Principal Combat Designer

  • Full-time
  • Project: Dagger
  • Department: Design
  • Location: US, New York (Remote/Hybrid)

Company Description

People Can Fly is one of the leading Polish gaming studios and a globally operating AAA game developer that made its mark on the action shooter genre with titles such as Painkiller, Bulletstorm, Gears of War: Judgement and Outriders. We are also one of the most experienced Unreal Engine studios in the world. We have gained a vast know-how as a part of Epic Games family and we have developed our unique, trademark approach to the engine as an independent studio. We are rapidly growing, ambitious company looking for the most promising talents working in the game industry.

In December 2020 studios’ holding company PCF Group S.A. debuted as a public company on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Over the last 5 years, our studios have grown up from 40 to over 350 people, whom we affectionately call ‘Aviators’. In addition to our headquarters in Warsaw, we have studios located in Poland (Lodz and Rzeszow), the UK (Newcastle), the US (New York and Chicago), and Canada (Montreal) – with plans to expand even further in near future! Recently, our family was extended with a newly formed partnership with Game On, a creative motion capture, animation, and audio studio with a portfolio of AAA collaborations.

To foster the creative process, we make sure that our culture stays informal, whilst direct
communication and a quick decision-making process really matter. As a PCF aviator, you will have a real impact on the games we’re working on. We also offer access to solid know-how, creative resources, and constructive feedback at every stage of development. Our modus operandi is based on staying dynamic, evolving in sync with gaming industry trends and focusing on delivering creative solutions in any circumstances.

During the pandemic, we have successfully transitioned to a remote work model, and we aim to develop it further and keep this option available to most of our employees. And with millions of players embracing our recent hit, Outriders, we can guarantee that you will work on the projects with true impact on the whole gaming community.

Project Dagger is a new IP developed with Take-Two Interactive. It’s a yet unannounced AAA action- adventure game developed by our North American team supported by PCF’s European studios.

Take flight on this amazing journey with us and spread your wings in the game industry! 

Job Description

  • Creating, pitching, and prototyping gameplay ideas for core combat and moment-to-moment mechanics and systems, combat characters, their feel, behavior, abilities, and encounters in various settings
  • Implementing combatant character with animations and behavior using state machines, behavior trees, visual effects, sound effects & combat encounters with arena layouts and pacing using provided level design tools and various other scripting systems
  • Creating designs documents, content briefs, system outlines, and other means of sharing all the necessary information with involved teams
  • Full ownership of the produced function - from conceptual and paper design, through the prototyping phase, scripting, iteration, debugging, optimization - until delivery of the game
  • Conducting playtest sessions for involved developers (level designers, artists, animators, and programmers) to discuss and improve implemented prototypes
  • Collaborating with multiple disciplines, ensuring the correct partners are involved and informed throughout the development process
  • Remaining current on industry trends, including new game genres, new game design methods and techniques, and trending audio-visual excellence

Qualifications

  • Excellent knowledge of Unreal Engine 4
  • At least 6+ years of experience in the production of games for consoles and PC
  • 4+ years of experience shipping AAA TTP / shooters /cover shooters titles in combat or systems design roles
  • At least 1 shipped title in a senior role, with a history of successful features
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate and align design vision with internal partners and the target audience
  • Exceptional ability to conceptualize, pitch, and implement game systems and features using various tools, technology, and visual language
  • A clear understanding of creative and game development processes
  • Extensive experience with online action games
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
  • High work ethic and self-motivation
  • Passion for Games
  • Excellent communication skills 

Nice to have

  • Familiarity with scripting languages and a strong foundation in math
  • Deep understanding of systems design, player psychology, and emerging industry trends
  • Experience with versatile game development tools such as Unity and Unreal

Additional Information

What we offer

  • 100% company paid Medical, Dental, and Vision plans 
  • Company-paid holidays and an attractive paid time off policy which includes 4 weeks of vacation
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Short and Long Term Disability, Life Insurance, Pet Insurance
  • Flexible Savings Account Programs
  • Commuter Tax benefits 
  • Discounted gym memberships to keep our staff healthy and happy
  • An informal atmosphere, no dress code, no unwanted formalities
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