made and procedural scenes
- Familiarity with any major 3D art creation tool such as Maya or Blender
- Other areas of design expertise (systems, combat, etc.) to contribute on different teams and projects
Working Conditions & Location
- This is a hybrid or onsite position.
- Hybrid schedule requires 3 days a week in studio on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.
- Studios are located in Troy, NY & Toronto, ON.
- Velan Studios is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace and is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion, diversity, and providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.
Compensation & Salary Range
The salary for this position is typically within the range specified below per year. Actual base pay may vary based on factors such as qualifications, skills, experience, and other relevant considerations.
- US Salary Range:
- Mid-Level: $65,000 - $90,000 USD
- Senior: $80,000 - $115,000 USD
- Canada Salary Range:
- Mid-Level: $60,000 - $80,000 CAD
- Senior: $75,000 - $110,000 CAD