Logo of Huzzle

Home

Matches

Explore

Manage

Design Director

image

Warner Bros. Discovery

7d ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Design
    Product
  • London

AI generated summary

  • You must have a proven track record in AAA titles, expertise in game mechanics, leadership of a large design team, and strong communication skills, with hands-on design experience and industry knowledge.
  • You will ensure high-quality design, collaborate on game concepts, oversee design documentation, provide gameplay feedback, mentor designers, communicate with stakeholders, and manage production schedules.

Requirements

  • Proven track record as a Design Director or Senior Design Director on at least two successfully published AAA titles, covering full development from concept to launch.
  • Experience in game design, with extensive exposure to AAA game development and multidisciplinary team leadership.
  • Deep understanding of gameplay mechanics, level design, systems design, and user experience (UX).
  • Experience with modern game engines (Unreal Engine or proprietary engines).
  • Technical familiarity with scripting, level editing tools, and design documentation workflows.
  • Expertise in setting and communicating a design vision aligning with player expectations and commercial objectives.
  • Experience managing and directing a 20+ person design team, including Level Designers, Systems Designers, and Combat Designers.
  • Strong design leadership and experience across multiple genres, particularly Third-Person Action, Melee Brawlers, and Open World Traversal games.
  • Excellent presentation and communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience pitching ideas to both internal teams and external stakeholders.
  • A passion for hands-on design work, willing to contribute and be hands-on directly where needed.
  • Ability to balance design innovation with development constraints, ensuring ambitious but achievable designs.
  • Deep knowledge of industry trends and an ability to adapt and innovate within evolving gaming landscapes.

Responsibilities

  • The Design Director ensures high-quality design within their designated areas while collaborating with other leadership roles to maintain a cohesive vision.
  • Vision & Direction: Work closely with the Studio Product Director to uphold the strategic and creative vision for gameplay and ensure alignment with the studio’s goals and player expectations.
  • Concept & Pitching: Partner with the Studio Product Director to develop and pitch game concepts that push creative and technological boundaries.
  • Design Oversight: Own game design documentation, ensuring the vision and quality bar are consistently met across all aspects of gameplay.
  • Gameplay Experience: Provide expert feedback on missions, systems, combat, UI, and overall player experience, driving a cohesive and engaging gameplay loop.
  • Prototyping & Iteration: Champion a cycle of prototyping, iteration, and polish, ensuring design decisions are data-driven and player-focused.
  • Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with the Creative, Art, Engineering, and Production teams to ensure the design is achievable, technically in scope, and artistically cohesive.
  • Team Leadership & Growth: Lead, mentor, and inspire a multidisciplinary team of designers, fostering an environment of creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
  • Stakeholder Communication: Serve as a point of contact for design queries and meetings, ensuring clear communication with the executive team, publishing partners, and marketing teams.
  • Production & Scheduling: Work with the Production team to develop schedules, track milestones, and ensure timely and high-quality feature delivery.
  • Marketing & PR Representation: Act as a public-facing spokesperson, collaborating with the Marketing and PR teams to promote the game effectively.
  • Problem-Solving & Risk Management: Identify and communicate design risks early, proactively resolve issues, and keep development on track.

FAQs

What is the primary responsibility of the Design Director?

The primary responsibility of the Design Director is to deliver high-quality design across the game, including core gameplay mechanics, player progression, combat systems, and mission design.

Who does the Design Director report to?

The Design Director reports to the Studio Product Director.

What kind of team will the Design Director be leading?

The Design Director will lead a multidisciplinary team of designers, including Level Designers, Systems Designers, and Combat Designers, fostering an environment of creativity and collaboration.

What are some key responsibilities of the Design Director?

Key responsibilities include ensuring high-quality game design, collaborating on vision and direction, overseeing design documentation, providing feedback on gameplay experiences, and leading prototyping and iteration processes.

What is the required experience for the Design Director position?

The position requires a proven track record as a Design Director or Senior Design Director on at least two successfully published AAA titles, with experience in game design and multidisciplinary team leadership.

Which game engines should the Design Director be familiar with?

The Design Director should have experience with modern game engines, specifically Unreal Engine or proprietary engines.

How many people should the Design Director be comfortable managing?

The Design Director should have experience managing and directing a design team of 20 or more people.

What are the working conditions for this role?

This role is advertised as a hybrid work model, combining remote and in-office work, subject to company policy and agreement with the Line Manager.

Does WBD promote inclusion and diversity in the workplace?

Yes, Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects the diversity of society and is committed to being an equal opportunity employer.

What should candidates do if they require accommodations during the application process?

Candidates with disabilities requiring adjustments or accommodations should visit WBD's accessibility page for instructions on how to submit their request.

image

Warner Bros. Discovery

Entertainment & Media
Industry
10,001+
Employees

Mission & Purpose

Warner Bros. Discovery is a global media and entertainment company, known for producing and distributing a wide range of content, including films, television shows, and digital content. Their ultimate mission is to captivate audiences worldwide by creating compelling and innovative stories that entertain, inform, and inspire. With a strong focus on storytelling and creativity, Warner Bros. Discovery aims to enrich people's lives through entertainment and provide a diverse array of content across various platforms. Their purpose is to connect people through shared experiences and to continue being a leading force in the entertainment industry, shaping the future of entertainment in the UK and beyond.

Culture & Values

  • Act as one team

    Trust each other, succeed together, and grow together. Collaborate across teams and make decisions that are best for WBD overall. Prioritize growth, development, and well-being for our teams. Respect and support each other, and celebrate wins.

  • Create what's next

    Be curious, innovate, and focus on the future. Drive change, embrace disruption, and never stop learning. Use data and technology to transform what we create and how we tell stories and deliver. Experiment, fail fast, acknowledge mistakes and learn from them.

  • Empower Storytelling

    Put creators, consumers and partners at the center, and share extraordinary stories. Tell stories that entertain and inspire our viewers, communities, and each other. Foster creativity by giving the freedom to try new things and produce our best work. Deliver the best experience; anticipate what consumers want and be fan obsessed.

  • Champion Inclusion

    Empower others, have courage, and pursue equity. Amplify the voices of global storytellers to reflect audiences around the world. Intentionally seek out diversity, remove barriers, and create space for all to share ideas and be heard. Actively listen and lead with empathy, integrity, and transparency.

  • Dream it & own it

    Advocate the mission, move with speed, and drive results. Have an owner's mindset; bring a perspective, take decisive rapid action, and manage spend responsibly. Make clear choices, set ambitious goals, and be accountable for results. Speak up and fearlessly challenge the norm.