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Game Designer - EA SPORTS

At EA, we exist to Inspire the World to Play. We create amazing experiences for our players everywhere and we consider our players’ experiences first in everything we do.

EA SPORTS is one of the leading sports entertainment brands in the world, with top-selling videogame franchises, award-winning innovation, fan programs and cross-platform digital experiences dedicated to growing the love of sports. EA SPORTS creates authentic, immersive, and fun experiences that invite a diverse audience of players to create, connect, compete, and self-express through industry-leading sports videogames and live services, including FIFA, Madden NFL, NHL, NBA LIVE, and EA SPORTS UFC. For more information about EA SPORTS, including news, video, blogs, forums and game apps, please visit www.easports.com.

The challenge ahead:

Help design EA games to be played by millions of people across the globe. Ensure that games have an ‘x’ factor uniqueness that compels people to play and be entertained.

Role Overview:

Game Designers create what a game consists of and how it plays, following the vision of the Creative/Game Director. They plan and define all the elements and components of a game, including its setting, structure, rules, story flow, characters, objects, vehicles, and devices available to the characters; interface design; and game modes.

Originality and creativity are valued, but a knowledge of a game’s target audience and market is equally if not more important. Game Designers should also understand the capabilities and benefits of different hardware platforms (e.g., PC, console), and familiarity with software technologies and techniques appropriate to each platform.

It is the Game Designer’s responsibility to ensure that the team understands and shares the original concept and vision of the game as outlined by the Creative/Game Director. During development, the Game Designer makes adjustments to the original specification to respond to technical constraints and to incorporate new programming and art creation methods developed by the team. The Game Designer also trains testers to play the game, making sure that they understand what is expected of the finished product.

What skills does EA look for?

There is no set route to becoming a Game Designer. However, this is not an entry level role. Game development is a highly complex, so the Game Designer will work with teams of programmers, artists, project managers, writers, musicians, and many others. The Game Designer usually has a reasonably high level of industry experience. EA usually expects to see a portfolio of work, which can take the form of completed game projects or written game design documents and proposals.

Game development is a collaborative process involving diverse teams. Designers must be communicate their vision to artists, programmers, producers, marketing staff, and others involved in the development process, and accept feedback on their work.

When looking for Game Designers EA values a thorough understanding of gameplay theory. You have information design and user interface design skill. Last but not least, they must display systematic, imagination and creativity.

As far as educational background, Game Designers can study a range of subjects, from the sciences and humanities to art and design. There are also a growing number of games-related degree programs and courses available for study, and a degree in this type of program would be a plus. Prospective Game Designers should check the content of courses, particularly the balance between programming, game art, and game design.

Responsibilities:

• Work with teams including Producers, Artists, Programmers, Marketing and other Leads to guide the team’s understanding of the project’s vision.
• Develop level design documentation, including mechanics, guidelines, and gameplay outlines.
• Plan and define all the elements and components of a game, including its setting, structure, rules, story flow, characters, objects, and peripherals available to the characters; interface design; and game modes.
• Develop Prototypes in any tool of preference to prove design concept to team and iterate.
• Contribute by bringing new ideas to the table regarding every facet of the game.
• Coordinate with Leads to ensure that level design documentation and implementation are realistic ; participate in regular, hands-on interaction with Producer and Software Engineers to ensure that the concepts and content of assigned games meet design requirements.
• Lead assigned development team to define the creative vision, technical specifications, fun factor and product content for assigned products.
• Establish relationships with our creative resources.
• Establish focus groups; train testers to play the game, making sure that they understand what is expected of the finished product.

Skills and Experience

• Understand interface design ability and game design theories.
• Experience presenting visions both verbally and on paper.
• Prototype ideas quickly and effectively using platform of choice.
• 3 or more years minimum experience in a similar role
• Documentation skills
• Systems Design background a desired plus

What’s in it for you? Glad you asked!

Since we realize it takes world-class people to make world-class games, we offer great benefits packages and a culture that are motivated by creativity and passion. You will also get a benefit package that includes medical and life insurance, pension plan, meal vouchers, stocks programs, fitness reimbursement, flex benefit program…and of course, free video games.

At EA, we live the “work hard/play hard” credo every day.

EA is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, or any other characteristic protected by law. EA also makes workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law.

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Connect your future to ours. Inspire. Dream. Play.

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