Senior Technical Designer, Player Abilities

Crystal Dynamics is constantly seeking the best gaming talent worldwide to add to our 30-plus year legacy of AAAA game development creating new and iconic franchises. We are committed to making great games with great people and living the dream while doing it.

Benefits for our full-time positions include, but are not limited to, a competitive regional salary, 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance options, professional development reimbursement, flexible hybrid on-site/off-site work opportunities, 12 company paid holidays, plus additional paid days in December when the studio is closed for holiday break, and the ability to accrue additional paid time-off.

Join us and shape the future of an amazing studio culture committed to creating award-winning franchises like Tomb Raider, the next Perfect Dark, and more! 

At Crystal Dynamics, we are committed to the art of AAA game development. g. In the role of Senior Technical Designer with a focus on Player Abilities, you will be at the forefront of creating engaging gameplay mechanics that resonate with our global audience. Your expertise will be crucial in shaping intricate player interactions that align with our creative vision, offering unparalleled gaming experiences.

As a Senior Technical Designer [Player Abilities], you will:

• Work closely with the Design Lead to provide technical support in order to develop and refine gameplay mechanics centered around Player Abilities, fostering a deep and engaging player experience.
• Participate in collaborative discussions with other designers and leadership, converting complex design ideas into tangible gameplay components.
• Work in tandem with Engineers and Animators to realize the full potential of player abilities in the game.
• Cooperate with Level Designers, providing them with updated insights on design philosophies and approaches.
• Iterate and perfect gameplay features, always mindful of the project's schedules, technical constraints, and overall gameplay objectives.
• Deliver consistently high-quality work within set deadlines.
• Maintain detailed documentation to ensure clarity and direction for the team.

To qualify for this role, we require:

• Significant experience as a Technical Designer, with a focus on developing player-centric mechanics in high-fidelity games.
• Advanced knowledge of game design principles.
• Proficiency in implementing designs within commercial or proprietary game engines.
• Expertise in visual scripting tools like Kismet, Blueprint, or similar.
• Strong understanding of animation systems and the ability to collaborate with animation teams.

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

• Experience as a Senior Technical Designer, particularly in Action-Adventure games for PC/Console.
• Proficiency with Unreal Engine and Blueprint.
• Familiarity with Unreal GAS (Gameplay Ability System)
• A passion for mentoring junior team members and aiding their professional development.

It's a plus if you also have:

• Contributed to a shipped AAA title as a Senior Designer or equivalent role.
• Experience managing a small team of designers.

The pay range for this role includes the annual base salary, not including bonus and the generous benefits package that Crystal Dynamics provides all full-time employees. Individual compensation is determined by work location within our approved states or regions, as well as additional factors, including job related skills, experience, and relevant education.

Your recruiter will be able to share more information about total compensation.

Pay Range (United States)$100,000—$145,000 USD

Not sure if you are qualified? We hope that you will still choose to apply so we may review your application!

Crystal Dynamics is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to identifying and implementing positive and persistent measures to ensure equal opportunity in the recruitment, hiring, development, training, promotion and compensation of a diverse team employee group. This includes persons of different race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity or gender expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding, genetic characteristic, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, political affiliation, age, veteran status, uniform service member status, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship, as well as any other classifications protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

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