Game Designer
About Us
Merge Games is a global video game publisher, developer and distributor based near Manchester, UK. The company publishes and distributes games worldwide for PC, consoles and streaming platforms, including Dead Cells, Streets of Rage 4, Spirit of the North, Cloudpunk, Aragami and Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX. Merge is also developing its own survival game, Smalland, in house. In 2021, Merge Games was acquired by Sweden-based Zordix AB (publ.)
About the Role
This posting is for an experienced game design role on a spectacular, upcoming title.
The new IP requires a game designer to join a fantastic team of skilled individuals and help realize a rich, complex experience. As a game designer, you would be responsible for documenting comprehensive designs, facilitating development staff, reporting to production, and iterating design based on usability.
The role can be contract based or a full permanent hire (if applicant is UK based). If contracted, the role would be for an initial term of 6-12 months. Renewal / extension is very likely depending on output. The successful applicant would be working full-time and remotely, on a contractor basis. Or full time and permanent if hired.
Applicant requirements
At least 1 3D title shipped on current generation platforms / Windows PC
Broad and practiced knowledge of mechanical / technical systems design, level design, UX design, algorithmic / design tree documentation processes, open world design, narrative design, large data-set balancing and maintenance
Strong skills in Unreal 4
Multiplayer and singleplayer design experience
Full game lifecycle experience
Role requirements
Collaborate with other design staff to generate and maintain easy-to-read docuemention
Collaborate with development staff to help realize deisgns and turn them into truly fun and engaging experiences - both in and out of engine
Liaising regularly with marketing and production departments and adapting / iterating design to fit market needs
Ensuring the technical and UX quality of implemented designs
The perfect applicant
5+ years in industry
Experience of integration and creation using the latest Unreal Engine 4 releases
3D modelling / skinning / rigging ability in any mainstream softwares (3DS Max, Maya, blender)
Skill in Adobe Photoshop
Previously held a senior / lead role in the same field
Experience with / working knowledge of procedural tools such as Houdini
Experience with content updates and post-release maintenance strategies
Working knowledge of GitHub application and best practice
Understanding of usability practices and willingness to engage in usability exercises
Salary
DOE - Negotiable - Competitive