Combat Designer

Gunfire Games is seeking an experienced Combat Designer (mid or senior-level) who will focus on creature designs for our upcoming titles. The Combat Designer will conceptualize and implement compelling creature mechanics using Unreal 5. The ideal candidate has a passion for making characters feel alive and authentic, a strong technical understanding, a firm grasp on the fundamentals of animation, and experience using state machines to hook up characters. Required to be a self-starter, highly motivated, and capable of working with minimal supervision. Must be able to share a portfolio demonstrating relevant experience in creature design. Position may be performed remotely (within the United States) although ability to be on-site is preferred.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Work closely with design leadership to conceptualize, implement, and polish engaging creature behaviors that align with the project’s creative vision.

  • Balance and refine creature mechanics to deliver unique, authentic, and captivating encounters for the player.

  • Work closely with animators, artists, and programmers to bring creatures to life in high-quality gameplay.

  • Develop and implement state machines, animation systems, and AI logic for a variety of creatures.

  • Actively seek feedback from leadership, peers, and playtests to improve creature design.

  • Ensure the implementation of all creature mechanics adheres to the project’s technical constraints.

REQUIREMENTS

  • A minimum of 2 years of experience in combat design, with a focus on creature mechanics

  • A portfolio/reel showcasing examples of your creature combat design, highlighting implemented behaviors and encounters.

  • Strong technical understanding and experience with Unreal Engine (UE4/UE5), particularly in animation systems and state machines.

  • Proficiency with scripting languages, such as Blueprints, and systems for gameplay implementation.

  • Solid knowledge of creature and combat mechanics, including AI behaviors and animation fundamentals.

  • Experience working with 3D game engines and understanding of game production pipelines.

  • Excellent communication skills

  • Ability to iterate and implement quickly without compromising quality.

  • Collaboration: Actively seeks and incorporates feedback to achieve highest possible quality of work

  • Adaptability: Ability to quickly adapt to changes in project demands or direction

  • Self-Motivation: Self-starter who is highly motivated and capable of working with minimal supervision.

  • Exceptional time and task management skills, with a proven ability to handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously

  • Must be physically in the US and legally able to work in the US without employer sponsorship for an indefinite period of time

PLUSES

  • Animation experience, especially related to creature behaviors

  • Shipped a AA/AAA title

  • Experience iterating on work based on playtests and player feedback

The above list of job duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the hired applicant may be required to undertake additional tasks as may be reasonably expected to perform.

To apply, submit your application via email including the information below along with your resume to jobs@gunfiregames.com

  1. Name:

  2. Position applying for:

  3. Where did you first hear about/see this job listing? (Linkedin, Twitter, ArtStation, our website, etc.):

  4. Are you authorized to work in the US without sponsorship?:

  5. Will you require sponsorship in the future in order to work in the US?

  6. Links to portfolio/reel:

  7. Any other information you’d like to include or would like us to know about you:

  8. Don’t forget to attach your resume!!

Gunfire Games LLC is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, marital status, military or veteran’s status (including protected veterans, as may be required by federal law), sexual orientation or any other category protected by law.

Pay range: $70,000 - $120,000. Title level (mid/senior) and base pay offered will be based on candidate’s skills, experience, and other professional considerations.