Senior Gameplay Designer - Auckland NZ based - 6yrs exp AAA games UE a bonus ( sorry no visa sponsorship or remote option).

Independent games developer with ~120 employeers over 3 studios in both the US & Auckland NZ

Hybrid work model with mix of both onsite & WFH

Must have NZ work rights ( sorry no visa sponsorship available)

Australian citizens & Permanent Residents can work in NZ without needing a work visa so welcome to apply

Relocation assistance provided to move to Auckland if needed

Senior Gameplay Designer

You have a deep understanding of the game design pipeline, complemented by a refined skillset, honed through experience on numerous AAA titles. You're recognized as a dependable developer with the insight to know when to seek feedback. You welcome challenges, setting high standards for yourself and delivering high-quality work consistently.

While your influence is vital to the department's success and you provide mentorship to junior developers, designing gameplay and player package mechanics remains your core focus. You excel in independent work but also value collaboration through teamwork.

Role and Responsibilities

Supported by Senior and Lead Designers, the Senior Gameplay Designer will work alongside other talented developers to create and implement a suite of different game design content with respect to characters, camera, movement, user experience, and other common systems.

As a Senior Gameplay Designer, you will contribute to the project by building and maintaining high-quality design tools, features, and systems and by pivoting into a leadership role to guide more junior designers towards success.

The ideal candidate for this role has a lot of experience in the 3’cs of character, camera and controls for action or platform games, and can translate a thorough understanding of the Unreal editor into hands-on gameplay experiences that meets project expectations and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Setup and implement player characters from the ground up
• Work closely with engineering to identify and design the required technical features required to deliver a flexible and highly executed player package.
• Comfortable implementing and tweaking camera, controls, and character abilities
• Work with and take guidance from Directors to drive design-centric features from concept to completion
• Abide by policies and design documents, always advocating for high-quality design fundamentals and continuously improving the workflow process as it relates to the game's interactive elements such as game systems, controls, and interfaces
• Contribute to cross-functional discussions related to the development and implementation of tools and required game systems adjustments
• Assist in mentoring junior members of the design team
• Other relevant duties and responsibilities as assigned to help complete company or department objectives

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• 6+ years of experience in the game industry or related area
• Shipped at least one AAA titles
• Bachelor’s degree in game design or relevant field
• A portfolio demonstrating exemplary design experience working in interactive media

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity performing blockout, scripting and encounter design tasks
• Familiar with contemporary engines and platforms
• Expert knowledge and understanding of the game production pipeline
• Broad taste in video games and passion for game development
• Excellent organization, communication, and interpersonal skills

Pluses

• Action or live service experience
• Unreal Engine 5 experience

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Please contact me anytime for full studio details or to apply.

NOTE: Candidates are not charged for our services.

Bronwynn Lusted

Conkerberry Recruitment for Games Australia & (0)427 690 971