Raven Software is an award-winning computer game software developer based in Madison, Wisconsin. With a focus on graphic excellence and high-level, intense playability, Raven has produced hit games including the Soldier of Fortune series and various Star Wars titles.
Raven Software is looking for a Senior Designer for our latest unannounced action title, primarily focusing on combat systems and encounter design. Designers will work with the rest of the team to create and implement combat systems, AI behaviors, and scripted events in the game world. Additionally, the Senior Designer will act as the arbiter of quality for all the combat sequences in the game, working closely with other designers to make sure we have consistent, high-quality combat encounters throughout the game.
Responsibilities * Work with the Lead Designer to establish the game's combat design * Take primary responsibility of the design and systems, from documentation to implementation * Act as an in-house mentor to other designers on combat design, offering leadership, guidance, assistance, and feedback to the rest of the team on a peer-to-peer basis * Work with other designers to create, script, and polish combat scenarios from paper planning to in-game implementation * Work closely with the gameplay programming team to implement design of the combat and AI * Manage tasks that relate to the combat systems and work with a producer on the scope of the work and schedule * Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the combat design during development with the Lead Designer, and recommend a course of action to fix any weaknesses in the design
Qualifications * At least five years of game industry experience, across at least 2 AAA shipped titles * Prior experience in a lead/senior design role * Self-motivated, proactive personality, that is concentrated on solving issues before they become problems * Clear understanding of the action genre and what makes combat engaging and fun * Knowledge of the best-in-class games in the genre and ability to deconstruct the elements of the game that make it excel * Excellent collaboration and leadership skills * Ability to communicate well both written and orally * Strong desire and drive to develop cutting edge titles * Passion for developing and playing video games
The ideal candidate will also have: * Experience working with the Unreal 3 engine * Ability to assist in overall game pacing * Strong portfolio of work in current-gen engines * Experience developing third-person action games * Ability to assist with level, narrative, and systems design when the situation arises
