Lead Game Designer, Creative Development

Job Summary:

About the Role & Team

In this unique role, we are looking for a standout creative expert, leader, and collaborator to partner with the best game developers from across the globe to create the next generation of Disney, Pixar, and Avatar games.

This role draws upon your expertise not only as a seasoned game designer, but also as an authority on gaming trends and a passionate Disney enthusiast who can creatively support our external partners.

You will be the point person for game design and narrative submissions and discussions, leveraging best-in-class examples on the target platform and genre, and guiding gameplay and narrative through the lens of our characters and worlds, to ensure that each game is a compelling, appealing, and authentic Disney experience.

This is a Full-Time role.

You will report to the Sr. Manager- Creative Development

What You Will Do

Game & Narrative Design:

• Represent game design and narrative on large, highly complex projects as an authority on the worlds, stories, and characters of Disney, Pixar, and Avatar.
• Provide editorial feedback and lead discussions on game design documentation, gameplay concepts, features, LiveOps plans, and playable builds, while fostering successful collaboration with partners and stakeholders.
• Review and provide actionable recommendations on story arcs, beats, and scripts to ensure authenticity and quality in our games.
• Proactively identify areas of risk affecting product quality, story, and player experience; provide actionable solutions to mitigate game design and narrative risks.
• Maintain familiarity with current game and game industry products and trends including popular gameplay features, trending genres, current platforms, and commonly leveraged retention and monetization techniques.
• Independently balance a workload of diverse projects in varying stages of development.

Brand & Franchise Guidance:

• Collaborate with partners to create gameplay experiences that authentically represent our brands and engage gamers and fans alike.
• Exemplify the role of a creative negotiator, representing and advocating on behalf of our development teams, franchise partners, and key stakeholders to deliver against our collective product goals and gameplay needs.
• Creatively and mindfully work within existing and upcoming Disney, Pixar, and Avatar IP guidelines to provide guidance to our partners.
• Work closely with stakeholders to stay up-to-speed on latest D&I guidelines and ensure that the gameplay and stories within our products are being designed and executed mindfully, authentically, and respectfully.

Team Leadership

• Mentor and provide game and narrative design guidance to internal team members; share best practices that foster inclusive creativity and elevate game design and storytelling in our products.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and pipelines for yourself and other design team members. Apply best practices to elevate how the team approaches gameplay opportunities and challenges within our products.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 10+ years of experience in game design for mobile/console/PC/online.
• Has shipped mobile, console, and/or PC games with live operations components.
• Experience with large scale, high-profile projects preferred.
• Expertise in game and narrative design, including system design, writing, and LiveOps.
• A background in quality gameplay experiences across a variety of genres, platforms, and audiences for games.
• Experience in assessing and editing design and narrative documentation including GDDs, feature specs, narrative outlines, dialogue scripts, etc.
• Experience in leading game design and narrative conversations and initiatives.
• Experience in successfully collaborating and providing creative feedback to external teams, vendors, or agencies.
• Exceptional time management skills with the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• A highly motivated, flexible, and solutions-oriented mindset.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to travel and a valid passport.
• An avid passion for all things gaming from mobile to console and wider industry trends.
• An obsession with Walt Disney brands, including Disney, Pixar, and Avatar.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

In addition to strong generalist skills, demonstrated specialization within any of the following categories:

• Narrative/Writing
• LiveOps Design
• System Design

Education:

• AA/BA/BS preferred or advanced proficiency demonstrated via an industry standard level of videogame design.

Additional Information

Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits

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The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $113,800 to $152,500 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.