Principal Game Designer

Principal Game Designer (AI)

Sumo Digital, Sheffield

About the Role:

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Principal Game Designer to join our talented team in Sheffield. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the AI systems and enemy encounters for our exciting new project.

Responsibilities:

• Design and iterate on enemy archetypes and AI behaviors to create engaging and challenging combat encounters.
• Collaborate closely with code, animation, and art teams to ensure seamless implementation of responsive AI characters.
• Champion clear and concise design documentation, fostering strong cross-discipline communication.
• Utilize tools like Blueprint to prototype and refine AI behaviors.
• Align AI design with world-building, story, and player experience goals.
• Mentor junior designers and contribute to raising the overall quality of design within the team.

Requirements:

• Proven experience designing AI and enemies for AAA first/third-person action or RPG titles.
• Deep understanding of AI systems that create believable tactical and strategic enemy behaviors.
• Proficiency in creating diverse unit combinations and pacing engaging encounters.
• Excellent communication and design documentation skills.
• Ability to prototype and adjust behaviors using Blueprint or similar tools.
• Shipped one or more AAA titles using UE4/UE5 or a comparable engine.
• Experience balancing difficulty and behavior across a wide range of players.
• Familiarity working with licensed IP and adhering to established tone and canon.

Benefits:

Sumo Digital offers a comprehensive benefits package including a discretionary bonus scheme, pension, flexible working arrangements, generous holidays, private healthcare, and much more.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field preferred, or equivalent professional experience.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of proven experience designing AI and enemies for first/third-person action or RPG titles.
• Demonstrated experience shipping one or more AAA titles using UE4/UE5 or a similar engine.

Skills:

• Strong understanding of AI systems and the ability to create believable tactical/strategic enemy behaviors.
• Proficiency in creating diverse unit combinations and pacing engaging encounters.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and documentation skills.
• Ability to prototype and adjust AI behaviors using Blueprint or similar tools.
• Familiarity with licensed IP and aligning AI design with established tone and canon.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design & Iterate: Conceptualize and refine enemy archetypes, behaviors, and combat encounters to deliver engaging and challenging gameplay experiences.
• Collaboration: Work closely with programmers, animators, and artists to ensure seamless implementation of AI characters and behaviors within the game world.
• Documentation & Communication: Produce clear and concise design documentation, actively participate in design discussions, and effectively communicate design decisions across disciplines.
• AI Integration: Align AI design with overarching game world narrative, player experience goals, and technical limitations.
• Team Leadership: Mentor junior designers, provide constructive feedback, and contribute to the growth and development of the design team.

Sumo Group Hiring Workflow: Principal Game Designer (AI)

1. Application Review: Sumo Group will review applications based on required skills, experience, and portfolio showcasing AI design expertise.

2. Initial Screening: Shortlisted candidates will participate in a phone interview to assess their technical knowledge, design philosophy, and cultural fit.

3. Design Challenge: Candidates will be presented with a design challenge related to AI behavior for a specific game scenario. This allows Sumo Group to evaluate their problem-solving skills and creative approach.

4. Technical Interview: A technical interview will delve deeper into the candidate's understanding of AI systems, game engines (UE4/UE5), and relevant tools like Blueprint.

5. Final Interview: Top candidates will participate in a final interview with the hiring manager and team members. This will focus on collaborative skills, communication style, and alignment with Sumo Group's values.

6. Offer & Onboarding: Successful candidates will receive a formal offer outlining compensation and benefits. Onboarding will include introductions to the team, project overview, and necessary training.

About Sumo Group

Sumo Group is a leading global video game developer with a passion for creating innovative and engaging experiences. With studios across the world, Sumo Group boasts a diverse and talented team of developers, artists, and designers who are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment.

Known for their commitment to quality and collaborative spirit, Sumo Group has a proven track record of delivering successful AAA titles across a wide range of genres. They pride themselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where creativity thrives and individuals are empowered to reach their full potential.