Combat Game Designer

People Can Fly is a leading AAA game development studio seeking a Combat Game Designer for an unannounced 2025 project. The role involves creating, pitching, and prototyping combat mechanics, characters, and encounters, as well as implementing combatant behaviors using various scripting systems. The designer will collaborate across disciplines, create design documents, and stay updated on industry trends, contributing to the development of unique action games for global players.

Must Have

• Creating, pitching, and prototyping gameplay ideas for core combat mechanics and systems
• Implementing combatant characters with animations and behavior using state machines, behavior trees, visual effects, sound effects & combat encounters
• Creating design documents, content briefs, and system outlines
• Collaborating with multiple disciplines
• At least 2+ years of experience in AAA game production for consoles and PC
• 2+ years of experience shipping third-person melee combat titles
• Working proficiency with at least one game editor
• Exceptional ability to conceptualize, pitch, and implement game systems and features
• Clear understanding of creative and game development processes
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
• Experience with scripting (visual and/or text based)

Good to Have

• Good understanding of action-adventure genre design, player psychology, and emerging industry trends
• Knowledge of Maya, 3DS Max or similar 3D package
• Knowledge of JIRA, Confluence and Perforce Client (P4V)

Perks & Benefits

• Benefit package 100% paid by PCF
• 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
• Personal development opportunities
• Ability to work in a global environment
• Work in a creative team with passionate people

Company Description

People Can Fly is one of the leading independent AAA game development studios. Our international team consists of hundreds of talented individuals working from offices in Poland, the UK, Ireland, the US, and Canada, as well as remotely across the globe.

Founded in 2002, we made our mark on the shooter genre with titles such as Painkiller, Bulletstorm, Gears of War: Judgment, and Outriders. As one of the most experienced Unreal Engine studios in the industry, we continue to expand on our expertise and push the boundaries of what’s possible in game development.

Our creative teams are currently working on several exciting titles: Gears of War: E-Day developed in collaboration with Microsoft; Project Echo for KRAFTON; and Lost Rift, an original IP we are developing in-house under our self-publishing model. We are also exploring new platforms and experiences with VR and other unannounced projects.

With over 20 years of experience, PCF continues to explore new horizons. We aim to combine our expertise with the creativity of the best and most forward-thinking talent in the industry, building the next generation of action games for players worldwide.

If you join us on this journey, you’ll have the chance to perfect your craft, expand your knowledge, and work alongside industry leaders to create unique, unforgettable experiences for gamers everywhere.

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.
• 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.
• Able to operate with a high degree of agency and autonomy, and help shape the goals of the combat design team.

Qualifications

• At least 2+ years of experience in the production of AAA games for consoles and PC.
• 2+ years of experience shipping third-person melee combat titles in AI, combat, or systems design roles.
• Working proficiency with at least one game editor; multiple engine experience is valued.
• Exceptional ability to conceptualize, pitch, and implement game systems and features using various tools, technology, and visual language.
• Clear understanding of creative and game development processes.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Proven successes in creating compelling and fun gameplay, scenarios, and encounters.
• Self-motivated, hard worker with a team-focused attitude and ability to both give and take feedback and criticisms.
• Passion for combat-oriented games (action-adventure titles with 3rd person combat, or combat RPGs).
• Experience with scripting (visual and/or text based) to support avatar behaviors, combat actions, and actions related to hero state machines.

Nice to have:

• Good understanding of action-adventure genre design, player psychology, and emerging industry trends.
• Some knowledge of Maya, 3DS Max or similar 3D package.
• JIRA, Confluence and Perforce Client (P4V) Knowledge.

Additional Information

What we offer:

• 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.
• 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.