Engineer (Gameplay)

As an Engineer (Gameplay) at Visual Concepts, your main responsibilities will include designing and implementing gameplay features that heighten the gaming experience for WWE 2K. You'll work closely with animators and designers to deliver polished, well-integrated animations and combat systems. Additionally, you will be expected to create efficient coding practices, ensuring a seamless gaming experience while maintaining a clear representation of the player in all features.

To qualify for the Engineer (Gameplay) position with Visual Concepts, you generally need a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Computer Science or related fields, along with 2+ years of experience in game development. Proficiency in C/C++ and a solid foundation in object-oriented programming are also essential. An understanding of animational technology and a passion for gaming are valuable assets as well.

Successful Engineers (Gameplay) at Visual Concepts possess strong problem-solving skills and a high level of self-motivation. Being a collaborative team player is crucial, as much of the role involves working alongside various departments. Additionally, a keen understanding of gameplay logic, coupled with a dedication to writing clean, well-documented code, will serve you well in delivering high-quality gaming experiences.

At Visual Concepts, team collaboration is at the heart of the Engineer (Gameplay) role. You will join a group of passionate engineers, designers, and animators, where sharing ideas and approaches is key. The Agile process used in development encourages regular communication, feedback, and adaptation, ensuring that everyone’s contributions are valued and considered to create the best game possible.

The pay range for the Engineer (Gameplay) position at Visual Concepts in California starts between $93,960 and $120,800 per year. However, actual compensation may vary based on several factors, such as market location, individual qualifications, and experience. In addition, employees may receive bonuses, equity awards, and a complete benefits package, which will be detailed if an offer is made.

When answering, detail your previous projects in game development, highlighting specific technologies you used and the roles you played. Make sure to mention instances where your contributions directly impacted gameplay mechanics or player experience, as this aligns with the responsibilities of the Engineer (Gameplay) role at Visual Concepts.

Discuss your strategies for fostering communication and cooperation within a team, such as regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and using project management tools. Emphasize your belief in the value of collective input, highlighting any successful projects where teamwork enhanced the outcome.

Explain the coding standards you adhere to, such as writing clean and well-documented code, performing code reviews, and using version control systems. Mention how these practices enhance the project's maintainability and help identify and fix bugs efficiently.

Share specific examples of projects where you utilized C/C++ to create game features. Discuss the advantages these languages offer in optimizing performance and resources, which is essential for gameplay mechanics and animations in the Engineer (Gameplay) role.

Illustrate your time management skills by discussing how you break down large tasks into manageable parts, estimate the time required for each, and re-prioritize as necessary. Providing an example of a past experience overcoming a tight deadline would strengthen your response.

Talk about resources like online courses, industry publications, and tech conferences you attend to learn new technologies and trends. Sharing your proactive approach to maintaining your knowledge will showcase your passion for game development.

Share a specific scenario where you faced a significant challenge, explaining the steps you took to overcome it. Emphasize your analytical skills and innovative thinking, which are crucial qualities for the Engineer (Gameplay) position.

Discuss how gameplay mechanics are fundamental to designing engaging experiences for players. Share your thoughts on balancing fun and challenge within gameplay systems and how you’ve implemented mechanics in past projects.

Talk about your process for gathering and analyzing player feedback, whether through surveys, beta testing, or user testing sessions. Explain how you translate this feedback into actionable changes that improve the overall gaming experience.

Share your passion for Visual Concepts' games and how the company's values align with your career goals. Discuss your excitement about contributing to high-quality titles, specifically WWE 2K, and highlight your admiration for the company’s culture of creativity and teamwork.