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- Tasks: Lead the design of immersive game levels and mentor junior designers.
- Company: Join d3t, a top-tier studio known for creativity and innovation in gaming.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, 25 days holiday, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Experience a vibrant culture with fun perks and no crunch policy.
- Why this job: Make your mark on AAA games while collaborating with industry leaders.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in level 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.
THE ROLE
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. We’re currently expanding and are seeking a Principal Level Designer to join the crew.
WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
- Confidently own and champion the Level Design discipline within the Design team overall, acting as a central nexus of knowledge and skill.
- Mentor and develop other designers, including more junior Level Designers, within the team as an experienced discipline expert within the craft.
- Design and create world-class videogame spaces at AAA scale and fidelity, across a wide variety of genres, styles, and approaches.
- This is a co-development role, and a high degree of adaptability is required.
- Represent and champion Level Design both internally and with external clients, on fast-moving and complex projects.
- Exhibit good overall Design know-how outside of pure level design, with the ability and willingness to roll up your sleeves when our busy Co-Dev projects require it.
- Become a key part of ideation, prototyping, pitching and testing of game spaces, levels, encounters and related experiences as part of early-stage development.
- Work to design, iterate, test and balance levels and related work to shipping quality across PC and Console, maintaining a high degree of quality throughout.
- Lead the end-to-end creation of levels from blockout to ship, by partnering with engineering, art, lighting and other departments.
- 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:
- 5+ years’ experience with multiple shipped projects ideally at AAA level, in a Principal or similar role.
- Strong skill in all aspects of level design, from rapid blockout and whitebox through to shipping quality level design.
- Strong proficiency with Unreal Engine, with the ability to manifest and iterate on spaces quickly and efficiently.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills including some presentation skill.
- Ability to organize and structure your own work and that of the team.
- Mentoring and developing individuals within a team as a discipline lead.
- 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 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.
Principal Level 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 Principal Level Designer in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get involved in gaming communities, attend industry events, and connect with folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or be able to put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best level design work. Include case studies that detail your process and the impact of your designs. This will help you stand out when chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching d3t and their projects. Familiarise yourself with their games and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at d3t. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little nudge can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Level Designer in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your love for video games shine through! Talk about your favourite projects and how they inspire you. We want to see that enthusiasm for the industry and the role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Principal Level Designer role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills, especially in level design and team collaboration. We appreciate when candidates take the time to align their background with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary to make it easy for us to read. We love a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff without fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end.
How to prepare for a job interview at d3t ltd.
✨Know Your Level Design Inside Out
Make sure you can confidently discuss your experience with level design, especially in AAA projects. Be prepared to showcase your portfolio and explain your design choices, as well as how you've adapted to different genres and styles.
✨Show Off Your Mentoring Skills
Since the role involves mentoring junior designers, think of examples where you've successfully guided others. Share specific instances where your mentorship led to improved designs or team dynamics, highlighting your leadership style.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Brush up on your Unreal Engine skills and be ready to discuss your technical expertise. Expect questions about your workflow from blockout to final design, and be prepared to talk about how you collaborate with other departments like art and engineering.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Gaming
Let your enthusiasm for video games shine through! Talk about your favourite games, what you admire about their level design, and how they inspire your work. This will show that you're not just a designer, but a passionate gamer who understands player expectations.