Creative Director - Darkpaw Games

$125,000 - $160,000/Yr

Daybreak Game Company - San Diego, CA

Full-time - Senior

San Diego, CA

Publishing Industries

About the position

The Creative Director at Darkpaw Games will play a pivotal role in shaping the creative vision for an unannounced title, providing leadership in game aesthetics, mechanics, design, and storytelling. This position is integral to the Live Development team based in San Diego, CA, and offers the flexibility of remote work from approved locations. The Creative Director will collaborate closely with both the Creative and Leadership teams to attract and retain top-tier creative talent in the gaming industry. This role is not just about overseeing the creative process; it involves establishing and refining core gameplay loops that enhance player engagement and satisfaction. The Creative Director will focus on three core pillars of gameplay: Community and Teamwork, Fairness, and Escape and Exploration. By fostering a sense of community, players will be encouraged to work together to achieve goals that are challenging to accomplish alone. Fairness will be a key aspect, ensuring that players' efforts are rewarded and their achievements are preserved. Additionally, the Creative Director will create immersive worlds that allow players to escape reality and explore new adventures filled with excitement and danger. In this role, the Creative Director will maintain a comprehensive understanding of the global gaming market, using insights to enhance the studio's product offerings. They will also be responsible for mentoring the Design team, leading creative initiatives, and ensuring that projects meet quality, budget, and timeline expectations. This position requires a blend of visionary leadership and practical game development experience, making it essential for the Creative Director to have a strong background in the gaming industry.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary oversight and creative direction for an unannounced title within Darkpaw Games.
• Establish and refine the high-level core gameplay loops.
• Advise on and develop supplementary systems that reinforce gameplay loops focusing on community, fairness, and exploration.
• Maintain knowledge of the global game market to influence product offerings.
• Assist with the recruitment of key talent and mentor the Design team.
• Lead creative teams to establish and meet key milestones with expected quality, budget, and time standards.

Requirements

• 10+ years of direct game development experience.
• Proven success from previously released titles.
• Relevant experience in achieving results via strong leadership.
• Ability to motivate teams and build consensus.
• Ability to design and elaborate on core gameplay loops and design systems that reinforce the loop from end-to-end.
• Effective and positive interpersonal skills.
• Proven problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience developing MMO games.
• Strong portfolio of work in current game engines UE4/5.
• Ability to assist with systems, level, and narrative design when the situation arises.
• Experience working on PC and console games.
• Experience developing procedurally generated content.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience developing games on pre-existing IP.
• Previous experience with building a game from concept to release.

Benefits

• Access to local gym and on-site fitness classes.
• Game nights and community events.
• Strong appreciation for the local craft brew scene.