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Technical Game Designer

Technical Game Designer

Remote – US and Canada only

 

We are a small studio dedicated to crafting unique and high-quality interactive experiences, and we are looking for a talented designer-programmer hybrid who will collaborate with both the engineering and design teams. The goal in this role is to drive the creation and improvement of core gameplay and technical systems and tools highly tuned for the level of rich feedback and player immersion that helped define our games.

An example week for this person might be: Attend a design meeting and discover the need for a new camera feature to support a new content release. Program the camera feature and jump into the level editor to test and refine its implementation. Then, improve the level editor’s toolset to enable the rest of the design team to make full use of your new feature in future levels. Of course, the role isn’t limited to just camera features. Any interactive system applies — procedural animation, cloth simulation, player controls, AI creatures, NPC interactions — use your imagination!

What you'll do here:

  • Crafting technical systems that enable gameplay (either alone or with a small team)

  • Create fluid user interactions with rich feedback and polished game feel

  • Enjoys enabling team members by improving the creative pipeline

  • Is comfortable with cross-disciplinary work and collaboration

Must haves:

  • Proficient in C, C# or C++ for quickly prototyping 3D gameplay

  • Visual scripting

  • Multiplayer game development

  • Online operation of a live game

  • Maya or 3D game engines

Nice to haves:

  • Seek adventure and uncertainty in exploring experimental and risky game concepts

  • Believe in the practice of rapid prototyping and relentless iteration

  • Have a desire to create meaningful, enriching experiences that touch and inspire players 

Perks:

  • Paid Time Off, Holidays and Two Weeks Winter Break 

  • Employees and their dependents get medical, dental, and vision coverage, regardless of their level, tenure, or position within the company. Moreover, these benefits start on the first day of the job—there’s no waiting period before they kick in. 

  • Pet Insurance for those who need it too.

  • Compassionate leave for employees who needs to take care of their family members

  • Pre-tax wellness stipend

  • Pre-tax work from home stipend

  • Access our savings plan (401K program) with company match 

  • Mental health resources including Headspace membership and Employee Assistance Program (CCA) 

  • Discount portal for everyday goods and services

  • Employee inclusive and diversity initiatives such as Grow Together

  • Support for personal professional development

 

We look forward to meeting you!

 

 

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

 

The salary range for this position is $57,000 USD to $120,000 USD annually, with the
opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus. This salary range is an estimate, and
the actual salary may vary based on the Company’s compensation practices.
Employees in this position are eligible to participate in the Company’s standard
employee benefit programs, which currently include the following: medical, dental, vision,
401k, and paid time off.

 

#LI-Remote 

 

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Average salary estimate

$88500 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$57000K
$120000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Technical Game Designer, thatgamecompany

We're excited to introduce the unique opportunity for a Technical Game Designer at our vibrant studio in Los Angeles, though you can work remotely from anywhere in the US or Canada! Our team is on a mission to craft interactive experiences that leave a lasting impact, and we need a brilliant designer-programmer hybrid to help us do just that. As a Technical Game Designer, you'll play a pivotal role in collaborating with both our engineering and design teams, driving the development of core gameplay features and technical systems. Imagine this: one week you might be designing a new camera feature to enhance a fresh content release, then rolling up your sleeves to test and refine that implementation in our level editor. And that's just the beginning! You'll get to explore all sorts of interactive systems including AI interactions, procedural animations, and more! Our perfect fit is someone who’s passionate about crafting technical systems that not only enable gameplay but also elevate the creative process for your teammates. If you're skilled in C, C#, or C++ and have experience with multiplayer game development and 3D engines, we want to hear from you! In return, we offer fantastic perks like paid time off, generous health benefits, and mental health resources. Join us in creating meaningful and enriching experiences for players around the world!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Technical Game Designer Role at thatgamecompany
What are the main responsibilities of a Technical Game Designer at our studio?

As a Technical Game Designer at our Los Angeles-based studio, your main responsibilities will include crafting technical systems that drive gameplay, collaborating with engineering and design teams, and enhancing the creative pipeline. You'll be involved in everything from creating new features to improving user interactions, thereby enabling a more polished game feel.

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What qualifications are needed for a Technical Game Designer position?

To qualify for the Technical Game Designer role at our studio, you'll need proficiency in programming languages such as C, C#, or C++. Experience in multiplayer game development and 3D game engines is a must, alongside a solid understanding of visual scripting techniques. Familiarity with tools like Maya will be beneficial as well.

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What soft skills make a successful Technical Game Designer at our studio?

A successful Technical Game Designer in our studio brings strong collaboration skills and is comfortable working across disciplines. The ability to think creatively about gameplay systems and a passion for rapid prototyping or iteration are crucial for success in this role.

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What does the work culture look like for a Technical Game Designer at the studio?

Our work culture is inclusive and collaborative, where innovation thrives. As a Technical Game Designer, you'll work closely with diverse teams and enjoy the freedom to explore experimental ideas in a supportive environment. We value creativity, feedback, and continuous improvement!

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What benefits come with the Technical Game Designer role at our studio?

The Technical Game Designer position comes with great benefits, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage from day one, a 401(k) program with company match, and paid time off. Additionally, you'll have access to wellness stipends, mental health resources, and professional development support.

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Common Interview Questions for Technical Game Designer
Can you describe a technical system you've designed or implemented?

When answering this question, focus on detailing the objectives of the system, your specific contributions, the technologies used, and the outcomes. Highlighting challenges you faced and how you overcame them shows your problem-solving skills.

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How do you ensure smooth collaboration between technical and design teams?

To answer this, share examples of communication practices you've established, such as regular meetings or documentation. Emphasize your belief in open dialogue, seeking feedback early, and maintaining a shared vision for the project.

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What approach do you take when prototyping gameplay features?

Discuss the importance of rapid prototyping and iteration. Explain your process of testing ideas quickly and gathering feedback, which results in improving gameplay features before they are fully developed.

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How do you handle criticism of your game designs?

When discussing this topic, focus on your ability to view criticism as constructive feedback. Provide examples of how you’ve successfully incorporated critiques to enhance your work, underscoring the collaborative spirit of game development.

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What tools do you prefer for gameplay design and why?

Mention specific tools you have experience with, such as Maya or particular game engines. Explain why you favor these tools based on your previous experiences, highlighting how they enhance your workflow and creativity.

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Describe a time you solved a technical challenge while developing a game.

Focus on the context of the challenge, the steps you took to resolve it, and the ultimate outcome. Providing metrics or data to illustrate the success of your solution can make your anecdote more compelling.

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How do you balance technical constraints with creative design?

Illustrate your ability to make design decisions while considering technical feasibility. Sharing how you've successfully navigated this balance in previous projects can demonstrate your understanding of both realms.

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Can you give an example of a collaborative project where you took a leading role?

Share specifics about your contributions, the project's objectives, and how your leadership impacted the collaboration. Highlight your ability to motivate and guide team members while achieving project goals.

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How would you approach developing a new feature based on player feedback?

Discuss the importance of listening to the community and gathering actionable insights. Share how you would analyze feedback, prioritize features, and work with design and technical teams to implement improvements.

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What motivates you to push the boundaries of gameplay design?

In your response, reflect on your passion for exploring new concepts and expanding player experiences. Mention feelings of inspiration from other games or player interactions that drive you to innovate continuously.

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thatgamecompany is an American independent video game development company known for creating immersive role-playing, adventure, and action games like "flow," "Journey," and "Flower".

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CULTURE VALUES
Mission Driven
Dare to be Different
Inclusive & Diverse
Empathetic
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EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, remote
DATE POSTED
January 9, 2025

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