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Game Designer (NPC)

Posted Yesterday
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Hybrid
Frisco, TX
Mid level
Hybrid
Frisco, TX
Mid level
Design and implement NPC systems and features for a first-person shooter. Own feature ideation through production, iterate systems with engineers and artists, coordinate NPC cinematics and data assets, and incorporate playtest and community feedback to refine game experiences.
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Who We Are

The Gearbox Entertainment Company is home to a world-class team that entertains the world with award-winning and genre-defining video games. Our games are entrenched with rich universes that are expanded upon via transmedia storytelling, live experiences, and consumer products. Gearbox Entertainment has become widely known for developing successful game franchises such as Borderlands, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, and Brothers in Arms, as well for continued development of acquired properties including Duke Nukem, Risk of Rain, and Homeworld.

The company was founded as Gearbox Software in 1999 by a team of industry veterans and is headquartered in Frisco, Texas. The Gearbox Entertainment Company is proud to be part of 2K, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

For more information, visit www.GearboxSoftware.com.

What We Are Looking For

Gearbox Software is seeking a game designer to join us in developing a first-person shooter. This role involves working in a team environment to design and implement new features and assets. This role will work closely with many departments to iterate and improve the game experience related to non-playable characters (NPCs) specifically.

Responsibilities

  • Feature Ownership: Build and pitch new ideas, taking those ideas all the way through the production pipeline to a shippable result.

  • Systems Iteration: Iterate existing game systems and create new ones based on project direction and feedback. Work closely with engineers, artists, and other designers to ensure features meet goals and ship on time.

  • NPC Development: Develop new NPC systems, coordinate cinematics between NPC and mission needs, and build/organize data assets related to NPCs.

  • Community & Feedback: Work closely with internal focus testing, community management, and other sources of player feedback to maintain and expand the online community surrounding the game.

Qualifications

  • FPS Expertise: Heavy investment in first-person shooters, both as a player and developer. A deep understanding of the marketplace, history, and customer expectations in the community.

  • Design Track Record: Proven track record of modern systems design and/or scripting experience. Portfolio should include videos, screenshots, or documentation of systems or scripting.

  • Industry Experience: Have shipped 1 or more AAA action titles in a game design role, with a preference towards Unreal technology, first-person shooters, and online games.

  • Soft Skills: Excellent documentation, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Ability to maintain focus and self-motivation towards the current project goals.

  • Core Aptitude: Strong problem-solving skills and a keen attention to detail.

Nice-to-Haves

  • 3 or more years of game design experience, including at least 1 competitive multiplayer title.

  • Shipped games using Unreal Engine 4/5 technology.

  • Level design, mission design, or cinematic experience.

  • Experience working in small, rapid development environments.

  • Prior leadership experience.

Gearbox Entertainment is committed to ensuring that all team members work in an environment free from discrimination and harassment, and one that reflects the diversity of the world it strives to entertain. As an equal opportunity employer, Gearbox Entertainment does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Gearbox Entertainment is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals to participate in the job application process, to perform the essential functions of a job, and to enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment equal to those enjoyed by individuals without disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point during the job application process, please contact us for more information.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.

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