Design Director

About Gearbox Studio Québec

Gearbox Studio Québec is composed of a distinguished team devoted to crafting award-winning, iconic video games. Known for rich, immersive worlds delivered through transmedia storytelling, live events, and merchandise, the studio has earned recognition for franchises such as Borderlands, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, Brothers in Arms, as well as for continuing development on legends like Duke Nukem, Risk of Rain, and Homeworld. Part of 2K under Take-Two Interactive, Gearbox operates studios in Quebec City and Montreal.

Role Overview

In close collaboration with the Creative Director, you will define the gameplay vision that utilizes the foundational pillars of the project, ensuring exceptional design quality and innovative game experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish the gameplay vision jointly with the Creative Director, focusing on leveraging core project pillars.
• Collaborate with game designers and project directors to enhance game systems, including 3Cs, combat mechanics, AI behavior, weaponry, character abilities, progression, and environment interactions.
• Effectively communicate design direction clearly and succinctly to project teams and partners.
• Offer constructive feedback promoting a culture of high standards and accountability.
• Engage hands-on in development tasks directly within the game engine.
• Work alongside project leadership to define project scope and priorities.
• Lead, inspire, and support cross-functional teams throughout the project lifecycle.

Required Qualifications

• At least 15 years of professional experience as a game designer in the video game sector.
• Proven track record of shipping multiple multiplatform titles from early conception to certification, including leadership roles.
• Proficiency with Unreal Engine versions 4 or 5.

Expertise in Action Games

• Deep understanding of action game genres, especially shooter titles.
• Ability to analyze and clearly articulate complex gameplay mechanics, systems, and loops.
• Establish clear design standards and quality benchmarks for projects.

Leadership Style

• Actively removes production challenges, empowering the team and making decisive calls to ensure progress.
• Promotes autonomy, trusting senior designers’ expertise.
• Employs a collaborative, non-hierarchical management approach.

Hands-on Involvement

• Maintains personal responsibility for specific design tasks.
• Develops, iterates, and refines features and data sets within the engine.

Additional Requirements

• Full bilingual fluency in French and English.
• Willingness and ability to work on-site at Gearbox studios in Montreal or Quebec City.

Commitment to Equal Opportunity

Gearbox Studio Québec is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and discrimination-free workplace that reflects societal diversity. The company strictly prohibits discrimination based on any legally protected categories. Additionally, it provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals during all employment phases to support equal participation and opportunity.

If accommodations are needed throughout the hiring process, candidates are encouraged to reach out directly for assistance.