Microsoft Studios is looking for a talented, motivated, and experienced Design Director (also called Creative Director in many companies) with proven creative and leadership ability to work with external developers on Microsoft’s core titles (including shooters, RPGs, action/adventure, etc.). The Design Director’s mission is to support our experienced development partner’s creative vision and to ensure that the product’s ultimate quality is “first-party” -a wonderful experience only possible via the partnership between Microsoft and the developer. The Design Director has access and influence on platform hardware (e.g. consoles, peripherals, etc.) and system shell & back-end technology unlike anywhere else in the industry, and it’s the creative use of these tools that enable partners to create their best games ever.
The Design Director is an agent of quality and vision. Providing actionable and concrete feedback with the passion and temperance to pursue first-party quality and innovation is a must. The ideal candidate will also have a proven track record in hands-on design tasks at both the highest and lowest levels-from franchise vision to tuning of values.
Qualified individuals are expected to be organized, with excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and have a proven track record in AAA game design. Above all, the Design Director needs to be able to create, from scratch. Strong problem solving and interpersonal skills along with positive creative energy are also important abilities. Applicants must have clear understanding and experience creating mission/environment design, AI, combat, strategy, game-flow, and balance.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Create compelling, innovative experiences from scratch.
- Collaborate and work closely with the MS leads and external partners to ensure AAA, “first-party” quality.
- Provide concrete and actionable feedback to external developers/teams.
- Advocate for, pitch, and drive a game’s vision internally and externally.
- Own the design relationship between Microsoft and the external partner.
- Use feedback from personal play-throughs, usability, and gameplay studies to improve the game in a meaningful way.
- Inspire, motivate, and mentor other designers in best practices, processes, and creative techniques.
- Help to develop level layouts, game flow, overall balance and general “first-party” experiences which fit the game.
- Be prepared and comfortable working directly in the tool suite to prototype ideas, lay out levels, or tune systems
QUALIFICATIONS:
- 12 + years minimum industry experience.
- Minimum of 3 Shipped AAA titles.
- AA/BA/BS preferred.
- Familiarity with engines and common designer tools: Unreal, Unity, CryENGINE, etc.
- Passion for the industry and an understanding of market trends and styles.
- Have a proactive work ethic, capable and creative problem solver who is not afraid of big challenges.
- Have a strong ability to multitask, following through on a wide variety and number of tasks from inception to completion.
http://www.microsoft-careers.com/job/Redmond-Game-Design-Director-IEB-Microsoft-Studios-%28823271%29-Job-WA-98052/2380424/
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