Level Designer

Velan Studios • Troy, NY

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Velan Studios is expanding its design team as it begins production on multiple forthcoming titles. The Level Designer will create compelling 3D levels across varied genres, using distinctive layouts, mechanics, puzzles, and other design challenges to engage players. The role works with the Game Director, Lead Designers, environment artists, and Gameplay Programmers to develop level and mission content from initial prototypes through polished, shippable releases. The position is hybrid or onsite. Hybrid work requires three days per week in the studio: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Studios are located in Troy, NY, and Toronto, ON.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of design experience.
• At least one shipped title as a level designer.
• Experience greyboxing/blocking out gameplay spaces and establishing landmarks.
• Ability to create quick prototypes to prove out gameplay ideas.
• A knack for visual storytelling.
• Understanding of level pacing and encounter design.
• Familiarity with tool use and basic scripting in a major game engine such as Unity, Unreal, or an equivalent.

Nice To Haves

• Experience creating cooperative gameplay.
• Experience crafting cinematic gameplay moments and an eye for camera.
• Experience with procedurally created level-design systems.
• Experience blending handmade and procedural scenes seamlessly.
• Familiarity with a major 3D art creation tool such as Maya or Blender.
• Other areas of design expertise, such as systems or combat design, to contribute to different teams and projects.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Game Director and other Lead Designers to shape and implement compelling level and mission content.
• Own the full development cycle of various game levels, from prototype through polished, shippable content.
• Greybox layouts to determine gameplay spaces and high-level pacing, and identify key moments.
• Collaborate with environment artists and Gameplay Programmers to create expertly designed, unique, replayable levels and missions.
• Help define and implement gameplay mechanics suited to different environments and biomes.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed