Combat Designer | Bosses - Specialist Role

1 Month ago • All levels • Level Design

About the job

Job Description

Climax Studios seeks a highly skilled Combat Designer specializing in boss encounters for AAA console games. The role centers on designing memorable, multi-phase boss battles that challenge and excite players while showcasing unique gameplay mechanics. Responsibilities include designing and implementing boss encounters using Unreal Engine 5, defining attack patterns and AI behaviors, collaborating with other disciplines (animators, level designers, technical designers), prototyping and iterating on designs, ensuring seamless integration with the game's world and narrative, and documenting designs and testing methodologies. The ideal candidate will possess proven experience in AAA console boss design, strong understanding of boss fight design principles, proficiency in Unreal Engine 5, and excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Must have:
  • AAA console game boss design experience
  • Unreal Engine 5 proficiency (Blueprint, AI)
  • Multi-phase boss encounter design
  • Collaboration across disciplines
  • Excellent problem-solving skills
Perks:
  • Excellent holiday package
  • Regular social events
  • Ongoing training and development
  • Group Private Medical Insurance
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Private Dental Insurance
  • Group Income Protection
  • Company Pension Scheme
  • Cycle To Work Scheme
  • Eye-Care Vouchers
  • In-house clubs and socials

Description

Climax Studios was established nearly 30 years ago, we have an extensive history in developing all kinds of digital experiences across all formats, and we have won multiple awards along the way. It truly is an exciting and inspiring place to work and you'll be based out of our new Edinburgh studio based in the heart of the city overlooking the historic castle.

You take your creativity seriously and games should be what get you fired up and passionate. At Climax we embrace those who see things in a different way and aren’t afraid to try-out new things and push themselves out of their comfort zones.

We are looking for a highly skilled Combat Designer with a specialization in boss encounters. This role focuses on creating memorable, multi-phase boss battles that challenge and excite players while showcasing unique gameplay mechanics. You’ll work closely with other disciplines to design bosses that serve as memorable highlights in the player’s journey.

Requirements


  • Proven experience designing multi-phase boss encounters in a AAA console game.
  • Strong understanding of boss fight design, including pacing, difficulty tuning, and player feedback systems.
  • Proficiency in Unreal Engine 5, including Blueprint scripting and AI implementation.
  • Experience collaborating across disciplines to create visually and mechanically cohesive encounters.
  • Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
  • A passion for creating iconic and challenging gameplay moments.

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement unique boss encounters with multi-phase mechanics, using Unreal Engine 5.
  • Define attack patterns, abilities, and AI behaviours to create challenging and memorable fights.
  • Collaborate with animators, level designers, and technical designers to bring bosses to life with dynamic animations, visual effects, and audio cues.
  • Prototype and iterate on boss encounters to refine gameplay flow, balance, and spectacle.
  • Ensure bosses are seamlessly integrated into the game’s world and narrative.
  • Document all boss designs, including mechanics, scripting, and testing methodologies.
  • Playtest and refine encounters based on feedback to ensure they meet quality benchmarks.

Benefits

  • Excellent holiday package
  • Regular social events
  • A friendly, focused, ambitious and relaxed working environment
  • Ongoing training and development, with career progression
  • Group Private Medical Insurance provided by BUPA
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Private Dental Insurance
  • Group Income Protection
  • Company Pension Scheme
  • Cycle To Work Scheme
  • Eye-Care Vouchers

Perks

  • In-house clubs and socials. From board games, tennis, football to D&D nights, there are lots of opportunities to socialise.
  • Regular Socials including Project Wrap Parties, team and studio events, Christmas and annual Summer parties and some great charity fundraising events.

Role Information: EN

Studio: Climax Studios

Location: Europe, United Kingdom, Edinburgh

Area of Work: Game Development

Service: Create

Service Type: Design

Employment Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full Time

Keywords Studios is dedicated to following a well-established Equal Opportunities Policy. We endeavor to create a workplace which provides for equal opportunities for all employees and potential employees.

PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY

Keywords Studios is strongly committed to protecting your personal information. By sending your CV/Resume, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and consent to your data being managed and retained in accordance with our data privacy and retention policy https://www.keywordsstudios.com/en/applicant-privacy-notice/.

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About The Company

Climax was founded over 30 years ago and is located in the coastal city of Portsmouth.  

We have an extensive history in developing all kinds of digital experiences across all formats, delivering entire games, through to co-development and technological problem solving and we’ve won many awards along the way. 

We're currently developing AAA console games and looking for developers to join us.

Climax is a Keywords Studio

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England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

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Liverpool, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

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Portsmouth, England, United Kingdom (On-Site)

Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (On-Site)

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