3d forums home Resources for 3d artists

Lead Designer job

Posted: February 20, 2008
CG JOBS
subject: Lead Designer , 2K Marin

2K Marin is looking for Lead Designer
duration - Indefinite

Job details: Lead Designer

Description:

You see straight to the heart of games.

You are able to hold, fixed in your mind, the paradox of their simultaneous existence as both systems of mathematical purity and as living, breathing emotional entities. This either makes you a genius, or insane, or both. Such distinctions are irrelevant - you're down to
earth like that.

You're not merely a critic or a dabbler, though. You create these things. Combat resolution, exploration, resource management, character building, and dozens of unique mechanics that belong to no single paradigm - these are the materials of your craft.

You know that even wildly successful games actually sit on the knife edge between "too easy" and "too difficult", and that a single number can tip the balance either way. On any given game, you can find that number and keep it on that edge. You know when to delegate to the designers under you, and when to roll up your sleeves and take ownership
of something critical.

You realize that as the architect of a game's interactive layers, you are in effect defining the Meaning of Life for the world we are creating. You take this duty seriously, but without putting game design on a pedestal above other disciplines - after all, part of game design
is figuring out how they all fit together.

You understand that it's your job to translate the impossibly high level hand-waving of a room full of creative people down to the level of a concrete formula, in a way that preserves the essential soul. You don't bat an eye at the thought of doing this, even for a game that is, in essence, an orchestral arrangement of systems that lives or dies based on how well-integrated everything is. Big picture, microscopic scrutiny. You dream with the gods and design with the slide rule.

Responsibilities:

- Serve as chief architect for all game systems and apply holistic analysis throughout development to ensure balance, clarity and ludonarrative cohesion.

- Function as the design department lead, responsible for managing our designers and representing the department in leads meetings.

- Work with the creative director and other department leads to define the project's creative vision.

- Lead or participate in cross-disciplinary implementation teams involving artists, programmers, and / or producers.

- Lead "systems review" meetings and give guidance to designers implementing core design elements.

- Work with the lead level designer to ensure that the game's scenarios fully express the implications of the core systems design.

- Create and maintain design documentation, including specs for new systems and features.

- Use our custom Unreal-based technology to tune systems and author level scripting content.

- Play the game(s) on an ongoing basis and be the last line of defense for all design-related quality issues.

Qualifications:

- 5 years game industry experience
- At least 2 shipped titles
- Prior experience in a Lead Designer role

Skills:

- Familiarity with modern 3D game engines and related editing tools
- Experience with high-level programming languages a plus
- Creative writing or fine arts background a plus
- Superb written and verbal communication skills
- Social graces sufficient to work harmoniously with a diverse team full of crazy, passionate people


ABOUT 2K GAMES 2K Games develops and publishes top-line PC, console, and handheld entertainment software with a strong concentration in three distinct categories: sports, high profile licenses and specialty product. Some of the hit titles in 2K's lineup include the critically-praised Bioshock, Sid Meier’s Civilization IV, and The Darkness. At 2K Games our goal is simple: Make games that are the best in the genre and have fun doing it. 2K Games is proudly developing a series of critically acclaimed games. Owned by Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), 2K Games is a successful, stable company that produces high-quality titles every year.So what does 2K have to offer? How about generous salaries, full medical and dental benefits, a 401k plan, and a fun work environment. 2K Games believes everyone plays a significant role in the development process, meaning all team members contribute their ideas and are important to the success of the game. 2K Games is located in beautiful Novato, California, near mountain bike trails and beaches, about 25 minutes north of San Francisco. That's right - you can make great games, be active outdoors and soak up culture in one of the world’s most beautiful cities all at the same time! Join our team today!
Location: Novato, California, 94949, United States

email - brooke.grabrian@2kgames.com
_________________
CG jobs


3d modeling jobs