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LEAD GAME DESIGNER
Smoking Gun Interactive is looking for a talented, passionate and experienced individual to take on the role of
Lead Game Designer in helping to create our next generation cross-platform original concept title.
The role requires an individual who demonstrates an exceptional level of literacy in game design, intimate
knowledge of the process of building AAA-quality games, and proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a team
of designers. The Lead Designer is creative, self-driven, and able to clearly and concisely communicate ideas in
written and verbal form. They lead by example and thrive on creative collaboration with art and programming
teams to achieve the game’s vision. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience in game mechanics and level
design on multiple AAA-quality titles.
The Lead Designer sets and delivers on goals, while supervising the quality of creative and technical aspects of
the work produced by the design team for the duration of the project. The Lead Designer works closely with Leads
of other disciplines, as well as project’s Directors to create an exceptional quality product on schedule.
Responsibilities include:
- Collaborating with the Design and Creative Director to develop and deliver the vision for the project
- Leading, directing, and monitoring quality of design work being produced and providing constructive
feedback from first draft to final quality implementation
- Developing and documenting concepts and designs, and leading the implementation and tuning of
gameplay mechanics and gameplay missions
- Driving the collaboration and problem solving with art and programming disciplines in achieving project
goals
- Working closely with other Leads and Directors in determining of milestone and project goals
- Delivering on and risk-managing the milestone deliverables and project’s design goals
- Hiring, supervising and managing designers on the team
- Mentoring, sharing knowledge, and promoting skills development of the design team members
- Supporting and assisting the Design and Creative Director in any other duties assigned
Qualifications:
- 5+ years experience as a game designer, having shipped 3 or more AAA-quality titles
- Shipped at least 2 AAA games as a senior or lead game designer
- Strong organizational and leadership skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to communicate ideas clearly
- Self-driven, taking initiative when needed, with strong organizational skills
- Exceptional creativity and willingness to push the envelope and innovate within game parameters
- Ability to accept and provide direction, work well under pressure, and handle multiple tasks
- Positive attitude and a great team-player
- Experienced in 3D software package (Max, Maya) or game editor (Unreal, Source, Radiant)
- Experience with game scripting systems such as Lua, Python or Kismet
- Experienced with Word, Excel, Photoshop
- Passionate about gaming and striving to improve the quality of games
Assets:
- Recent experience with console development, having shipped an Xbox 360 or PS3 title
- Prior lead experience that included hiring and managing a team of designers
- Bachelor Degree or equivalent experience