Cinematic Designer

Austin, TX

Archetype Entertainment is a new game studio in Austin, Texas led by industry veterans from BioWare and other AAA studios. Archetype is a division of Wizards of the Coast (Hasbro). We are building a development team with world-class talent to create a new science fiction universe for our first multiplatform roleplaying video game.

Our goal is to create the greatest story-driven roleplaying games in the world!

At Archetype, we believe there will always be a place for story-driven roleplaying games that put the player at the center of an epic personal narrative with impactful choices. We are building games that represent the diversity of our audience. We also believe that game studios should empower top developers and challenge them with ambitious projects that are shaped by a strong, clearly communicated creative vision.

The Role

We are searching for a Cinematic Designer to join our world-class team in building a multiplatform roleplaying video game in a brand-new science fiction universe.

Applicants must demonstrate their proficiency with non-linear editing for in-game cinematics featuring a branching narrative.

What You'll Do

• Create runtime cinematics from branching dialogue trees directly in Unreal Engine 5 using a growing animation library.
• Contribute to planning and resourcing discussions for any cinematics under your purview.
• Evaluate scripts to assess potential animation requirements and review existing PCAP data to help grow the animation library.
• Collaborate with Animators, Artists, and Audio team members to assist with the in-engine assembly and presentation of cinematics authored in Maya.
• Work closely with Level and Narrative Designers to handle the flow between interactive cinematic story beats and gameplay.
• Validate cinematics in game to ensure quality and runtime performance.
• Balance creative ambition with efficiency while adhering to production schedules.
• Iterate and improve on your work through feedback from the team.

What You'll Bring

Ability to Interpret scripts into engaging cinematic moments.

• Problem solver with proven experience adapting to creative and technical issues.
• Intimate knowledge of cinematic principles and shot composition.
• Outstanding sense of character motivations and emotions.
• Comfortable working autonomously
• Capable of clear and concise communication.
• Excellent time management and interpersonal skills.
• Strong grasp of Unreal Engine or comparable tools, with an emphasis on timelines, visual scripting interfaces, and node-based graphs.
• Familiarity with Autodesk Maya or comparable software.
• Portfolio or reel demonstrating understanding of scene composition, staging, camera fundamentals, and pacing.
• College Diploma/Degree in cinema, animation, video game development, or equivalent is preferred.
• 2+ years of experience working in the video games or film industry in cinematics, animation, or any similar job.

We are an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

The above is intended to describe the general content of and the requirements for satisfactory performance in this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities, or requirements of the position.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. If you are selected to move forward in our application process and need to request an accommodation, please let your recruiter or coordinator know.

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation range for this role. The range listed is just one component of Wizards of the Coast’s total compensation package for employees. Employees may also be eligible for annual and long-term incentives. In addition, Wizards of the Coast provides a variety of benefits to employees. Here’s a look at what your benefits package may include: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Paid Vacation Time & Holidays, Generous 401(k) match, Paid Parental Leave, Volunteer Program, Employee Giving & Matching Gifts Programs, Tuition Reimbursement, Product Discounts, and more.

Compensation Range

$83,440—$140,280 USD