Sr. Game Designer (Level Design)

Description

Velan Studios is an independent game developer focused on creating ground-breaking, innovative game experiences across existing and emerging platforms. Velan Studios’ team members have created, developed and contributed to some of the most impactful and innovative game franchises of the last 20 years, including Guitar Hero, Skylanders, Rock Band, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Tony Hawk, Metroid Prime, and Horizon: Zero Dawn. Velan Studios is based in Troy, NY.  

We are looking for an experienced game designer who can bring multiplayer level design expertise to a AAA console action game. This position has two main requirements:

• Experience creating and shipping multiplayer-focused levels for action games. Everything from initial brainstorming, to blocking out the traversable space, to scripting the mechanics.
• We deeply value curiosity. You should show a pattern of persistent and self-motivated exploration.

Our team is small, but growing. Each team member has a big impact. As a level designer this impact includes, but is not limited to:

• Building incredible levels for our primary AAA console product currently in development.
• Shaping our level design guidelines so they enhance the core gameplay mechanics.
• Mentoring other designers on regular basis.
• Contributing to other aspects of game design and other projects in the studio as needed. Providing your feedback as an expert game designer to our artistic and technical direction.

Requirements:

• 4+ years as a Level Designer.
• Shipped at least one AAA game title.
• Experience creating and shipping multiplayer-focused game levels.
• Understanding of game design principles and theories for first- and third-person action games.
• Proficiency creating 3D geometry in a level building tool or 3D editor, such as Unreal or 3ds Max.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work productively and efficiently toward deadlines.
• Self-direction, passion, collaboration, and creativity in your work.
• Technical understanding of design pipelines and scripting.

Big Plusses:

• General programming or scripting experience.
• Experience and interest in level design for different game genres and single player games.
• Other areas of design expertise (systems, combat, etc.) to contribute on different teams and projects.
• Proactive in problem-solving, cross-discipline brainstorming, and representing the Design team in appropriate meetings throughout project production cycles.
• 2+ years of experience in a leadership position.
• Examples from personal projects.