Senior/ Principal Combat Designer

  • Full-time
  • Project: Dagger
  • Department: Design
  • Location: CA, Montreal (Remote/Hybrid)

Company Description

People Can Fly is one of the leading independent AAA games development studios with an international team of hundreds of talented individuals working from offices located in Poland, UK, US, and Canada, and from all over the world thanks to our remote work programs.

Founded in 2002, we made our mark on the shooter genre with titles such as Painkiller, Bulletstorm, Gears of War: Judgment, and Outriders. We are one of the most experienced Unreal Engine studios in the industry and we are expanding it with in-house solutions called PCF Framework.

Our creative teams are currently working on several exciting titles: Gemini is our new project being developed with Square Enix; Bifrost, Victoria and Dagger are projects we're growing in the self-publishing model. We also have one project in the concept phase – Red; as well as two projects in VR technology – Green Hell VR and Thunder - a new project based on one of the IPs from the Group’s portfolio.

With over 20 years of experience, PCF sets out to explore new horizons. We aim to combine our expertise with creativity of the best and most forward-thinking talents in the industry to work together on the new generation of action games for the global gaming community.

If you decide to accompany us on this journey, you’ll have a chance to perfect your craft and expand your knowledge, working alongside leaders in the industry on bringing a brand-new unique experience to the players worldwide.

Project Dagger is a yet unannounced AAA action- adventure game developed by our North American team supported by PCF’s European studios.

Job Description

  • Creating, pitching, and prototyping gameplay ideas for core combat and moment-to-moment mechanics and systems, combat characters, their feel, behavior, abilities, and encounters in various settings
  • Implementing combatant character with animations and behavior using state machines, behavior trees, visual effects, sound effects & combat encounters with arena layouts and pacing using provided level design tools and various other scripting systems
  • Creating designs documents, content briefs, system outlines, and other means of sharing all the necessary information with involved teams
  • Full ownership of the produced function - from conceptual and paper design, through the prototyping phase, scripting, iteration, debugging, optimization - until delivery of the game
  • Conducting playtest sessions for involved developers (level designers, artists, animators, and programmers) to discuss and improve implemented prototypes
  • Collaborating with multiple disciplines, ensuring the correct partners are involved and informed throughout the development process
  • Remaining current on industry trends, including new game genres, new game design methods and techniques, and trending audio-visual excellence

Qualifications

  • ​​​​Excellent knowledge of Unreal Engine
  • At least 6+ years of experience in the production of games for consoles and PC
  • 4+ years of experience shipping AAA melee titles in combat or gameplay design roles
  • At least 1 shipped title in a senior role, with a history of successful features
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate and align design vision with internal partners and the target audience
  • Exceptional ability to conceptualize, pitch, and implement game features using various tools, technology, and visual language
  • A clear understanding of creative and game development processes
  • Extensive experience with online action games
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
  • High work ethic and self-motivation
  • Passion for Games
  • Excellent communication skills 

Nice to have

  • Familiarity with scripting languages and a strong foundation in math
  • Deep understanding of systems design, player psychology, and emerging industry trends
  • Experience with versatile game development tools such as Unity and Unreal

Additional Information

US

  • 100% group health insurance benefit premiums paid by PCF (Medical, Dental, Vision, Group Life, and Supplemental Live) and start on day 1 of employment.
  • 401K with 100% match, up to 3% of employee salary, and vested immediately.
  • Paid week off during Winter Holidays.
  • 20 paid vacation days and 5 paid sick days.
  • Free virtual health and mental wellbeing sessions included in the plan for members and their dependents.
  • A competitive salary and performance-based annual bonuses.
  • Personal development opportunities and ability to work in a global environment.
  • Work in a creative team with people full of passion for what they do.
  • Long term disability, short term disability, travel insurance, as well as other benefits provided. 

Canada

  • Benefit package 100% paid by PCF. Insurance company reimburses 100% of claims (Up to $500 per service a year, as well as individual family coverage).
  • Full Dental coverage, including major dental and orthodontics.
  • 4% RRSP matching before tax deductions, 100% vested on day 1.
  • Paid week off during Winter Holidays.
  • 20 paid vacation days and 5 paid sick days.
  • Free virtual health and mental wellbeing sessions included in the plan for members and their dependents.
  • A competitive salary and performance-based annual bonuses (up to 20%).
  • Personal development opportunities and ability to work in a global environment.
  • Work in a creative team with people full of passion for what they do.
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