Tuesday, March 2, 2010

JOB ALERT: DESIGN DIRECTOR -NETDEVIL

Location: NetDevil-Louisville / Denver, CO
Job Code: 281

Design Director
NetDevil is at the forefront of game innovation and has grown to over 100 people in its 12 year history.
From the space combat MMOG, Jumpgate Evolution, to the highly anticipated LEGO Universe MMOG; our company’s passion for launching to new heights of creativity can be experienced in everything we do.
Denver, Colorado provides an incredible variety of year round recreation and entertainment within easy reach of our studio. Skiing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and many other activities are all available at a cost of living that is a fraction of either coast. It’s no wonder Louisville, Colorado was voted the #1 place to live in 2009 by MONEY Magazine.
If you want to join a fun environment where we play as hard as we work and think you have what it takes to be a part of one of the most innovative MMO development studios in the world; come be a part of NetDevil.
This position is responsible for managing the design department and overseeing the high level implementation of all content, game play, and systems design for an upcoming web-based action RPG MMO with ground-breaking technology.
Responsibilities:

  • Works closely with the Producer and Creative Vision Holder in implementing game systems, game play, and content. Works closely with the Art and Tech Directors to coordinate team efforts

  • As a product owner in a Scrum/Agile shop, write user stories for designers. Approve work completed using a Scrum tracking tool and plan out sprints with the Producer and Project Manager

  • Supports the design team, helping to mentor and develop personnel

  • Maintains best practices and ensures the highest possible quality through play tests, iterations, and close team work with the Art and Tech departments

  • Oversees the game design department at the managerial level, including hiring, support, reviews, mentoring, and delegating work through design leads

  • Review and maintain game design documentation in an online wiki application

  • Take design responsibility for the creation of all game content, systems, and game play

  • Responsible for solid understanding of IP and overall story/critical path of project

  • Collaborate with Art & Tech departments while maintaining a cohesive design implementation

  • Help to communicate and implement the creative vision and core design tenets, as directed by the Producer and Creative Vision Holder

  • Establish high level design goals and constraints in which the design team can be creative, innovate, and work within the defined parameters with clear goals and output in mind
Qualifications:

  • BS/BA degree or equivalent professional experience; and demonstrated video game/ MMORPG design skills via portfolio

  • Extensive experience working on high quality games, including multiple shipped products working in a design capacity, at least two of which as a Lead Designer or Design Director

  • Proven examples of professional content, game play, and/or systems design experience on AAA MMORPG title. Provide a website or PDF with portfolio examples and credits

  • Willingness and ability to meet aggressive deadlines and extraordinary attention to details

  • Strong research, analytical and problem solving skills

  • Strong oral communication and interpersonal skills (cross-functional team environments)

  • The ability to work within the existing game design, framework and back story to create AAA quality content, systems, and game play

  • Be aware and sensitive to what resources (art, programming) are available, and the ability to work within these limits when devising content, systems and game play

  • Possesses a strong passion and expert knowledge for games of all genres, particularly MMORPG and action RPGs

  • Proven leadership skills

  • Strong understanding of both story structure and narrative

  • Must be willing to relocate to Denver, CO area for full-time employment
Salary based on experience; 401k, health insurance, and other benefits provided.