Director, Design

Job Description

Avalanche is a Warner Bros. Games studio located in downtown Salt Lake City nestled against the backdrop of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains. We've been in the video game business since 1995, creating interactive experiences for fans of the world's largest franchises. Join the team behind the blockbuster open world, action RPG Hogwarts Legacy as we create what's next!

The Job
As the Director, Design for our Online Multiplayer RPG, you will lead and manage the design team including senior leads and designers of various levels to create engaging player-centric experiences . You will work closely with product managers, engineers, and artists to ensure the game's vision is effectively translated into compelling multiplayer features. In conjunction with the Game Director, you are responsible for driving the overall game design, defining gameplay mechanics, system design, and ensuring the game provides a rewarding experience for players. Your role requires a strong understanding of multiplayer systems, player behavior, and a deep passion for innovative design in multiplayer online gaming.

Your Role Accountabilities...

Lead Design Vision:
• Collaborate with the Game Director on the overall design vision for the multiplayer experience, ensuring a cohesive and innovative player journey.
• Work with cross-functional teams to align design goals with technical capabilities and business objectives.

Gameplay Systems Design:
• Develop and oversee the design of core multiplayer gameplay mechanics, including minute to minute gameplay, activity models, social systems, account systems, progression systems, how you navigate the world, and player engagement features.
• Ensure the multiplayer systems are scalable, fun, and encourage both competitive and cooperative gameplay where appropriate.

Team Leadership & Collaboration:
• Manage and mentor the design organization, fostering a collaborative and creative environment.
• Provide feedback and guidance on design proposals, documentation, and implementation.
• Work with other departments (engineering, art, audio, narrative, and production) to integrate the design vision into the final product.

Player-Centric Design:
• Analyze player behavior and feedback to refine gameplay systems, improving overall user experience.
• Prioritize inclusivity and accessibility in multiplayer game design, catering to diverse player needs and preferences.

Prototype & Playtest:
• Lead the creation of prototypes to explore new gameplay ideas, iterate on them, and assess their viability.
• Use playtesting, both private and public, to inform insights to optimize game features and balance.

Feature Development:
• Work closely with the game director, product managers, and engineering teams to prioritize and roadmap multiplayer features.
• Ensure design documentation is comprehensive, clearly communicating the intent and functionality of game systems.

Performance & Optimization:
• Collaborate with engineering to ensure multiplayer systems are optimized for performance, scale, and can handle large-scale player populations.
• Focus on balancing gameplay to maintain fairness and excitement for all players.

Qualifications & Essentials...

Experience:
• 10+ years of experience in game design, with at least 3 years in a lead role in a large-scale multiplayer environment.
• Proven track record of delivering successful
online multiplayer from concept to launch.
• Experience with live service models, content updates, and post-launch support for
online multiplayer .
• Experience with free-to-play or games-as-a-service models.

Technical Skills:
• Strong understanding of
online multiplayer design principles, player psychology, and game balancing.
• Familiarity with game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine) and trending technology within platform infrastructure.
• Experience working with data analytics to inform design decisions.

Leadership & Communication:
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate design vision and ideas to different teams.

Passion for Games:
• A deep understanding of
online multiplayer gaming culture, trends, and player motivations.
• Enthusiastic and passionate about creating innovative and memorable online mult iplayer experiences.
• A passion for online multiplayer RPGs
• A passion for the source material and IP we are working in

Championing Inclusion at WBD
Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or any other category protected by law.

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.

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance. Base pay is just one component of Warner Bros. Discovery's total compensation package for employees. Pay Range: $168,140.00 - $312,260.00 salary per year. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and sick time and vacation.

If you're a qualified candidate with an arrest or conviction record, please know that your application will be considered in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-bxww1e-3-144-250-118-42 in your application.