Responsibilities
Kforce has a client in Redmond, WA that is seeking a Gameplay Designer 1 with a passion for storytelling and an understanding of narrative structure in interactive environments. The ideal candidate will have multiple years of professional experience in a game development environment and the technical expertise in Unreal Engine. The Gameplay Designer will collaborate with design, art, and programming teams to craft compelling, player-driven stories that enhance gameplay and deepen immersion. Summary: As part of the team, the Gameplay Designer will be responsible for designing, writing, and implementing narrative elements, as well as contributing to the overall game structure. This person's technical skills in Unreal Engine will enable them integrate narrative content directly into the game, working closely with the technical and design teams to ensure seamless integration of story and gameplay. Responsibilities:
- Develop narrative concepts and story arcs that align with the studio's vision and tone; Ensure consistent tone, style, and pacing throughout the game's story
- Collaborate with the design team to ensure narrative cohesion with gameplay mechanics and level design
- Implement narrative sequences within Unreal Engine, including cutscenes, in-game dialogue, NPC barks/context-specific dialogue, and scripted events
- Use Unreal Engine's tools (i.e. Blueprint) to prototype and integrate narrative elements into the game world
- Work closely with other departments to ensure narrative elements are realized effectively and align with the overall game experience
- Provide feedback on narrative gameplay features, and contribute to discussions around pacing, difficulty, and player engagement
- Test, iterate, and debug narrative content, ensuring seamless player experience and fixing any narrative or dialogue-related bugs
Requirements
- 3+ years of experience as a Narrative Designer, Game Designer, or similar role in a professional game development environment
- Proficiency with Unreal Engine, including experience with Blueprint and other in-engine narrative tools
- Strong understanding of narrative structure in video games. Experience with scripting and integrating narrative systems
- Knowledge of game development pipelines and experience working in cross-functional teams
Preferred Skills
- Knowledge of game AI systems and how they can be used to enhance narrative experiences
- Understanding of visual scripting languages or other programming languages (plus)
- Strong organizational skills, able to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams
The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.
We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.
Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.
This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.
Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
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