At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design of a sequel to Alien: Isolation and inspire a talented team.
- Company: Join Creative Assembly, a leader in game development with a passion for innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, enhanced holidays, and comprehensive health insurance.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values creativity and player experience.
- Why this job: Shape the future of gaming and create experiences that captivate millions.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in game design and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Join Creative Assembly and craft deep and detailed games that last, entertaining millions of players across the globe for decades. The role is Design Director for the sequel to Alien: Isolation, based at our studio in Horsham, West Sussex. This is a hybrid role, requiring a minimum of 2 days per week on-site at our Horsham studio. We reserve the right to adjust hybrid working arrangements in line with business needs.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Report to the Executive Producer
- Define, champion, and realise the Creative Vision working closely with the Creative Director to ensure its contemporary appeal
- Deliver a game that evolves through innovative gameplay experiences but stays true to the original
- Direct a team of Lead and Senior Designers and external developers
- Help define and deliver a long‑term roadmap and scope an ambitious multi‑year release plan for the project
- Establish / direct the implementation of the design while adhering to challenging deadlines
- Manage a process that justifies and proves design ideas (wherever possible through prototypes)
- Encourage a team mindset of resolution and forward‑thinking
- Champion the player experience
- Liaise confidently with studio management and external stakeholders
- Represent the team and the studio internationally with publishing and IP partners
What We Are Looking For
- A deep understanding of traditional and contemporary gameplay mechanics, experience drivers and business models across a variety of genres and platforms
- A feel for the appeal of survival games and ideas on how to develop that appeal
- Awareness of current market trends and an opinion on how gamer demands will evolve
- A confident manager with an inclusive approach, leading the way and owning the design while inspiring and championing ideas from others
- Strong communicator with the ability to describe and explain game experiences clearly verbally, and in writing
- The confidence and ability to translate a desired player experience into well‑defined and appropriately scoped game mechanics, systems and features
- The ability to distil desired complex emotional and psychological behaviours into specific communicable design goals
- The ability and desire to use player analytics to inform future design decisions
Desirable
- Experience directing a design, or a significant part of a design, on a AAA game
- Experience having widened or developed the appeal of a game beyond an existing genre
- Delivered a game against a hard deadline
- Good understanding of the IP we are working with
Benefits
- Work from Anywhere for a temporary period each year (restrictions apply such as VISAs)
- Enhanced holiday allowance, maternity and paternity breaks, flexibility with our core hours, and no‑notice holidays
- Private medical and dental insurance, life insurance, permanent health insurance, critical illness cover and free health care screening
- Additional benefits ranging from free games and work parties to discount on technology
- Wellbeing support and virtual confidential counselling
Equal Opportunity
We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief. Our studio sites have disabled access.
Game Design Director in Horsham employer: The Creative Assembly Ltd
Creative Assembly is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters creativity and innovation in game design. Located in the picturesque Horsham, West Sussex, our studio provides employees with flexible working arrangements, enhanced holiday allowances, and comprehensive health benefits, ensuring a supportive environment for personal and professional growth. Join us to lead a talented team in crafting engaging gaming experiences while enjoying unique perks like free games and wellbeing support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Game Design Director in Horsham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the gaming industry, especially those at Creative Assembly. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about sliding into DMs. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for game design! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work and showcases your understanding of gameplay mechanics. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and visually appealing – first impressions matter!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Creative Assembly and their games, especially Alien: Isolation. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their creative vision and bring innovative ideas to the table. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team. Don’t forget to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Game Design Director in Horsham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Game Design:When you're writing your application, let your love for game design shine through! Share specific examples of games that inspire you and how they’ve influenced your approach to design. We want to see your enthusiasm for creating engaging player experiences.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the job description. Highlight your experience with gameplay mechanics and any relevant projects you've worked on. This shows us that you understand what we're looking for and that you're genuinely interested in the role.
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate a well-structured application. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. Make it easy for us to see your skills and experience without having to sift through unnecessary fluff. Remember, clarity is key!
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. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Creative Assembly Ltd
✨Know Your Game Mechanics
Make sure you brush up on both traditional and contemporary gameplay mechanics. Be ready to discuss how these can evolve in the context of survival games, especially in relation to the Alien: Isolation sequel. Show that you understand what makes a game engaging and how to keep players coming back.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Game Design Director, your ability to lead and inspire a team is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your inclusive approach and how you champion ideas from others while driving the creative vision.
✨Stay Ahead of Market Trends
Familiarise yourself with current market trends and gamer demands. Be prepared to share your insights on how these trends might evolve and how they could influence the design of the game. This shows that you're not just a designer but also a strategic thinker who understands the industry landscape.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your design ideas clearly, both verbally and in writing. You’ll need to explain complex concepts in a way that’s easy to understand. Consider preparing a brief presentation or pitch that outlines your vision for the game, as this will demonstrate your communication skills and passion for the project.
