Senior Systems Designer (Skeleton Key)

At Wizards of the Coast, we connect people around the world through play and imagination. From our genre defining games like Magic: The Gathering® and Dungeons & Dragons® to our growing multiverse, we continue to innovate and build new ways to foster friendship and connection. That's where you come in!
Skeleton Key is a new game development studio and division of Wizards of the Coast. We are a group of industry veterans who are guided by the belief that empowering our teams and providing the proper time, tools, and support we can foster a creative culture where everyone can do their best work.
Our new studio is located in Austin, TX, and we are looking for a passionate and dedicated Senior Systems Designerto join us and bring our first AAA game to life. We offer fully remote, hybrid, or in-office options for day-to-day work.
Reporting to the Game Design Directoryou will play a meaningful role as we prototype and kick off pre-production. You will be responsible for helping design and implement engaging player-facing systems, crafting mechanics, progression systems, game difficulty systems, and loot systems driving them from concept all the way to ship.
The ideal candidate will have proven experience building exciting player systems on other AAA titles, possess a solid understanding of Unreal Engine, and is deeply creative with a great sense of what makes systems fun, immersive and engaging. You have high standards in everything you do and are committed to crafting memorable gaming experiences. You put the player first.
What You'll Do:

• Work with the design team and creative leadership to understand and align to the game's creative vision.
• Partner with design, engineering, UI, audio, UX, and other collaborators/partners to bring player systems in-game to life and keep everyone informed throughout development.
• Design and create expansive and inter-connected player systems that help drive cohesion between gameplay, exploration, progression, the world, and story.
• Collaborate with UX Research to perform industry/competitive analysis and stay updated on the latest innovative trends and player expectations.
• Create approachable and accessible player systems to support the vision, while allowing as many players to enjoy our game as possible.
• Maintain comprehensive design documentation for the game's systems and mechanics.
• Regularly play the game and provide valuable feedback to teammates to help improve the game.

What You'll Bring:

• 5+ years of experience in Systems Design.
• At least 1 shipped AAA titles with significant contributions on player systems (progression, crafting, loot, etc).
• Experience working in Unreal or other modern game engines.
• Experience tuning complex systems (ex - difficulty tuning, accessibility, UX, progression, crafting, upgrade systems, iventory, loot systems, narrative journal systems).
• Enthusiastic, positive, team-oriented; must have the ability to interact and collaborate with all departments and teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Self-sufficient and self-motivated, able to push features forward but also know when to ask for guidance or help.
• Strong creativity with a great sense of fun and engagement.
• Player empathy and a player first design approach.
• Expert proficiency communicating, championing and memorializing designs.

We are an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer
The above is intended to describe the general content of and the requirements for satisfactory performance in this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities, or requirements of the position.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. If you are selected to move forward in our application process and need to request an accommodation, please let your recruiter or coordinator know.
In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation range for this role. The range listed is just one component of Wizards of the Coast's total compensation package for employees. Employees may also be eligible for annual and long-term incentives. In addition, Wizards of the Coast provides a variety of benefits to employees. Here's a look at what your benefits package may include: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Paid Vacation Time & Holidays, Generous 401(k) match, Paid Parental Leave, Volunteer Program, Employee Giving & Matching Gifts Programs, Tuition Reimbursement, Product Discounts, and more.
Compensation Range
$104,160 - $175,920 USD