Contract - Audio Designer - Retro Style

Mob Entertainment is a startup multimedia studio that is best known for our hit indie horror game "Poppy Playtime".  This franchise is one of the hottest new properties in gaming, and our team is naturally expanding as our ambition expands.  To give a taste of our brand's popularity, more than 100 billion YouTube views of Poppy Playtime related content have occured since the game's launch 4 years ago. 

Mob Entertainment is seeking a mid to senior-level Audio Designer to join the team for an exciting new project. This contract position is ideal for a sound designer with a deep passion for chiptune-style sound design and the ability to create dynamic, engaging audio that elevates gameplay. You’ll work closely with the Game Director and Lead Audio Designer to craft a cohesive, impactful, and retro-inspired audio experience while assisting in the integration of sound directly into Unreal Engine.

If you’re excited by crunchy, compressed attack sounds, punchy explosions, whimsical creature effects, and eerie, layered boss audio, this role is for you.

Responsibilities:

• Work with the Game Director and Audio Lead to design, create, and implement sound effects that align with the game’s creative vision.

• Collaborate cross-discipline with designers, programmers, and artists to ensure audio enhances gameplay and aesthetics.

• Identify audio issues and opportunities for improvement, helping to refine and elevate the game’s overall sound design.

• Design a mix of retro-inspired and innovative sound effects, pulling inspiration from classic action/platformer titles while keeping the audio fresh and unique.

Requirements:

• Portfolio and/or reel demonstrating chiptune sound design proficiency, particularly in gameplay sound effects.

• Familiarity with the sound signature of 8-bit and 16-bit era games, using that as inspiration while pushing forward new ideas.

• Experience using emulation tools for classic consoles and sound chips (NES, Game Boy, C64, Atari 2600, etc.).

• Strong understanding of chiptune synthesis and sound layering to create impactful, clear, and expressive sound effects.

• Ability to document creation process and deliver source files.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, ensuring audio aligns with design and artistic intent.

• Ability to iterate quickly based on feedback, refining sounds while maintaining a consistent retro audio aesthetic.

• Comfortable working under tight deadlines, when needed.

Pluses:

• Passion for retro gaming and an appreciation for chiptune’s impact on classic games.

• Familiarity with game audio middleware (e.g., Wwise, FMOD) is a bonus but not required.

• A keen ear for quirky, exaggerated, and layered sound design, taking inspiration from titles like Wario Land 4, EarthBound, and WarioWare.

• Experience designing creature and monster sounds, pulling from influences like Metroid, Doom, and Alien.

• Experience working with Unreal Engine and Metasounds for real-time audio integration.

• Proficiency in Reaper DAW for sound design and implementation.

• Understanding of source control workflows in a game development environment.

Our Sound Design Influences:

We're looking for a sound designer who can blend sharp, compressed, crunchy impacts with playful and eerie undertones. Our key inspirations include:

• Action & Combat Sounds: Mega Man X, Gunstar Heroes, Contra III, Metal Slug

• Explosions & Destruction: Bomberman, Contra III, Metal Slug

• Power-Ups & Rewards: Kirby Super Star, Sonic 1-3

• Quirky & Expressive Reactions: Wario Land 4, WarioWare, EarthBound

• Boss Audio & Atmosphere: Mother 3, EarthBound, Wario Land 4, WarioWare

• Creature & Monster Sounds: Metroid, Super Metroid, Doom, Alien, Lion King (SNES/Genesis)

• Warning Cues & UI Feedback: Sonic, Metal Slug, Contra III

If you love crafting expressive, nostalgic, and gameplay-driven soundscapes, we’d love to hear from you!

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Mob Entertainment is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, marital status, family or parental status, disability, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. All employment decisions are based on a person’s merit, business needs, and role requirements. If you require further accommodations or have questions regarding accessibility of our roles, please reach out to info@mobentertainment.com