Combat Designer (Gamedev)

TL;DR

Combat Designer (Unreal Engine): Design and implement combat systems including enemy behaviors, weapon types, damage balancing, and attack mechanics with an accent on gameplay feel, player feedback loops, and melee/projectile combat. Focus on prototyping core mechanics, iterating based on playtests, and collaborating with engineering, art, and animation teams to ensure high-quality execution.

Fully onsite in Austin, TX.

Company

Independent game studio with studios in Irvine CA, Austin TX, Auckland NZ, and Manizales Colombia, collaborating with developers and publishers on premium games.

What you will do

• Design and implement character behaviors using scripting, behavior trees, animation graphs, and blueprints.
• Tweak and refine combat data like damage types, impact frames, iframes, and animation timing.
• Create and maintain design documentation for combat systems, move sets, and enemy behaviors.
• Collaborate with engineering, art, and animation to execute designs at highest quality.
• Prototype new combat mechanics and features in-engine.
• Conduct playtests, gather feedback, and iterate on designs.

Requirements

• 3+ years professional experience in game design with significant focus on combat design.
• Shipped at least one title as Combat Designer or similar.
• Deep understanding of gameplay mechanics, player feedback loops, and game feel principles.
• Demonstrable understanding of melee and projectile-based combat.
• Proficiency with Unreal Engine, specifically blueprints and prototyping.
• Excellent communication skills.

Culture & Benefits

• Dynamic, curious, and collaborative environment empowering initiative and impact.
• Operate by Blind Squirrel Way: ownership, accountability, collaboration.
• Eligibility for benefits and perks based on position, status, and location.