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- Tasks: Design and iterate on AI systems for engaging combat in a AAA action RPG.
- Company: Join Sumo Sheffield, a leading game development studio known for iconic titles and innovative IP.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, private healthcare, and tailored benefits to support your lifestyle.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team crafting dynamic gameplay experiences in a supportive, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in designing AI for action/RPG games and proficiency with tools like Blueprint required.
- Other info: Remote work available; we value diversity and encourage underrepresented communities to apply.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 138500 £ per year.
Founded in 2003, Sumo Sheffield was the first of the Sumo Digital studios. Firmly established as the premium development partner of leading publishers, we are trusted to deliver high quality games associated with some of the most iconic and valued properties in the industry. We are also generating innovative new IP! With a highly skilled body of over 300 developers we work across all platforms, on a selection of AAA games covering multiple genres including Sports, FPS, and platform adventure.
Day in the life of a Principal Game Designer (AI)
We are looking for a Principal Game Designer (AI) to join our team and help craft a rich, responsive world filled with compelling NPCs and challenging enemies. This is an incredible opportunity to contribute meaningfully to an ambitious AAA third-person action RPG based on a globally beloved IP. As a master of your craft, you’ll focus on enemy design and AI behaviour systems that support meaningful player choice and create dynamic, engaging encounters across a variety of gameplay scenarios.
As a Principal AI Designer, you will design and iterate on enemy archetypes and AI behaviour to ensure that combat feels fluid, reactive, and alive. You will work closely with code, animation, and art teams to help implement responsive, believable AI characters. Your primary focus will be documentation and cross-discipline collaboration, supported by hands-on work using tools such as Blueprint for prototyping and fine-tuning behaviour and balance after implementation.
Within this role you will:
• Design AI that is systemic, responsive, and creates meaningful player challenges.
• Create combat encounters that support variety, player choice, and tactical decisions.
• Define gameplay states that support player strategy and flexible AI behaviour.
• Work with animation, code, and art to bring responsive AI characters to life.
• Align AI design with world-building, story, and player experience goals.
• Build combat scenarios that scale in challenge and support different playstyles.
• Own AI systems from concept to delivery with clear vision and accountability.
• Tune AI behaviours post-implementation for balance and player satisfaction.
• Mentor designers and help raise the overall quality of design across the team.
What do you need to do this job:
• Proven experience designing AI and enemies for first/third-person action or RPG titles.
• Deep understanding of AI systems that create believable tactical/strategic enemy behaviours.
• Ability to design distinct enemy types with unique, compatible roles and behaviour sets.
• Proficiency in creating diverse unit combinations, providing gameplay variety and depth.
• Solid grasp of encounter pacing and second-to-second gameplay rhythm.
• Experience collaborating with animation, level design, and engineering.
• Excellent communication and clear, concise design documentation skills.
• Ability to prototype and adjust behaviours using Blueprint or similar tools.
• Passion for player choice, systemic design, and emergent gameplay.
You will also need to demonstrate that you have:
• Shipped one or more AAA titles using UE4/UE5 or a similar engine.
• Experience balancing difficulty and behaviour across a wide range of players.
• Strong grasp of combat pacing, player feedback, and moment-to-moment flow.
• Familiarity working with licensed IP and aligning with tone and canon.
• A collaborative mindset and strong ownership over gameplay systems.
Principal Game Designer
Location
Sumo Sheffield
Salary
100000 – 165000 a year (s)
Description
About Sumo Digital, Sheffield
Founded in 2003, Sumo Sheffield was the first of the Sumo Digital studios. Firmly established as the premium development partner of leading publishers, we are trusted to deliver high quality games associated with some of the most iconic and valued properties in the industry. We are also generating innovative new IP! With a highly skilled body of over 300 developers we work across all platforms, on a selection of AAA games covering multiple genres including Sports, FPS, and platform adventure.
Day in the life of a Principal Game Designer (AI)
We are looking for a Principal Game Designer (AI) to join our team and help craft a rich, responsive world filled with compelling NPCs and challenging enemies. This is an incredible opportunity to contribute meaningfully to an ambitious AAA third-person action RPG based on a globally beloved IP. As a master of your craft, you’ll focus on enemy design and AI behaviour systems that support meaningful player choice and create dynamic, engaging encounters across a variety of gameplay scenarios.
As a Principal AI Designer, you will design and iterate on enemy archetypes and AI behaviour to ensure that combat feels fluid, reactive, and alive. You will work closely with code, animation, and art teams to help implement responsive, believable AI characters. Your primary focus will be documentation and cross-discipline collaboration, supported by hands-on work using tools such as Blueprint for prototyping and fine-tuning behaviour and balance after implementation.
Within this role you will:
• Design AI that is systemic, responsive, and creates meaningful player challenges.
• Create combat encounters that support variety, player choice, and tactical decisions.
• Define gameplay states that support player strategy and flexible AI behaviour.
• Work with animation, code, and art to bring responsive AI characters to life.
• Align AI design with world-building, story, and player experience goals.
• Build combat scenarios that scale in challenge and support different playstyles.
• Own AI systems from concept to delivery with clear vision and accountability.
• Tune AI behaviours post-implementation for balance and player satisfaction.
• Mentor designers and help raise the overall quality of design across the team.
What do you need to do this job:
• Proven experience designing AI and enemies for first/third-person action or RPG titles.
• Deep understanding of AI systems that create believable tactical/strategic enemy behaviours.
• Ability to design distinct enemy types with unique, compatible roles and behaviour sets.
• Proficiency in creating diverse unit combinations, providing gameplay variety and depth.
• Solid grasp of encounter pacing and second-to-second gameplay rhythm.
• Experience collaborating with animation, level design, and engineering.
• Excellent communication and clear, concise design documentation skills.
• Ability to prototype and adjust behaviours using Blueprint or similar tools.
• Passion for player choice, systemic design, and emergent gameplay.
You will also need to demonstrate that you have:
• Shipped one or more AAA titles using UE4/UE5 or a similar engine.
• Experience balancing difficulty and behaviour across a wide range of players.
• Strong grasp of combat pacing, player feedback, and moment-to-moment flow.
• Familiarity working with licensed IP and aligning with tone and canon.
• A collaborative mindset and strong ownership over gameplay systems.
What’s in it for you?
At Sumo, you’re in control of your benefits, tailored to support your lifestyle, wellbeing, and growth.
• Discretionary bonus scheme, pension, referral rewards, flexible benefits*, and savings on tech, bikes, and more.
• Flexible working, generous holidays, birthday & duvet days, Christmas break, and sabbaticals.
• Private healthcare*, dental*, EAP, life cover, and wellness support.
• Learning days, volunteer time, structured growth, and regular reviews.
• Studio socials & events and a gaming subscription.
*Optional via our flexible benefits platform.
Inclusion and Belonging at Sumo Digital
At Sumo Digital, we believe that when people feel supported, valued, and empowered, they create their best work and that’s what drives our success.
We’re committed to building a sustainable, people-first business where everyone can thrive. Our focus is on nurturing talent, fostering creativity, and creating a healthy, inclusive, and enriching environment where everyone feels they truly belong.
PRISM, our employee-led diversity group, champions inclusion, equity, and wellbeing across all our studios. It plays a vital role in shaping a culture where every voice is heard, every background is respected, and every team member feels safe, welcome, and represented.
We’re proud to support meaningful causes through our charitable and community initiatives-reflecting the passions and values of our people, partners, and players.
We’re actively working to improve diversity in our recruitment and career development processes, and we encourage individuals from underrepresented and marginalised communities to explore careers at Sumo Digital.
Together, we’re building a studio where everyone can grow, contribute, and feel proud to be part of something special.
Please mention the word **STRAIGHTEN** and tag RMzguNjguMTM0LjE5NA== when applying to show you read the job post completely (#RMzguNjguMTM0LjE5NA==). This is a beta feature to avoid spam applicants. Companies can search these words to find applicants that read this and see they\’re human.
Job type:
Remote job
Tags
- game
- design
- gaming
- designer
- support
- voice
- strategy
- recruitment
- digital nomad
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Principal Game Designer employer: Promote Project
Contact Detail:
Promote Project Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Game Designer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in AI design for games, especially in RPGs. Understanding current industry standards and innovations will help you speak confidently about your ideas during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the gaming industry, particularly those who have experience with AAA titles. Attend game design conferences or online webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn from their experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for player choice and emergent gameplay by creating a portfolio that highlights your best work. Include examples of AI systems you've designed and how they enhance player experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with collaboration across disciplines. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've worked with animation, code, and art teams to bring AI characters to life in previous projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Game Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in designing AI and enemies for action or RPG titles. Focus on specific projects where you demonstrated your skills in creating tactical enemy behaviours and unique enemy types.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for game design and player choice. Mention your familiarity with AAA titles and how your experience aligns with the role at Sumo Sheffield. Don't forget to include the word 'STRAIGHTEN' as requested!
Showcase Relevant Projects: Include links or descriptions of any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving AI systems or combat design. Highlight your role in these projects and the impact they had on gameplay.
Emphasise Collaboration Skills: Since the role involves working closely with animation, code, and art teams, make sure to highlight your collaboration skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully worked in cross-discipline teams to achieve project goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Promote Project
✨Showcase Your AI Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience designing AI for action or RPG titles. Highlight specific projects where you created believable enemy behaviours and tactical challenges, as this will demonstrate your deep understanding of AI systems.
✨Prepare for Collaboration Questions
Since the role involves working closely with animation, code, and art teams, expect questions about your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully worked across disciplines to bring AI characters to life.
✨Demonstrate Your Prototyping Skills
Familiarise yourself with tools like Blueprint, as you'll likely be asked about your prototyping process. Be ready to explain how you adjust behaviours and balance gameplay after implementation, showcasing your hands-on approach.
✨Align with Company Values
Research Sumo Digital's commitment to inclusion and belonging. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to a healthy, inclusive environment and how your values align with theirs, especially in mentoring and raising design quality across the team.
