Manager, Design

Your New Role

WB Games Inc seeks a Design Manager to lead and manage the design team as they work to realize the vision of the Creative Director for a new game. This individual will be the internal evangelist for the design vision and will help define the design process in collaboration with the experienced design team and under guidance from the Creative Director. The Design Manager will oversee the definition and implementation of the design pipelines in concert with the engineering team. This person should be willing to get their hands into the design process as well as leading others in doing the same.

The ideal candidate has previously managed internal game design teams that have shipped multiple successful games in the console and PC space and has been in a leadership role on at least one multi-million selling AAA console or PC game. They should have had hands-on experience with character combat design and level design. This candidate should also have extensive experience with definition of core game loops, progression systems, and other aspects of systems design.

*Please note that this role will be based in Chicago, IL.

Your Role Accountabilities

VISION

• Work closely with the Creative Director to develop and define the vision of the game
• Clearly articulate the design through documentation and internal communication
• Review progress throughout the development cycle to ensure the trajectory aligns with the established vision

IMPLEMENTATION

• Lead the day-to-day creation of the characters and combat systems
• Work with the art teams to create the levels to support the defined gameplay needs
• Collaborate with engineering to ensure that tools and support technologies are meeting the design requirements

DESIGN

• Work with the team to create engaging core game loops and great moment-to-moment gameplay
• Oversee creation of engagement and progression systems to support player fun
• Maintain vigilance on a player-first mentality

COMMUNICATION

• Act as the primary liaison between the design team and other disciplines
• Collaborate with Production to ensure clear communications across the team

LEADERSHIP

• Mentor the design team with a goal of helping each member develop into high-performers
• Ensure knowledge sharing across the team

Qualifications & Experience:

• Minimum of 3 shipped titles on which the candidate was involved from inception to completion
• Minimum of 8+ years in game development, with at least 4+ years in a management role
• Direct experience as a Lead Designer on an AAA game
• A minimum of a bachelor's degree (or equivalent work experience)
• Well versed in all aspects of game design including systems, narrative, level, and combat design
• Strong desire to apply metrics and data analysis to augment their design instincts
• Should have extensive experience with a project that provides ongoing live support
• Excellent communication skills required, both written and verbal
• Excellent organizational skills, including both strong skills in prioritization and multitasking
• Strong conflict resolution and mediation skills
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills
• Scripting/coding knowledge, sufficient to understand script-heavy design processes
• Positive attitude and collaborative approach to problem solving
• Requires a self-starter with high level of initiative and proactivity