WB Games Inc. is a new production studio formed in Kirkland, WA, dedicated to the development of games and interactive entertainment across all major console, PC and handheld platforms. A division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc., the production company works closely with other Warner Bros. divisions, such as Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (WBIE) and Warner Home Video (WHV), to bring games to market. WB Games oversees the creation of games by internally owned developers as well as a wide array of talented external game development companies. Currently ramping up hiring for multiple key positions, the company offers competitive salaries and benefits and a chance to get in on the ground floor of a new development organization working with world-renowned entertainment properties from the Warner Bros. library as well as great new original properties.
WB Games Inc. is a new production studio formed in Kirkland, WA, dedicated to the development of games and interactive entertainment across all major console, PC and handheld platforms. A division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Inc., the production company works closely with other Warner Bros. divisions, such as Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (WBIE) and Warner Home Video (WHV), to bring games to market. WB Games oversees the creation of games by internally owned developers as well as a wide array of talented external game development companies. Currently ramping up hiring for multiple key positions, the company offers competitive salaries and benefits and a chance to get in on the ground floor of a new development organization working with world-renowned entertainment properties from the Warner Bros. library as well as great new original properties. Monolith Productions, Snowblind Studios, and Surreal Software are subsidiaries of WB Games Inc.
Summary:
WB Games Inc. seeks a Technical Design Director to participate in design-focused, developer due diligence activities in order to assess design talent, pipelines, tools and production processes. This position reviews and provides feedback to Production personnel on specific product Game Design Documents and ongoing design deliverables. In addition, this position assists development partners in improving design pipelines and processes when necessary.
The ideal candidate for this role will be passionate about all aspects of technical design evaluation and will be excited by the prospect of working with a wide variety of developers (both internal and external), development processes, game titles, genres and platforms.
Job Responsibilities:
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Work with WBG DAG group to assess the viability of development partners, both internal and external.
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Analyze design pipelines, processes, budgets, personnel plans and asset metrics through on-site visits to potential development partners or through the assessment of builds and documentation. Understand development partner’s team structures, roles and responsibilities, and leadership skills. Assess technical pros and cons and completes due diligence reports with clear written recommendations.
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Regularly review specific product milestone drops including builds, schedules, documentation, tools, assets, etc. as required to provide a clear recommendation to WBG/WBIE Production staff.
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Identify design tools, programs, 3rd party software and/or hardware that could be helpful to our development partners and make recommendations as necessary to assist them in achieving success.
Coordinates with Producers to assure our products adhere design-wise to Warner Bros. brand and approval requirements for licensed IPs.
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When requested, assists development partners by assessing and improving design pipelines and processes.
Coordinate between development teams (internal and external) to facilitate the sharing of information, assets, services or ideas that may be helpful to another team.
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Collaborate across internal divisions to ensure our development partners are utilizing “best in class” design tools and processes for each product.
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Establish, maintain and enhance relationships with inside and outside creative resources, third party vendors, and development partners.
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Participates in departmental meetings to share ideas and “best practices.”
Work Experience:
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10 or more years of design experience and 3 or more years of team lead or manager.
Must have shipped at least 1-3 titles as a Level/World Design Lead.
Education, Professional Training, Technical Training or Certification:
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Minimum 4-year degree or equivalent with excellent critique and vocabulary skills.
Knowledge/Skills:
Expert in level/world design/layout/creation, game-play/AI setup/scripting for large AAA action/adventure or open-world games.
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Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
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Ability to communicate well with many external partners to facilitate the sharing of ideas and services. •
Familiarity with design tools and pipelines.
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Ability to work well under pressure and with deadlines.
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Strong interest in computer or video games.
Benefits Include:
Incentive Plan, 401(k) matching contribution, relocation assistance, referral award program, tuition reimbursement program, adoption assistance program, employee discount program, 20 days personal leave per year, 10 holidays per year (one is floating), company parties and movie outings, medical/dental/vision (employee is 100% paid, dependents are 80% paid), life, AD&D, LTD, FSA, EAP. (Please note that employee benefits are subject to revocation and modification.)
