Design Director

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery… the stuff dreams are made of.

Who We Are…

When we say, “the stuff dreams are made of,” we’re not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD’s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what’s next…

From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.

Rocksteady Studios is an award-winning, critically acclaimed video game developer. Founded in 2004, we are home to the widely celebrated Batman: Arkham series of games. Our philosophy for game development is all about treating people well to create quality entertainment that stands the test of time. We’re a one-project studio that built our success by combining genre-defining gameplay and character-driven cinematic narrative with AAA production values. Born in the heart of London, our multicultural team takes inspiration from the culture and history of our home in one of the most diverse cities in the world.

Role Overview.

Reporting to the Studio Product Director, the Design Director is responsible for delivering high-quality design across the game, including core gameplay mechanics, player progression, combat systems, and mission design. They collaborate with the Studio Product Director and Design Directors to define the vision for the design and all gameplay mechanics, working closely with the Studio Product Director and the broader team to craft and execute exceptional player experiences.

The Design Director collaborates with department leads and executives to elevate the design process, hiring and growing talent, refining workflows, and solving complex design challenges. They actively communicate design goals and risks to internal and external stakeholders while fostering an environment of creativity and excellence.

As a key design leader, the Design Director works daily alongside the Studio Product Director and Creative teams, improving the design, pushing creative boundaries, and representing the game internally and externally.

Key Responsibilities

The Design Director ensures high-quality design within their designated areas while collaborating with other leadership roles to maintain a cohesive vision.

• Vision & Direction: Work closely with the Studio Product Director to uphold the strategic and creative vision for gameplay and ensure alignment with the studio’s goals and player expectations.
• Concept & Pitching: Partner with the Studio Product Director to develop and pitch game concepts that push creative and technological boundaries.
• Design Oversight: Own game design documentation, ensuring the vision and quality bar are consistently met across all aspects of gameplay.
• Gameplay Experience: Provide expert feedback on missions, systems, combat, UI, and overall player experience, driving a cohesive and engaging gameplay loop.
• Prototyping & Iteration: Champion a cycle of prototyping, iteration, and polish, ensuring design decisions are data-driven and player-focused.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with the Creative, Art, Engineering, and Production teams to ensure the design is achievable, technically in scope, and artistically cohesive.
• Team Leadership & Growth: Lead, mentor, and inspire a multidisciplinary team of designers, fostering an environment of creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
• Stakeholder Communication: Serve as a point of contact for design queries and meetings, ensuring clear communication with the executive team, publishing partners, and marketing teams.
• Production & Scheduling: Work with the Production team to develop schedules, track milestones, and ensure timely and high-quality feature delivery.
• Marketing & PR Representation: Act as a public-facing spokesperson, collaborating with the Marketing and PR teams to promote the game effectively.
• Problem-Solving & Risk Management: Identify and communicate design risks early, proactively resolve issues, and keep development on track.

Technical Requirements

• Proven track record as a Design Director or Senior Design Director on at least two successfully published AAA titles, covering full development from concept to launch.
• Experience in game design, with extensive exposure to AAA game development and multidisciplinary team leadership.
• Deep understanding of gameplay mechanics, level design, systems design, and user experience (UX).
• Experience with modern game engines (Unreal Engine or proprietary engines).
• Technical familiarity with scripting, level editing tools, and design documentation workflows.

Skill Requirements

• Expertise in setting and communicating a design vision aligning with player expectations and commercial objectives.
• Experience managing and directing a 20+ person design team, including Level Designers, Systems Designers, and Combat Designers.
• Strong design leadership and experience across multiple genres, particularly Third-Person Action, Melee Brawlers, and Open World Traversal games.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience pitching ideas to both internal teams and external stakeholders.
• A passion for hands-on design work, willing to contribute and be hands-on directly where needed.
• Ability to balance design innovation with development constraints, ensuring ambitious but achievable designs.
• Deep knowledge of industry trends and an ability to adapt and innovate within evolving gaming landscapes.

How We Get Things Done…

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.

Championing Inclusion at WBD

If you’re a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.