Job Description: Lead Combat Designer at Steel City Interactive
About Steel City Interactive
SCI was born out of a passion for video games and boxing, with the ambition to create an authentic and exciting boxing game that does justice to the sport we love. Starting from a prototype, it has grown into ‘Undisputed’, the first major boxing video game in over a decade.
SCI fosters a welcoming environment for expression and open communication, valuing diversity and knowledge sharing among experienced industry professionals, graduates, and individuals from other industries.
The Role
We are seeking a Lead Combat Designer responsible for crafting a high-quality boxing/fighting experience within our game. You will collaborate across teams to ensure combat feels visceral, responsive, and rewarding, creating and implementing systems that enhance gameplay.
Key responsibilities include designing, pitching, balancing, and implementing combat systems, analyzing their impact on player experience, and owning the combat design domain to ensure alignment with the game’s vision.
Responsibilities
1. Utilize Unreal Engine 5 to prototype and validate combat design concepts.
2. Balance and evaluate combat systems and data.
3. Assess changes and their impact on gameplay experience.
4. Configure Force Feedback and Haptic Feedback to enhance player immersion.
5. Maintain clear and updated design documentation.
6. Share knowledge and progress with the design team.
7. Identify and communicate issues and risks promptly.
8. Collaborate with other departments to deliver top-tier combat features.
9. Serve as the main point for combat questions and evangelize combat design within the organization.
10. Analyze feedback critically and implement necessary adjustments.
11. Develop tools and systems to support superior combat design.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
* Experience as a combat designer on at least one shipped AAA title on console or PC, in a Lead role.
* At least 7 years in the games industry, with experience as a Lead Designer.
* High proficiency with UE4/5.
* Proven ability to create prototypes and validate combat designs.
* Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
* Deep understanding of combat mechanics and their impact on players.
* Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
* Experience with 3C Designs (Camera, Character, Controls).
What We Offer
Work-life balance and benefits include:
* 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing with tenure.
* Christmas shutdown and holiday exchange programs.
Family support:
* Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
* Option to add children to Healthcare Cash Plan.
Office environment:
* Dog-friendly studio in Sheffield with free snacks, fruit, and drinks.
* Free parking, company sick pay, mental health leave, healthcare, and more.
Learning and development:
* Five learning days annually, unlimited Udemy access, and technology schemes.
Community and perks:
* Team events, entertainment budgets, and company outings.
Additional Details
* Seniority Level: Mid-Senior
* Employment Type: Full-time
* Job Function: Design
* Industry: Computer Games
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