Encounter Designer (Senior)

Archetype Entertainment is a new game studio in Austin, Texas led by industry veterans from BioWare and other AAA studios. Archetype is a division of Wizards of the Coast (Hasbro). We are building a development team with world-class talent to create a new science fiction universe for our first multiplatform roleplaying video game.

Our goal is to create the greatest story-driven roleplaying games in the world!

At Archetype, we believe there will always be a place for story-driven roleplaying games that put the player at the center of an epic personal narrative with impactful choices. We are building games that represent the diversity of our audience. We also believe that game studios should empower top developers and challenge them with ambitious projects that are shaped by a strong, clearly communicated creative vision.

We chose Austin because it is a great place to live and work. Austin is the capital of Texas and is a fast-growing city with a vibrant music scene, cosmopolitan culture, a world-class university (the University of Texas at Austin -- “Hook ‘em Horns!”), and scenic rolling hills. It was recently voted the #1 place to live in America for the third year in a row — based on affordability, job prospects, and quality of life.

Archetype is looking for a passionate, experienced, and collaborative Sr. Encounter Designer to help us build an outstanding game-of-the-year RPG. In this role, you will be responsible for working alongside the Gameplay and Level Design teams to help build memorable combat encounters throughout the game! The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience doing encounters on other AAA titles and be able tackle both the level design layout side as well as the scripting. We are looking for someone that is excited about the opportunity to work on a new IP from the get-go.

What You'll Do

• Work with Gameplay Designers and Level Designers to create memorable and varied combat encounters that embrace player agency
• Build layouts and work with Environmental Artists to make sure the combat arenas serve the needs of the encounter
• Build a library of encounters and a best practices framework that can be used by others on the team
• Work alongside Systems Designers to help balance both encounters and the overall game
• Collaborate with the team, ensuring relevant partners are involved and advised throughout development
• Regularly play the game, providing constructive feedback and suggestions to other members of the team
• Remain up to date on industry trends and competitor games

What You'll Bring

• University/college degree in related field or equivalent
• 4+ years of experience in Encounter and/or Combat Design
• At least 1 shipped AAA titles with significant contributions on building encounters
• Must have expertise in both Level Design/Layout as well as implementation and scripting
• Experience working in Unreal or other modern game engines
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Self-sufficient and self-motivated, able to push features forward but also know when to ask for guidance or help

Bonus Modifiers:

• Experience with encounters that encourage player agency and creativity
• Experience with progression and difficulty systems
• Experience working on new IP from the start

We are an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

The above is intended to describe the general content of and the requirements for satisfactory performance in this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities, or requirements of the position.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.