Lead Combat Designer

Established in 2002, CI Games has carved its niche in the global gaming scene as an independent video game developer and publisher. Over two decades, the company has built a reputation for acclaimed titles like the Lords of the Fallen and Sniper Ghost Warrior franchises. Its third-party publishing arm, United Label, champions ambitious, meticulously crafted games such as Röki, Eldest Souls, and the Tales of Iron franchise.

Embracing the future of work, CI Games has operated with fully remote teams since 2020, with most employees based throughout Europe.

Join CI Games and be part of shaping the future of gaming. As we embark on an ambitious strategic roadmap with major releases planned for , we're seeking a talented and dedicated Lead Combat Designer to help us create ground-breaking experiences that captivate players worldwide.

A career at CI Games is about being part of a team working on some of the most creatively rewarding and ambitious projects to be found in any entertainment medium. You would be welcomed to a dedicated and inclusive environment where you can learn and collaborate with some of the most talented people in the industry.

• Lead the Combat Design team to develop and refine our approach to core gameplay, focusing on combat and player focused gameplay.
• Champion the overall player combat experience including 3
  
  Cs, ensuring exceptional play experience which meets a state-of-the-art level of polish.
• Guide and mentor a talented team of designers, providing constructive feedback and solving high-level problems.

• Oversee the implementation of combat behaviours, 3
  
  Cs, encounters and bosses within Unreal Engine.
• Ensure the team delivers clear, well documented design materials and provide comprehensive requirements to the development teams.
• Guide the design process for a wide variety of gameplay features ranging from the fine details to overarching gameplay experiences.

• Partner with key stakeholders across departments to align design goals with broader project objectives and ensure a unified design vision.
• Coordinate with Direction, Leads and Production to ensure development stays on track and within available resource and project timeframe allocations.

On occasions, this role may be challenging.

• The gaming industry is extremely fast-paced – project priorities can change quickly and deadlines can be tight.
• You will need to guide your team through these shifting goals, ensuring they can adapt their focus and continue to solve complex problems under pressure.
• Your role will be fully remote which may be sometimes challenging.

• 5+ years of experience in Game Design, with a proven track record in a Lead role.
• An outstanding background within combat and 3
  
  Cs design.
• Live and breathe combat and player oriented game design being able to discuss and execute designs with ease.
• Shipped at least 2 AAA titles in a design capacity ideally action RPGs.
• A deep understanding of the Souls-like genre and its design principles.
• A core design philosophy that puts the player experience first, and the ability to champion that perspective throughout the development process.
• Exceptional knowledge of gameplay mechanics and what makes modern games work.
• Deep familiarity with Unreal Engine; you must understand the technology and its pipelines to lead the team effectively.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills are essential for this leadership role.
• An open and creative mind, with the ability to inspire and mentor others.

• Attractive remuneration and annual discretionary bonus.
• Generous benefits supporting your wellbeing.
• Opportunities for professional development within a supportive and collaborative team.
• Remote work with flexible schedules (core working hours 10am-4pm CET), allowing you to work alongside talented individuals from around the world.
• An opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and stay at the forefront of the gaming industry.
• A diverse and inclusive workplace that celebrates all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation,…