Combat Designer

Santa Monica Studio is seeking a Combat Designer for the development of a new unannounced title!

In this role, you will assist, collaborate with, and take direction from Lead Combat Designers and Directors as needed on character and boss designs from concept to implementation completion. You will also work with multiple disciplines including Animation, Level Design, Character Art, Vis Dev, Encounters, etc. in ensuring that characters are cohesively executed in game.

• Creating high level character design intent and combat flow plans
• Character animation and behavior implementation via state machines, behavior trees, visual effects, sound effects and various other scripting systems
• Iteratively work within the set standard for all character asset design, creation, and in-game implementation within the production path as it relates to design, art and otherwise
• Attend and participate in combat-specific discussions concerning combat design and combat design issues
• Attend and participate in production-related discussions concerning relevant feature pipelines and roadmaps
• Represent complex design and character features to multiple departments as “the point person”
• Value the relationship between gameplay elements within the level and the overall game and all the ways the player can respond to each gameplay element
• Respond and act on playtest and lead feedback with the aim of creating the best experience for all player skill levels

• 2+ years in game development, with at least one in a Character design capacity (creative and technical)
• Experience using text-based and visual scripting languages to set-up character logic, debug complex problems, and test work thoroughly
• Self-sufficient in getting to the root of a problem or issue and taking the necessary steps to find solutions
• Basic knowledge of vector math, scripting languages, and code (e.g., XML, C++, Lua)
• Must be able to grasp and work with code-based proprietary tools to implement and troubleshoot assigned characters
• Must have knowledge of competitive products and various gameplay genres, as well as a personal understanding of video game fun with regards to combat and enemy design
• Ability to think logically with a strong level of attention to detail; should be able to break down design concepts and analyze them with regards to purpose and intent
• Must possess quality written communication skills and the ability to convey abstract concepts
• Must be able to professionally communicate and work with other members of the game production team
• Must have knowledge of God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök (2022) and be able to speak in depth about the combat systems, mechanics, and enemies
  

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