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Gameplay Camera Designer

As a Gameplay Camera Designer at Crystal Dynamics, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the visual and narrative journey of our players. Your expertise will bridge the gap between storytelling and gameplay, crafting immersive camera dynamics that enhance player engagement and deliver a seamless, rich narrative experience. Working closely with a cross-disciplinary team, you will design, implement, and refine gameplay cameras, custom level camera systems, and cinematic transitions. Your vision and technical skill will ensure that each scene is not only impactful and purposeful but also maintains the highest quality of interactive gameplay.

As a Gameplay Camera Designer, you will:

• Strategically design and place gameplay cameras to enhance narrative impact while ensuring interactivity and player immersion.
• Develop and fine-tune custom level cameras and cinematic transitions, creating a smooth and engaging player journey through our game's narrative.
• Collaborate with Engineers, Animators, and Designers to create and refine tools and camera solutions that elevate the player experience and contribute to the game's dynamic worlds.
• Work closely with System Designers to synchronize gameplay systems with their visual representation on screen, ensuring a cohesive player experience.
• Conceptualize, present, and execute camera design ideas within a project schedule, actively engaging in technical and design problem-solving processes.
• Coordinate with representatives from various departments to address design challenges, enhance narrative storytelling, eliminate production bottlenecks, and clearly communicate design requirements.
• Proactively evaluate, initiate, and implement new processes, tools, and features related to camera design that are specific to the game title or franchise.

To be considered for this role, we require the following:

• Experience as a Gameplay Camera Designer, with a strong portfolio or clips showcasing contributions to gameplay camera design, particularly in gameplay and cinematic contexts.
• A deep understanding of cinematography concepts and their application within game development, with proven ability in camera placement and interactive scene composition.
• Proficiency in commercial and/or proprietary game engines, with hands-on experience in implementing camera systems within these environments.
• Skill in at least one core animation tool (preferably Maya), demonstrating an understanding of camera animation techniques.

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

• Successfully shipped a 3rd person action-adventure title, demonstrating a keen eye for camera design that enhances gameplay and narrative.
• Professional experience with Unreal Engine, showcasing a strong command of its camera systems and design capabilities.
• Prior experience in animating cameras within Maya, highlighting technical proficiency and creative application in past projects.

It'll be a bonus if you also have:

• Experience in leading camera design initiatives or mentoring junior designers, demonstrating leadership capabilities and a collaborative spirit.
• A background in narrative design or storytelling, adding depth and context to camera design decisions.