Position Overview

We are looking for a Senior Encounter Designer to join our growing team and help craft Echtra’s next AAA PC and Console ARPG. As a Senior Encounter Designer, you’ll be at the forefront of crafting dynamic and immersive combat experiences within the beloved universe of an existing franchise. You will design and fine-tune encounters that challenge and thrill players, with a focus on enemy AI, group behavior, and the orchestration of engaging events.

You will leverage your deep expertise in game balance, player motivation, and core game loops to ensure each encounter is not only balanced and exhilarating but also enriches the overall game experience. Your creative input will be crucial in making combat scenarios feel impactful and memorable.

Echtra Games is a growing game studio in San Francisco with a team of veteran game developers and visionary newcomers who work both on-site and remotely. At Echtra, we value diversity and support work-life balance. We also have great benefits, an open vacation policy, and flexible schedules!

Key Roles and Responsibilities 

• Create, iterate on, and communicate the vision for moment-to-moment gameplay and player experience of combat.
• Strategically balance enemies, bosses, events, and combat to create a captivating player experience.
• Create sophisticated enemy populations and AI for engaging and approachable combat.
• Continuously research and analyze other games for inspiration that can make our designs even stronger.
• Collaborate with the Engineering and Art teams in the creation of tools and content.
• Align with licensors to deliver content that respects and builds on a franchise while creating a new, unique experience.

Desired Skills and Experience

• 5+ years of industry experience in a Game Design role with at least one shipped title.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience building 3rd person action games.
• Experience working with Unreal Engine and implementing blueprints.
• Mathematical and analytical problem solving skills.
• Experience bringing large gameplay systems into balance.
• Solid decision making and prioritization skills to create actionable tasks from various feedback.
• Strong understanding of how to design content. 
• Experience using existing assets and functional components to create new gameplay.

Pluses

• Experience with and passion for ARPG and looter shooter style games with a focus on combat mechanics.

What we offer you:

• Competitive salary, bonus plan and ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)
• 401K Company Match Contribution (US)
• RRSP/DPSP company match contribution (Canada)
• Health coverage, dental, disability, critical illness, EAP, and life insurance (Canada)
• Medical, dental, vision, EAP, life insurance, and disability benefits (US)
• Virtual mental health and neurodiversity support programs
• Global Fitness reimbursement program
• Global Wellbeing Program
• Financial wellness program with unlimited access to certified financial planners
• Discretionary Time Off policy for many employees
• Family planning support program
• Generous paid parental, pregnancy-related disability, caregiver, and compassionate leaves
• Subsidized Back-up child care (US)
• Zynga happy hours and frequent employee events
• Flexible working hours on many teams
• Culture of diversity and inclusion including employee resource groups
• Work with cool people and impact millions of daily players

We are an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to building a diverse and talented workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, disability, or any other class or characteristic protected by applicable law. We welcome job-seekers, players, employees, and partners from all backgrounds to join us!

We will consider all qualified job-seekers with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities in order to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at AccommodationRequest@zynga.com to request an accommodation associated with your application for an open position.

The pay range for this position in  California at the start of employment is expected to be between $91,100 and $134,000 per year. 

However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.   Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits.  Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

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