Combat Director Full Time

Description:

• Design, implement, and refine real-time combat systems, including player mechanics, enemy AI, and boss encounters, tailored for fantasy-themed ARPGs.
• Define core combat principles such as responsiveness, pacing, hit detection, and player feedback.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team of designers, animators, and programmers to create cohesive and immersive combat experiences.
• Work closely with art, narrative, and level design teams to ensure combat mechanics integrate seamlessly into the game world.
• Mentor junior designers, fostering their growth and creativity.
• Develop prototypes to test combat mechanics and iterate based on feedback from playtests, analytics, and the player community.
• Ensure mechanics are optimized for mobile platforms while maintaining quality and responsiveness.
• Define abilities, weapons, and skill trees for diverse characters, ensuring balanced gameplay for both PvE and PvP modes.
• Implement progression systems that align with ARPG mechanics, encouraging player engagement and exploration.
• Leverage Unity’s toolset to design and integrate combat systems, working closely with engineers to maximize performance on mobile devices.
• Troubleshoot and optimize combat-related issues to ensure smooth gameplay across all supported platforms.
• Stay updated on industry trends and competitor analysis to keep combat mechanics innovative and engaging.
• Incorporate emerging technologies such as AR/VR or advanced input methods where applicable.

Requirements:

• 10+ years of professional game design experience, with a proven track record of shipping multiple titles.
• Extensive experience working on real-time combat systems for ARPGs or fantasy-themed games.
• Demonstrable expertise in designing for mobile platforms, including performance optimization and user experience.
• Proficiency in Unity, with hands-on experience designing, prototyping, and implementing combat mechanics.
• Strong understanding of AI behavior design for enemies and dynamic combat scenarios.
• Knowledge of animation blending, hitboxes, collision detection, and physics systems.
• Deep understanding of combat flow, player skill progression, weapon balance, and enemy design.
• Experience creating innovative combat systems that resonate with fantasy game audiences.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to inspire and guide a creative team.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, ensuring alignment across departments.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary & equity
• Platinum healthcare plan for you and your family 100% paid for by Azra Games. Including health, vision, and dental!
• Parental leave
• Unlimited paid time off
• Work that fits your lifestyle – Work from our studio office in Sacramento, CA, hybrid, or fully remote.
• Occasional catered lunches and dinners
• Office social events including happy hours, parties, and community service projects.
• A generous technology budget to provide the best gear you need to be your most productive and happy self.
• A packed snack room and loaded fridge
• Dedicated Game Room for “Market Research”
• An authentic office environment where you get to be YOU