Principal Combat Designer (Gamedev)

TL;DR

Principal Combat Designer (Multiplayer AAA): Shaping core combat experience for high-quality online multiplayer game with an accent on weapons, abilities, and gameplay interactions. Focus on designing, prototyping, iterating combat mechanics, and ensuring responsive, balanced, engaging player experiences.

Location: United Kingdom, fully remote with flexibility to work from almost anywhere.

Company

Independent studio developing competitive online multiplayer AAA game.

What you will do

• Collaborate with Design Director and leads to define and execute combat systems vision.
• Design and implement advanced combat mechanics including weapons, abilities, and interactions.
• Work with art, engineering, and other teams to align on gameplay systems.
• Prototype, iterate, and refine combat for polish, balance, and responsiveness.
• Advocate for player experience prioritizing clarity, fairness, and fun.
• Contribute to character gameplay features and solve complex design problems.

Requirements

• Proven experience as senior/principal designer on at least two shipped AAA titles focused on gameplay/combat.
• Strong expertise in combat mechanics, gameplay systems in AAA/multiplayer games.
• Advanced proficiency with game design tools and hands-on Unreal Engine (UE5 preferred).
• Deep understanding of combat loops, abilities, weapons design, and balance.
• Strong creative thinking, technical problem-solving, and cross-discipline communication.
• Collaborative mindset in iterative environments with player-first approach.

Nice to have

• Solid understanding of industry trends and modern combat systems.

Culture & Benefits

• Fully remote with flexibility to work from almost anywhere.
• Generous PTO, dedicated summer/winter studio closures.
• Private medical/dental coverage, mental health support, health allowance.
• Discretionary performance bonus, top-tier home office equipment.
• Flexible autonomy-driven culture emphasizing work-life balance, transparency, trust.
• Inclusive collaborative environment focused on creativity and craft excellence.