Combat Designer | Bosses - Specialist Role

Climax Studios was established nearly 30 years ago, we have an extensive history in developing all kinds of digital experiences across all formats, and we have won multiple awards along the way. It truly is an exciting and inspiring place to work and you'll be based out of our state of the art studio located in the heart of the beautiful Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth overlooking the Harbour.

You take your creativity seriously and games should be what get you fired up and passionate. At Climax we embrace those who see things in a different way and aren’t afraid to try-out new things and push themselves out of their comfort zones.

We are looking for a highly skilled Combat Designer with a specialization in boss encounters. This role focuses on creating memorable, multi-phase boss battles that challenge and excite players while showcasing unique gameplay mechanics. You’ll work closely with other disciplines to design bosses that serve as memorable highlights in the player’s journey.

• Proven experience designing multi-phase boss encounters in a AAA console game.
• Strong understanding of boss fight design, including pacing, difficulty tuning, and player feedback systems.
• Proficiency in Unreal Engine 5, including Blueprint scripting and AI implementation.
• Experience collaborating across disciplines to create visually and mechanically cohesive encounters.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• A passion for creating iconic and challenging gameplay moments.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement unique boss encounters with multi-phase mechanics, using Unreal Engine 5.
• Define attack patterns, abilities, and AI behaviours to create challenging and memorable fights.
• Collaborate with animators, level designers, and technical designers to bring bosses to life with dynamic animations, visual effects, and audio cues.
• Prototype and iterate on boss encounters to refine gameplay flow, balance, and spectacle.
• Ensure bosses are seamlessly integrated into the game’s world and narrative.
• Document all boss designs, including mechanics, scripting, and testing methodologies.
• Playtest and refine encounters based on feedback to ensure they meet quality benchmarks.

• Regular social events
• Pension
• Fresh fruit and snacks
• A friendly, focused, ambitious and relaxed working environment
• Ongoing training and development, with career progression
• Discount card for all the shopping centre stores
• Great seafront location, a short walk from the rail station, bars, restaurants, coffee shops
• Group Private Medical Insurance provided by BUPA
• Group Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Private Dental Insurance
• Group Income Protection
• Company Pension Scheme
• Cycle To Work Scheme
• Eye-Care Vouchers

Perks

• Bring your doggo to work! We're a dog friendly studio, bring your pooch in to meet us.
• Bean to cup coffee machine in the studio.
• Fresh fruit and healthy snacks provided daily, breakfast and some not so healthy snacks.
• In-house clubs and socials. From board games, tennis, football to D&D nights, there are lots of opportunities to socialise.
• Regular Socials including Project Wrap Parties, team and studio events, Christmas and annual Summer parties and some great charity fundraising events.

Role Information: EN

Studio: Climax Studios

Location: Europe, United Kingdom, Portsmouth

Area of Work: Game Development

Service: Create

Service Type: Design

Employment Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Full Time

Keywords Studios is dedicated to following a well-established Equal Opportunities Policy. We endeavor to create a workplace which provides for equal opportunities for all employees and potential employees.

PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY

Keywords Studios is strongly committed to protecting your personal information. By sending your CV/Resume, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and consent to your data being managed and retained in accordance with our data privacy and retention policy https://www.keywordsstudios.com/en/applicant-privacy-notice/.