Systems Designer

Blackbird Interactive is looking for an experienced Systems Designer to join our growing studio.  We have an exciting new project, and are looking for a key hire to own the development and execution of the core gameplay on a 3rd person character driven action game.

Do you want to build compelling game experiences having designed, prototyped and delivered high profile gameplay systems, features or tools? Do you love working with as small team of talented designers, artists and programmers to create ambitious in-game content?  If so, this role could be for you! As Systems Designer you will be highly collaborative and able to creatively solve challenging design and technical problems.  You care about shaping an engaging player experience and bringing together a blend of creative and technical skills and experience.


Responsibilities

• Design, prototype and implement gameplay systems, in collaboration with the other designers and programmers.
• Design, prototype and implement level mechanics, in collaboration with the other designers and programmers.
• Provide team-facing documentation to inform and guide the work of downstream groups.
• Participate in planning a roadmap to completion for the systems for which you’re responsible.
• Guide the tuning and pacing of the player experience, and contribute to defining the tools and pipeline required to do so.
• Execute clean and robust implementation of items and abilities with game-wide ramifications and effects.
• Provide thoughtfully and thoroughly considered systematic implementation of reward mechanisms and mechanics.
• Understand, interpret and execute on creative direction, in alignment with project goals.
• Collaborate with artists and programmers to build challenges and puzzles that emphasize the strengths of our core gameplay.
• Script events and objectives for both gameplay and narrative.
• Test and integrate new features, art assets, and gameplay props as they come online.
• Review and incorporate feedback on your work from other designers.

Requirements

• Knowledge of competitive products and a variety gameplay genres, as well as a personal understanding of video game fun.
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to convey abstract concepts.
• Ability to think logically with a high level of attention to detail.
• At least 2 years in a Gameplay or Systems Design specific role.
• Build fun, playable, complete levels in a greybox format. 
• Experience with Unity, Unreal or a similar game engine.
• Experience using a text-based scripting language (e.g. Lua, C#).
• Shipped at least one game.

Pluses

At Blackbird, we're all about being true to our roots. We started small in our CEO's garage, and even though we're expanding, our desire is to stick to that foundation of creativity, community, and collaboration. Our team has proved that great ideas can come from any position in any discipline, so it's important to us to make sure every voice is heard.

 

Work/life balance is extremely important to us, and we've demonstrated that over the years by severely limiting over-time requirements. We want people to be happy about coming to work every day, and to that end we offer lots of opportunities for growth and development--whether it's lunch and learns, team events, or our generous vacation days, paid holiday closure and flexible schedules. We also try to provide every opportunity possible for our employees to spearhead R&D initiatives through our BlackOps program. In short, don't expect to feel like a cog in a machine working for BBI. 

 

Must be eligible and available for Full Time & On-site work in Vancouver, BC.