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- Tasks: Lead the design of epic combat experiences in AAA games and mentor fellow designers.
- Company: Join d3t, a top-tier studio known for creativity and innovation in gaming.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible hours, private medical insurance, and a fun work environment.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on work/life balance and no crunch.
- Why this job: Make your mark on blockbuster titles while working with passionate game developers.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in Combat Design with strong Unreal Engine skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
d3t is at the forefront of videogame technology and creativity, delivering experienced co‑development services to some of the biggest AAA clients in the world. Our studio, part of the global Keywords Studios Group, works on multiple exciting projects at any one time, offering plenty of variety and involvement. Our studio projects have included EA SPORTS FC™ 26, Hogwarts Legacy, Exoborne, Mafia: The Old Country, Alan Wake Remastered, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Vampire The Masquerade – Blood Hunt, Mafia II: Definitive Edition, and Assetto Corsa Competizione. We also work in partnership with our global clients including Playground Games, EA and Archetype Entertainment.
The d3t studios are based near Daresbury (Cheshire), Newcastle (Tyne & Wear) and Madrid where we offer an amazingly professional and supportive working environment. We are passionate about what we do and pride ourselves on our anti‑crunch mentality, mentoring ethos and have been awarded ‘Best Places to Work’ multiple times by gamesindustry.biz. In addition, we won ‘Best Creative Service Provider’ at Develop 2022 and were nominated in 2023 & 2024.
This opportunity will be based in either of our UK studio sites (Daresbury or Newcastle), on a hybrid working basis. Working pattern – 3 days per week in the studio: Wednesday, Thursday and another day of your choice.
The Design team at d3t is an agile and close‑knit group of cross‑discipline designers, geared fully for Co‑Development: we work across a broad array of exciting projects and own core design on the full spectrum of game types and genres, from the first sketches to the final shipped design. Our expertise covers everything from broad feature design, fast‑moving creative ownership, and specialist design expertise in areas like technical design, level design, combat, systems, narrative, and much more.
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
- Confidently own and champion the Combat Design discipline within the Design team overall, acting as a central nexus of knowledge and skill.
- Design and spearhead world‑class combat experiences at AAA scale, across a wide variety of genres, styles, and approaches.
- This is a Co‑Development role, and a high degree of adaptability is required.
- Lead, mentor, and develop other designers within the team, as both a line manager and an experienced discipline expert.
- Strong confidence and experience working with Unreal Engine and, ideally, other mainstream engines or bespoke/in‑house engines.
- Good overall Design know‑how outside of combat, with the ability and willingness to roll up your sleeves when our busy Co‑Development projects require it.
- Represent and champion Combat Design both internally and with external clients, on fast‑moving and complex projects.
- Become a key part of ideation, prototyping, pitching and testing of Combat and related experiences as part of early‑stage development.
- Work to design, iterate, test and balance Combat to shipping quality across PC and Console, maintaining a high degree of quality throughout.
- Lead the end‑to‑end creation of combat features and encounters by partnering with engineering, art, and animation departments to ensure seamless integration and playability.
- Maintain robust research and competitive analysis of other games, and act as a primary stakeholder to ensure our work stays current and high quality in line with modern player expectations.
- Write and maintain comprehensive design specifications, ensuring that all documentation is clear, updated, and effectively disseminated across the broader team.
- Collaborate with production and leadership to provide accurate task estimations and schedule balancing.
- As a Co‑Developer, good time‑management and prioritisation is a must.
- Above all: work within a diverse and close‑knit team in a respectful, constructive manner at all times, acting as a model of respect and professionalism for others.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Strong demonstrable background in Combat Design in a senior role and above, ideally 5+ years in a Senior or Lead Designer role on multiple AAA titles.
- Demonstrable experience designing Combat for first and third‑person action games and similar, including encounter design, balancing, progression, and so on.
- Confident proficiency with Unreal Engine, from rapid prototyping to shipping quality.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills including some presentation skill.
- Ability to organise and structure your own work and that of the team.
- Ability to adapt to changing situations with a flexible and professional attitude.
- Hungry to learn and expand your areas of expertise.
- A calm, positive and professional attitude alongside excellent time‑management and organisational skills.
- Team player, with the ability to work as part of a diverse, fast‑moving team.
- Passion, energy, and infectious enthusiasm for videogames and development.
- Great attitude: we value cultural fit, creativity, and positivity here.
DESIRABLE SKILLS
- Experience in client‑facing roles, including pitching experience.
- Ability to ideate around and design Combat experiences outside of big action games, for example turn‑based combat, fighting games, simulations, and beyond.
- Ability to work in other engines outside of Unreal: Unity, Decima, Frostbite, or custom in‑house engines for example.
- 2D design experience.
STUDIO BENEFITS & PERKS
- 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays & up to 5 days extra for length of service)
- Company Pension Scheme
- Flexible working hours
- Private Medical Insurance Scheme (including dental) – BUPA
- Eye Care Scheme
- Anti‑crunch ethos – a professional, fun and supportive working environment!
- Income Protection
- Discretionary Annual Bonus
- Free Parking
- Tech, Bike + Console Scheme
- Company Socials, Monthly Lunches & Annual d3t Events
- Breakout Areas – filled with perks such as games, BBQ area, complimentary snacks to suit all dietary preferences etc.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We work flexibly, but value in‑person collaboration: this position is offered on a hybrid basis only (3 days per week in the studio: Wednesday, Thursday and another day of your choice). We value work/life balance and have a discretionary flexible hours system and operate a no‑crunch policy as a studio. First interviews will be helped by video call, followed by second interviews on‑site. Don’t meet every single requirement? Not a problem – please apply. At d3t we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace and culture. If this opportunity excites you but your current skills or past experience don’t align perfectly with the job description, we encourage you to still apply. You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles within our team.
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY
d3t is strongly committed to protecting your personal information. By sending your CV/Resume, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and consent to your data being managed and retained in accordance with our data privacy and retention policy. We will keep your personal details on file for 6 months and they will not be kept longer than is necessary for the purpose for which it is being retained. If you prefer that your personal details are not retained then please advise.
Lead Combat Designer in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: d3t ltd.
Contact Detail:
d3t ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Combat Designer in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Get your game face on! When you’re networking, be genuine and show your passion for combat design. Attend industry events or join online forums where you can connect with other designers and potential employers. Remember, it’s all about building relationships!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best combat design work. Include gameplay videos, design documents, and any prototypes you've worked on. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out to the company directly through our website. Ask questions about the team or projects. This shows initiative and helps you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews like a boss! Research the company’s past projects and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Be ready to discuss your design philosophy and how you can contribute to their exciting titles.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Combat Designer in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for combat design and video games shine through. We want to see that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the role and the projects we work on!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in combat design, especially with AAA titles. We love seeing how your past roles align with what we do at d3t, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: In your written application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts well. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your skills and experience.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at d3t!
How to prepare for a job interview at d3t ltd.
✨Know Your Combat Design Inside Out
Make sure you can confidently discuss your experience in combat design, especially for AAA titles. Be prepared to share specific examples of your work, including the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will show your depth of knowledge and passion for the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Unreal Engine
Since strong proficiency with Unreal Engine is essential, brush up on your skills before the interview. Consider preparing a small project or demo that showcases your ability to prototype and ship quality combat features. This hands-on approach will impress your interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
As a Lead Combat Designer, you'll be mentoring others and collaborating closely with various teams. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you foster a positive team environment. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with cross-discipline teams in the past.
✨Research and Prepare Questions
Do your homework on d3t and their projects. Understanding their games and the studio's ethos will help you tailor your responses and ask insightful questions. This shows your genuine interest in the company and the role, making you stand out as a candidate.