Lead Systems Designer

Job Description

Platform

Sledgehammer Games is a leading developer in the video game industry, best known for its work on the Call of Duty franchise. Since its founding in 2009, the studio has delivered iconic titles like ''Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare,'' ''Call of Duty: WWII,'' and most recently, ''Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.'' We combine cutting-edge technology with creative vision to produce games that resonate with players worldwide. With a focus on creating high-quality multiplayer experiences and captivating single-player campaigns, we continue to shape the future of first-person shooters.

We are looking for a talented developer to join us as a lead systems designer within our Toronto team . In this role you will partner closely with our teams at our other studio locations in the United States and Australia in the creation of epic content for some of the biggest games in the world. If you're ready to be part of a dynamic and collaborative environment where your skills can make a real impact, we invite you to explore career opportunities with us.

Sledgehammer Games is wholly owned by Activision. To learn more about our studio, please visit us at www.sledgehammergames.com or search for Sledgehammer Games on your favorite social media platform. Want to hear what it's like at the studio directly from current employees? Check out our #LifeatSHG developer profiles: https://youtu.be/12DUBszg-w4

Your Mission

Your mission is to develop, implement and tune player-first experiences that will be enjoyed by millions of gamers across the globe. You must thrive in a challenging and often ambiguous environment . An agile and flexible mindset is also necessary since this position must deal with a wide variety of internal and external partners . Excellent and persuasive communication skills are a must .
• Interpret high-level vision into clear guidance for the team, holding regular reviews and providing iterative feedback to meet the required quality bar.
• Manage a team of designers and help to better the processes and workflows for systems design.
• Strive for deep systems design that focuses on elevating the gameplay experience w ith fewer, more impactful systems.
• Work with user research during playtests to identify iterative improvements and changes.
• Build effective working relationships with key creative and production collaborators across SHG, helping to ensure consistency of output from the studio.
• Open to working in / relocating to Toronto

Previous Experience
• 8+ years of industry experience working in the field of systems design on AAA titles.
• 2+ years of experience as a lead systems designer, with at least one shipped title in this position.
• Expansive knowledge of game design with appreciation and understanding for the other fields.
• Ability to pitch concepts clearly and concisely, and which demonstrate critical thinking.
• Experience working with proprietary engines and toolsets including Unreal .
• Strong understanding of First-Person gameplay experiences including gameplay mechanics, feel, and feedback.
• Great technical skills and solid scripting/coding experience .
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Hunger for gaming with a broad range of game experience.
• An analytical approach and the ability to break down complex problems into consumable and relevant pieces for others.
• Experience taking major AAA console and PC games from concept to completion.
• Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communications skills.

Platform

Sledgehammer Games is a leading developer in the video game industry, best known for its work on the Call of Duty franchise. Since its founding in 2009, the studio has delivered iconic titles like ''Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare,'' ''Call of Duty: WWII,'' and most recently, ''Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.'' We combine cutting-edge technology with creative vision to produce games that resonate with players worldwide. With a focus on creating high-quality multiplayer experiences and captivating single-player campaigns, we continue to shape the future of first-person shooters.

We are looking for a talented developer to join us as a systems designer within our Toronto team. In this role you will partner closely with our teams at our other studio locations in the United States and Australia in the creation of epic content for some of the biggest games in the world. If you're ready to be part of a dynamic and collaborative environment where your skills can make a real impact, we invite you to explore career opportunities with us.

Sledgehammer Games is wholly owned by Activision. To learn more about our studio, please visit us at www.sledgehammergames.com or search for Sledgehammer Games on your favorite social media platform. Want to hear what it's like at the studio directly from current employees? Check out our #LifeatSHG developer profiles: https://youtu.be/12DUBszg-w4

Your Mission

As a Systems Designer, you will be an owner and leader of features on the team. You will own gameplay systems and determine changes or improvements to the game. As part of our team, you will help maintain high quality standards and expectations across the project.

Priorities can often change in a fast-paced environment like ours, so this role includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:
• Work alongside the design team to ensure a cohesive gameplay experience.
• Own and become the feature lead for gameplay systems and mechanics within the game.
• Conceptualize, pitch, and iterate on designs with the dev team.
• Actively debate design concepts, systems, and mechanics with the design team.
• Prototype, implement, and tune designs and concepts using in-house tools within time frames provided.
• Work with artists, engineers, animators, and audio experts to bring designs to life.
• Constantly iterate on game mechanics and game systems to find the fun based on user feedback, analytics, and design goals.
• Refine gameplay above and beyond expectations to execution excellence.

Previous Experience

Minimum Requirements:
• 2+ years of experience designing games
• 2+ years of scripting /coding experiences
• Previous experience working on and shipping a AAA title as a systems/game designer
• Passion for games and fun interactive gameplay
• Open to working in / relocating to Toronto

We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! At Activision Blizzard, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

The videogame industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve. As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners.

Sledgehammer Games is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and will not be discriminated against
on the basis of disability.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-g4n55y-18-219-217-36-42 in your application.