Radical Entertainment, an operation of Activision Blizzard, Inc. is a leading developer of interactive entertainment. We are proud to have released hit titles such as Scarface: The World is Yours, Hulk Ultimate Destruction and Crash of the Titans. We are continuing to work on licensed properties and are set to deliver an original title, Prototype, in 2009. Our 50,000+ square foot studio situated on the cusp of downtown Vancouver, overlooks the coastal mountains and offers a fully stocked kitchen, in-house gym, log cabin, ski lift tickets, art gallery passes and a wide variety of training, mentorship and career development initiatives. At Radical we’re here to create great games and learn and have fun doing it. Our motto is simple: Play Work Live Breathe Games!
Radical Entertainment is currently working on an exciting Action/Platform Game and we’re looking for an experienced and creative Level Designer to join our studio.
Job Title: Level Designer (Senior) Reports To: Lead Designer
Division/Department: Production
Basic Function:
Responsible for the construction of cohesive levels that support the overall vision of the game.
Duties and Responsibilities: - Gathers and verifies requirements for areas of responsibility - Produces novel and workable ideas and concepts for game play and missions which require few iterations - Contributes to the development of game vision and the strategy for preserving that vision - Develops prototypes of level elements and explores feasibility for implementation - Tests design prototypes in greyblock world and works with artists responsible for the overall look and feel; completes iterations to design as needed; assists less experienced designers - Creates robust, clear visual and written design documents that are thorough, well organized and concise - Formalizes world rules and communicates to other designers - Understands, maintains and actively promotes vision across game team - Uses game vision as filter for all design decisions - Uses understanding of interdependencies to help direct designers - Expert proficiency with relevant proprietary and commercial tool sets - Places objects, lays out AI paths, and assorted gameplay-specific triggers - Gives direction and feedback to designers on ideal parameters - Seeks and identifies problems and diagnoses complex causes in own and other areas - Fixes bugs quickly and assists team members on their bug fixing - Proactively mentors team members on design and implementation methodologies and challenges
Principal Working Relationships:
Works with design team, artists and programmers to construct compelling game levels.
Position Qualifications:
Educational Requirements: - Bachelor’s degree in related discipline (Computer Science, Architecture, Graphic Design or CAD, Communications, Art History) or equivalent level of experience required
Special Knowledge, Skills: - Scripting languages (LUA, Python, Unreal Script) required; Mel Scripting a bonus - Understanding of structured languages - 3D editing tools (Maya, Max, UnrealEd) required - Proficiency with 2D art tools (Photoshop) - Excellent knowledge of MS Word and Excel required - Knowledge of a variety of games required - Creative writing skills - Experience in programming a bonus
Prior Experience/Previous Positions related to current position: - Greater than five years of professional experience required - Has shipped more than one AAA title or possesses equivalent experience from a related industry
Other Qualifications and/or Requirements: - Ability to build collaborative relationships and resolve conflicts in a constructive manner - Provides others the information that they require to make decisions - Communicates in a clear and succinct manner, considering the audience - Ability to plan own work and the work of others - Properly estimates time to complete work, manages competing priorities and builds in buffers - Takes risks, makes mistakes and takes steps to prevent repeat mistakes - Understands the impact of decisions on other disciplines - Initiates and supports continuous, novel, and innovative improvement of processes
