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Game Director
3 years ago
Build amazing experiences in Halo Infinite , connect players across platforms in Minecraft , unleash your creativity on original IP or think strategy with Magic: The Gathering Arena . SkyBox Labs is a game development studio that works on some of the world’s most iconic games. Our current projects include working as a co-developer on Halo Infinite , projects in the Minecraft Universe , supporting the development of Magic: The Gathering Arena , and original title, Stela . As one of Vancouver’s fastest-growing game studios, since our inception in 2011, SkyBox Labs has evolved from a group of 8 people developing independent projects to a team of over 200 engineers, artists, designers, producers, and more.
SkyBox Labs is looking for a Game Director to own and develop the overall game design direction on a new and exciting original project! As a well-rounded and experienced design lead, you are able to transform a creative vision into various systems and mechanics that work in harmony with the visual and auditory direction, resulting in a compelling player experience. Focusing on the larger picture, you are responsible for overseeing the game's overall outcome, ensuring that all of the design, visual and auditory elements work together cohesively. You are an inspiring leader who is able to guide and mentor your design team to achieve creative success and produce the highest quality work possible.
Responsibilities
- Develop the overall game design direction and communicate this effectively across all disciplines
- Collaborate with the Creative Director and other core team members to ensure the game design direction is in line with the creative vision for the project
- Guide and support the design team throughout their development of features (such as core gameplay and combat systems, pacing, storytelling and cinematography, etc.) while providing mentorship and constructive feedback to ensure the highest degree of quality is achieved
- Provide strong and clear direction to the design team by outlining the appropriate strategies and methods to be used throughout the design process, as well as provide guidance and inspiration to the team through the use of design pillars, research and references
- Collaborate with core team leads to ensure all design, technical and narrative elements work together cohesively
- Work with the production and technical teams to understand development constraints, adjusting design direction as needed
- Build, develop and lead the design team
- Pitch and present the game to internal teams and executives as well as external partners and publishers, with occasional travel as needed
- Remain up-to-date on industry and market trends, new game genres, technological advances and design methods/techniques
Qualifications
- A college diploma or undergraduate degree in game design or a related field is preferred, but not required
- A minimum of 7 years of AAA game design experience, with at least 3 years’ experience leading large scale teams
- Multiple shipped titles with strong experience overseeing the design direction from concept discovery through to live-ops on high production value games
- A well-rounded design background with experience in various areas including level design and pacing, gameplay, progression and economy, with the ability to guide other designers effectively in each of those areas
- Experience working closely with leads across all disciplines including production, engineering, art and animation
- Strong design management sensibilities: good task planning and time estimation skills, a keen understanding of when design meetings and brainstorming sessions are required, etc.
- Ability to communicate big ideas to your team, internal executives and external parties
- Experience pitching to internal executives and/or external stakeholders
- Ability to succinctly define your vision and break it down into the smallest details in order to effectively guide your team
- Ability to guide, mentor, motivate and inspire
- Ability to deliver effective and constructive feedback with tact and diplomacy
- A strong understanding of the market and a passion for video games!
Nice-to-haves
- Experience developing shooter, combat-based and/or action-adventure games
- People management experience
Please feel free to send us samples of your work through a demo reel or online portfolio.
A Culture of Empowerment, Collaboration and Personal Growth
Our studio’s success can be attributed to our culture of empowerment, collaboration and personal growth. We employ a flat structure where all team members are heard, respected and trusted. We encourage knowledge sharing and personal growth through our many Lunch & Learns and frequent feedback. This culture is underscored by our strong commitment to work-life balance.
One major thing that we’re proud of is that we’ve been able to grow a 200 person studio while cultivating an inclusive grassroots culture. We value our team members’ various backgrounds, hobbies, skills, and interests and this is demonstrated through our broad spectrum of social clubs: Join our soccer team, fitness group, potluck club, or one of our many D&D groups - you can even start your own!
Work During COVID-19
In order to keep our employees, candidates and community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of our teams are working from home within Canada. All interviewing, onboarding, and most work will take place remotely for the foreseeable future.
SkyBox Labs is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce.
Although we appreciate all interest, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
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