Senior Game Designer - Traversal

Cliffhanger Games is a newly formed Seattle Studio focusing on blockbuster action-adventure games and pioneering next-generation emergent storytelling beginning with Marvel's Black Panther. Join us to pursue your passion to build unique groundbreaking, and inclusive games that empower players to create incredible stories of heroic adventure. Become a foundational part of an ambitious, respectful and diverse team as we are looking for a Senior Designer – Traversal to join our team.

We are seeking a Senior Designer with a deep understanding of the mechanics behind seamless movement systems in third-person action-adventure games. Reporting to the Design Manager, and under the direction of the Principal 3Cs Designer your role will be pivotal in executing the vision for traversal gameplay. You will work closely with cross-disciplinary teams to implement and refine traversal mechanics that are responsive, intuitive, and engaging. You will focus on execution and collaboration, working alongside other designers, animators, engineers, and artists to ensure high-quality traversal gameplay that aligns with the game's overall design.

Responsibilities

• Execute the design and implementation of traversal gameplay mechanics and features, ensuring their smooth integration with other core design systems like combat, AI, and cameras.
• Collaborate with teams across animation, engineering, environment & encounter design and others to ensure that traversal mechanics function cohesively within the broader gameplay experience and support the game vision.
• Work directly with other design departments to address usability concerns and refine traversal systems based on feedback from multiple disciplines.
• Actively participate in cross-team discussions and iterations to ensure traversal mechanics meet high-quality standards and player expectations.
• Contribute to the continued development and refinement of traversal systems by responding to internal feedback, player testing, and performance data, iterating as necessary to improve feel and functionality.
• Assist in maintaining and improving system documentation and demonstrations of features, helping ensure all teams have a clear understanding of the traversal mechanics and their implementation.

Required Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience designing and implementing traversal or movement systems for AAA action-combat games.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across multiple disciplines, including animation, engineering, and other gameplay design teams.
• A passion for creating nuanced, responsive gameplay systems that enhance player immersion and engagement.
• Strong understanding of design system implementation, particularly in Unreal Engine or proprietary engines.
• Familiarity with the impact of animation on gameplay and experience working closely with animation teams to refine and improve movement mechanics.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a commitment to delivering polished, high-quality traversal systems.