Maze Theory – Lead Designer

Job Description

Job title: Maze Theory – Lead Designer

Company: Saltwater Games

Job description: ABOUT US:

Saltwater Games is a creative alliance of studios dedicated to delivering unparalleled entertainment experiences that ignite the imagination of our audiences. Our passionate teams of creative professionals consist of industry veterans from renowned studios such as PlayStation, Codemasters, Sumo Digital, Interior Night and Mediatonic who are working on some exciting VR, multiplayer and mobile titles. At Saltwater Games we follow some key values:

• We are optimistic & brave
• We are honest & open
• We take ownership & responsibility

ABOUT YOU:

As a Lead Designer at Saltwater Games for our Maze Theory Studio, you will be pivotal in crafting immersive and captivating worlds for our players. Your expertise lies not only in game design but also in environmental storytelling and creating spaces that foster exploration and enhance gameplay experiences.

Your role involves close collaboration with various departments to ensure that the game aligns with the needs of the intellectual property, and the narrative. You will mentor a team of designers, leveraging your experience to guide the design direction within the studio.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a Senior or Lead Designer role, with a focus on Level Design, in at least two AAA titles.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills, with an ability to plan and structure complex projects.
• A background in mentoring and developing design teams.
• Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Unity and visual scripting systems.
• Experience in VR development is a plus but not mandatory.
• In-depth knowledge of level design principles, particularly for first-person perspective games.
• Expertise in creating gameplay encounters that offer player choice, emphasising stealth and long-range combat strategies.
• Skilled in rapid prototyping and agile level-building approaches.
• Adaptability to new technologies and overcoming technical challenges.
• A comprehensive understanding of general design principles, capable of supporting various design roles.
• Ability to create level layouts from initial concepts to polished final products.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage and guide the design team, ensuring clear communication of project goals and objectives.
• Establish and uphold design processes, pipelines, and best practices.
• Design engaging and authentic game spaces that balance player progression, challenge, and reward.
• Regularly review game builds to ensure they align with the design vision.
• Collaborate with the entire development team and key stakeholders to maintain high-quality standards across the game.

Benefits

• Salary Range: £50-70k DOE

• Remote-first Studio with occasional requirements to attend the London office
• Unlimited holidays
• Monthly workplace well-being benefit scheme
• Regular team social events & studio summits and networking opportunities
• Working alongside a friendly, flexible, and highly talented team
• Strong creative freedom that will give you a real impact on the final product
• Opportunity to work on the future of immersive storytelling and big-name IPs

To tell better stories and create inclusive experiences we welcome everyone, especially from under-represented people in our industry whose stories aren’t told often enough. Our research has suggested that sometimes people from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to roles unless they meet every single listed requirement. At Saltwater Games we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive working environment, who you are will always deserve our consideration and recognition, and your application is welcome

Expected salary: £50000 – 70000 per year

Location: London

Job date: Sat, 13 Jan 2024 23:27:36 GMT

Apply for the job now!