AVAILABLE POSITIONS Game Designer – Combat

Position Overview

Zynga is looking for a Game Designer to be focused on gameplay combat, that has experience implementing human form character animations into a game and iterating those animations for optimal gameplay feel. This role analyzes animations, and determines how best to implement and use them within a proprietary scripting system, making them feel good and come alive in the game. Must have an exceptional eye for detail and willing to iterate repeatedly until a move is just right, while collaborating and taking feedback from others on the team also entrenched in gameplay.

Main Responsibilities

• Work with the Animation team blocking out unique moves for each character and attending mocap sessions where you give further feedback on the captures
• Own the tuning and final polish for a playable character in the game
• Pitch new ideas to the team/ hold brainstorming sessions
• Analyze real-time feedback and metrics, and adjust game designs accordingly
• Work with product managers, developers and artists to supervise the implementation of new gameplay features and systems
• Ability to describe user experience stories and create wireframe screens and flows
• Remain up-to-date with Game Design literature and standard methodologies to be an evangelist for the craft of Game Design

Desired Skills and Experience 

• Experience implementing human form character animations into a game that the player will have control over. Experience should include speed of playback, movement, collision hit boxes, SFX, VFX, and blending in and out from other animations.
• Have a critical eye and be able to recognize glitches or issues with animations that are running at 60 frames per second.
• Robust understanding of game genres and strategies
• Solid knowledge of game balancing and pacing
• Adept with Excel/spreadsheets
• Game programming background preferred
• Passionate gamer
• 2+ shipped games
• Bonus if previous experience with online multiplayer game

What we offer you:

• Competitive salary, bonus plan and ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)
• 401K Company Match Contribution (US)
• RRSP/DPSP company match contribution (Canada)
• Health coverage, dental, disability, critical illness, EAP, and life insurance (Canada)
• Medical, dental, vision, EAP, life insurance, and disability benefits (US)
• Virtual mental health and neurodiversity support programs
• Global Fitness reimbursement program
• Global Wellbeing Program
• Financial wellness program with unlimited access to certified financial planners
• Discretionary Time Off policy for many employees
• Family planning support program
• Generous paid parental, pregnancy-related disability, caregiver, and compassionate leaves
• Subsidized Back-up child care
• Zynga happy hours and frequent employee events
• Flexible working hours on many teams
• Culture of diversity and inclusion including employee resource groups
• Work with cool people and impact millions of daily player

We are an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to building a diverse and talented workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, disability, or any other class or characteristic protected by applicable law. We welcome job-seekers, players, employees, and partners from all backgrounds to join us!

We will consider all qualified job-seekers with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities in order to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at AccommodationRequest@zynga.com to request an accommodation associated with your application for an open position.

The pay range for this position in  California at the start of employment is expected to be between $61,500 and $91,020 per year. 

However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.   Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits.  Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.