Game systems designer

BioWare creates games focused on rich stories, unforgettable characters and vast worlds. It operates primarily out of Edmonton (Alberta, CAN) and Austin (Texas, USA) creating some of the world’s most critically acclaimed titles since 1995. The studio is currently working on future game experiences for the Mass Effect™ franchise, one of the highest rated video game series of all time, and the Dragon Age™ franchise, whose latest entry won 150+ Game of the Year awards.

We are looking for a Game Systems Designer with experience in progression and item design. You will implement and help balance a range of items, skills, and progression data for a modern RPG with BioWare’s signature player autonomy and customization, supporting the studio’s other projects in the long-term.

The Game Systems Designer will report to the Game Systems Supervisor.

Responsibilities:

Oversee a given set of items and mechanics, creating and iterating on designs that will be implemented in the game using visual scripting and data toolsets within the FrostBite engine.

Contribute to gameplay and systems-focused reviews of content in the game

Collaborate with partners in User Research, and breaking down feedback from multiple sources and turn it into actionable improvements.

Work with team leads and Production to prioritize and estimate work.

Analyze and debug issues within content, working with QV partners to test and build confidence in deliverables.

Qualifications:

2+ years of design experience in Gameplay or Systems Design on item, skill, or combat design.

An understanding of modern RPG combat mechanics and the interplay between the moment-to-moment experience and longer-term progression systems.

An understanding of player motivations, intrinsic challenge & extrinsic rewards as they relate to different game genres.

Experience translating analytical findings into actionable recommendations.

A Note on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

BioWare and the Dragon Age project are committed to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion across our teams and in the products we ship. We expect our team to:

Reflect the diversity of identities and experiences we see in the world.

Faithfully and respectfully represent that diversity in the games we create.

Place utmost importance on creating a safe, equitable environment where everyone can thrive as their authentic selves.

Candidates from historically under-represented backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.

US Compensation and Benefits

The base salary ranges listed below are for the defined geographic market pay zones in these states. If you reside outside of these locations, a recruiter will advise on the base salary range and benefits for your specific location.

EA has listed the base salary ranges it in good faith expects to pay applicants for this role in the locations listed, as of the time of this posting. Salary offered will be determined based on numerous relevant business and candidate factors including, for example, education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and business or organizational needs.

BASE SALARY RANGES

• California (depending on location e.g. Los Angeles vs. Sacramento):

º $78,500 – $119,650

• New York (depending on location e.g. Manhattan vs. Buffalo):

º $73,150 – $119,650

• Jersey City, NJ:

º $84,750 – $119,650

• Colorado (depending on location e.g. Denver vs. Colorado Springs):

º $73,150 – $97,500

• Washington (depending on location e.g. Seattle vs. Spokane):

º $73,150 – $105,250

Base salary is just one part of the overall compensation at EA. We also offer a package of benefits including paid time off (3 weeks per year to start), 80 hours per year of sick time, 16 paid company holidays per year, 10 weeks paid time off to bond with baby, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.

Tagged as: Design, Mechanics, Research, Scripting, Systems Design