Absurd Ventures is hiring a Principal Technical Gameplay Designer to own the design and implementation of compelling moment-to-moment gameplay. You will be responsible for delivering world-class player feel, working closely with a cross-disciplinary team of designers, animators, engineers, and artists.
What You'll Do
- Own and drive the implementation of all moment-to-moment player-feel gameplay.
- Develop engaging combat mechanics, including player abilities, enemy behaviors, AI tactics, weapons, and camera systems.
- Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to prototype, iterate, and polish combat features from concept through ship.
- Author and maintain design documentation to ensure clarity and alignment.
- Analyze playtest data and player feedback to continuously refine and balance combat systems.
- Own combat encounters and pacing in collaboration with level and narrative design teams.
- Establish metrics and best practices for environment and encounter design.
- Mentor junior designers and contribute to the evolution of team processes.
- Maintain high standards for quality, responsiveness, and fun across all combat elements.
What We're Looking For
- 5+ years of experience in game design with at least 2 shipped titles, including one in a senior or lead combat role.
- Deep understanding of player mechanics, animation-driven gameplay, enemy design, and AI behavior.
- High technical proficiency with Unreal Engine 5.0 and its suite of combat, AI, and animation tools.
- Strong prototyping skills with scripting languages or visual scripting systems (e.g., Blueprint, Lua).
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and documentation skills.
- Passion for creating satisfying, intuitive, and deep combat systems.
Nice to Have
- Experience designing melee combat systems, ranged combat, or hybrid mechanics.
- Background working on open-world or sandbox games.
- Experience planning player skill and progression systems.
- Knowledge of cinematic combat presentation and camera work.
- Experience working with motion capture and/or animation pipelines.
Technical Stack
- Unreal Engine 5.0
- Blueprint
- Lua
Team & Environment
You will work closely with design leadership, animators, engineers, and artists.
Benefits & Compensation
- Salary: $145,000 to $165,000 per year + equity eligibility
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k) matching
- Vacation time
- Sick time
- Company holidays
- Parental leave
Work Mode
This is an onsite position based in Santa Monica, CA.
Absurd Ventures is an equal opportunity employer.
