Lead Combat Designer - d3t in Gateshead

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.

We're currently expanding, and are seeking a Lead Combat Designer to join the crew.

The Role:

• 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‑Dev 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.

Requirements

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.

Benefits

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.

First interviews will be held 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.