Senior Gameplay AI, Fortnite

As a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer at Epic Games, you'll be responsible for collaborating with design and art teams to create and iterate AI features for Fortnite. You'll experiment with game design through rapid prototyping while ensuring solid architectural and algorithmic decisions are made. Additionally, you'll maintain core AI systems, collaborate with engine AI developers for optimization, and ensure high-quality user experiences across multiple platforms.

To qualify for the Senior Gameplay AI Engineer role at Epic Games, candidates should have professional experience in game development, with a track record of shipping AAA titles and a strong understanding of AI systems such as Behavior Trees and Pathfinding. Proficiency in C++ is essential, along with excellent communication skills. Experience in live service games is a plus, and candidates should be self-motivated and creative problem-solvers.

Epic Games fosters a creative environment for Gameplay AI Engineers by promoting collaboration and iteration among developers, designers, and artists. The company's culture encourages experimentation and innovation, allowing engineers to explore new ideas and enhance gameplay AI features while benefiting from input across various disciplines.

As a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer at Epic Games, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% coverage of medical premiums for you and your dependents, unlimited PTO, competitive 401k matching, and a mental well-being program. Additionally, employees are celebrated with company-wide events and recognized for their milestones, including a paid sabbatical after seven years of employment.

The work culture for a Senior Gameplay AI Engineer at Epic Games is inclusive and collaborative, valuing diverse perspectives and creativity. The company prioritizes employee well-being and professional development, ensuring everyone feels empowered to contribute to innovative solutions in game development while enjoying a supportive work environment.

When answering this question, highlight specific experiences you’ve had with AI systems like Behavior Trees, Finite State Machines, and Pathfinding. Discuss examples of projects where you implemented these systems, the challenges you faced, and the solutions you devised to enhance gameplay.

Discuss your approach to rapid prototyping, mentioning any specific tools or techniques you utilize. Explain how you gather feedback and iterate on your designs quickly, as well as how your prototyping efforts have led to successful implementations in past projects.

When addressing this question, emphasize your understanding of performance metrics and player feedback. Talk about methods you’ve used to test and iterate AI systems on varying platforms, focusing on how you optimize gameplay AI to suit the capabilities of each platform without sacrificing user experience.

Provide a detailed account of a specific challenge you faced related to AI and describe the step-by-step process you took to solve it. Focus on your problem-solving skills, the importance of collaboration with your team, and the positive results that followed from your resolution.

When asked about your experience with live service games, focus on any projects you’ve worked on that required ongoing updates and monitoring of gameplay mechanics. Discuss your understanding of how AI impacts player engagement and your strategies for maintaining a healthy and engaging game environment.

Emphasize your belief in the importance of communication and collaboration in game development. Provide examples of how you’ve successfully worked with artists and designers to integrate AI features into their visions, ensuring that everyone's contributions are aligned towards common goals.

Talk about the specific tools and software you use for developing AI systems and why you find them effective. Mention any proprietary or popular game development tools, as well as any frameworks that help streamline your workflow and increase your productivity.

Explain your methods for keeping abreast of new technologies and trends in AI for gaming. This could include attending industry conferences, participating in online forums, subscribing to relevant publications, and networking with peers to share insights and best practices.

This is an opportunity to share your philosophy on gameplay AI. Discuss elements that make AI engaging, such as adaptability, realism, and responsiveness, along with examples from games that you admire where these qualities were successfully implemented.

Discuss the importance of constructive feedback in the development process. Describe your willingness to listen, learn, and adapt your designs based on the insights of your peers, emphasizing your commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration.