Sr Combat Designer

Job Description

Sr Combat Designer (Companions)

Why PlayStation?

Join the award-winning team that created God of War

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

In this role, you will assist, collaborate with, and take direction from the Lead Combat Designer, Lead Hero Designer, Design and Game Directors as needed to own Companions, characters, 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. Senior level applicants are expected to be able to drive features forward by representing them with confidence and knowledge, and keep all feature stakeholders well informed, as well as using their skills and experience to bolster the team via process improvement, mentorship, and leading by example.

Responsibilities
• Create and drive Companions from initial design through implementation, iteration, and completion
• Create high level character design intent & combat flow plans
• Create, tune, troubleshoot, and bugfix 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, VFX, sound, etc.
• 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'' for Companions
• 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
• Drive and create opportunities for value addition within the team and studio

Requirements
• 4+ years in game development, with at least two in a character combat design capacity (creative and technical)
• Significant 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) is required
• 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 be able to speak to and discuss, in depth, combat systems, mechanics, and enemies in one or more 3rd person melee action RPGs

Preferred Experience
• Candidates who are fluent with the combat design choices, systems, mechanics, and enemies in God of War (2018) and God of War Ragnarök (2022) are preferred

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At SIE, we consider several factors when setting each role's base pay range, including the competitive benchmarking data for the market and geographic location.

Please note that the base pay range may vary in line with our hybrid working policy and individual base pay will be determined based on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location.

In addition, this role is eligible for SIE's top-tier benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, matching 401(k), paid time off, wellness program and coveted employee discounts for Sony products. This role also may be eligible for a bonus package. Click here to learn more.

The estimated base pay range for this role is listed below.

$106,600 - $159,800 USD

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Sony is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender (including gender identity, gender expression and gender reassignment), race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status, disability, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, trade union membership or membership in any other legally protected category.

We strive to create an inclusive environment, empower employees and embrace diversity. We encourage everyone to respond.

PlayStation is a Fair Chance employer and qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered for employment.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-rz8vvn-3-135-183-187-42 in your application.