Lead Gameplay Camera Designer

Summary

Join Crystal Dynamics as a Lead Gameplay Camera Designer and play a pivotal role in shaping the visual and narrative journey of players. You will bridge storytelling and gameplay, crafting immersive camera dynamics that enhance player engagement. Collaborate with a cross-disciplinary team to design, implement, and refine gameplay cameras, custom level camera systems, and cinematic transitions. Ensure each scene is impactful, purposeful, and maintains high-quality interactive gameplay. Lead camera design initiatives, manage other designers, and leverage your expertise in cinematography and game development. Crystal Dynamics offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and flexible work opportunities.

Requirements

• Experience in leading camera design initiatives and managing other designers, demonstrating strong leadership capabilities and a collaborative spirit
• Significant professional experience as a Gameplay Camera Designer, with a strong portfolio or clips showcasing contributions to gameplay camera design, particularly in gameplay and cinematic contexts
• A deep understanding of cinematography concepts and their application within game development, with proven ability in camera placement and interactive scene composition
• Proficiency in commercial and/or proprietary game engines, with hands-on experience in implementing camera systems within these environments
• Experience with Unreal Engine, showcasing a strong command of its camera and sequencer capabilities
• Skill in at least one core animation tool, demonstrating an understanding of camera animation techniques

Responsibilities

• Strategically design and author gameplay cameras to enhance narrative impact while ensuring interactivity and player immersion
• Develop and fine-tune custom cameras and cinematic transitions, creating a smooth and engaging player journey through our game's narrative
• Own systematic cutscenes and dialogue scenes, ensuring they are shot with clarity and intent to support story, pacing, and gameplay flow
• Collaborate with Engineers, Animators, and Designers to create and refine tools and camera solutions that elevate the player experience and contribute to the game's dynamic worlds
• Work closely with System Designers to synchronize gameplay systems with their visual representation on screen, ensuring a cohesive player experience
• Conceptualize, present, and execute camera design ideas within a project schedule, actively engaging in technical and design problem-solving processes
• Coordinate with representatives from various departments to address design challenges, enhance narrative storytelling, eliminate production bottlenecks, and clearly communicate design requirements
• Proactively evaluate, initiate, and implement new processes, tools, and features related to camera design that are specific to the game title or franchise

Preferred Qualifications

• Successfully shipped a 3rd person action-adventure title, demonstrating a keen eye for camera design that enhances gameplay and narrative
• Prior experience in working with procedural facial animation systems
• A background in narrative design or storytelling, adding depth and context to camera design decisions

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Professional development reimbursement
• Flexible hybrid on-site/off-site work opportunities
• Company paid holidays
• Additional paid days in December when the studio is closed for holiday break
• Ability to accrue additional paid time-off