Creative Director Job at Blind Squirrel Entertainment, Inc. in Austin

Blind Squirrel Games (BSG) is a proud, independent studio that joins forces with developers and publishers seeking an innovative partner in creating quality games. At BSG, people are our purpose, so we prioritize an inquisitive, proactive, and collaborative work environment for all our squirrels. We currently have studio locations in Irvine, California, Austin, Texas, Auckland, New Zealand, and a new campus in Manizales, Colombia!

Skills and experience are highly valued at BSG, but we recognize that talent is a product of hard-work, resilience, and a growth-mindset. We champion individuals who have demonstrated they have the grit necessary to overcome challenges and believe in consistent collaboration.

This is a full-time hybrid position based in Austin, Texas with an onsite requirement of 3 days weekly.

Creative Directors at BSG:

With comprehensive expertise in all aspects of game design, you understand that the secret to creating great games lies in nurturing the talent behind them. As an industry veteran credited in multiple AAA titles in senior roles or above, you have a proven track record of establishing successful project foundations and developing strategies. You are a top decision-maker for the creation and refinement of the project's design pipeline, guiding the studio to mitigate risks.

Your responsibilities extend beyond feedback and design, encompassing the optimal orientation of your department's resources, staff, and tools. You manage schedules and budgets, stay updated on project statuses, industry trends, and emerging technologies, and ensure overall team health.

Role and Responsibilities

Blind Squirrel Games (BSG) is looking for a Creative Director to join our Austin team! Supported by the overall Studio Creative Director, the Creative Director will collaborate with a talented team of developers to bring an exciting new game to life.

As a Creative Director at BSG, you will shape the creative vision and oversee the development of the game's artistic and narrative elements, ensuring that every aspect aligns with the project's design goals. You’ll guide the integration of stunning visuals and compelling storytelling that will craft a cohesive and unforgettable player experience.

The ideal candidate for this role has a proven track record in leading creative projects for a variety of games and can translate a deep understanding of contemporary game engines and design principles into visually stunning and narratively engaging experiences that captivate players and meet project goals.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive a cohesive creative vision for the project, working closely with the Studio Creative Director to set, maintain, and own the project vision.
• Take ownership of complex design systems and collaborate cross-functionally to oversee the in-game implementation of related tools and features, reviewing and providing guidance on all aspects of design and development for the project.
• Determine problem areas and craft swift solutions to resolve issues impacting combat systems, monetization, and technical design.
• Build comprehensive and engaging elements that apply ergonomic principles and accessibility.
• Standardize, document and advocate for high-quality design fundamentals, continuously improving the workflow process as it relates to the game's interactive elements such as game systems, controls, and interfaces.
• Partner with design, art, and narrative teams to develop and integrate game elements that enhance the player experience, creating clear and concise concepts that are distributed across all disciplines.
• Assess, prioritize, review, and set team goals and tasks with the project’s production team.
• Oversee the quality and execution of all game content, providing continual hands-on appraisal of the build and actionable feedback.
• Manage and inspire client confidence and expectations, and pitch vision to team members, management, and external partners.
• Motivate, supervise, and provide mentorship across all design disciplines.
• Maintain and nurture a positive, open, and playful team culture built for creativity.
• Participate in regular reviews (e.g., 15-five reviews) for the design department to ensure ongoing development and improvement.
• Hands on implementation of levels and features in the game editor when needed
• Guide designers to help them maximize their potential and performance in the creation of game experiences
• Inspire and motivate the design team to achieve high quality within constraints
• Assess and refine current design processes and pipelines
• Help review, develop, devise and pitch future products
• Project planning, scheduling and resource assessment
• Guide prototyping and product assessments
• Work closely with other disciplines to clarify the vision, provide guidance, and continual alignment
• Creation, management, and direction on all key documents; Vision Boards, Game Pillars, Pitch Decks, Beat Charts etc.documents
• Other relevant duties and responsibilities as assigned to help complete company or department objectives

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• 10+ years in game development
• 5+ years in design department leadership
• Shipped 1 or more AAA title(s) in a lead design or director role
• A portfolio demonstrating exemplary design experience working in interactive media

Preferred Skills

• Proven success in leading creative projects for various game genres, with a portfolio showcasing your expertise.
• Deep knowledge and experience with TPS and FPS, and a strong technical design understanding.
• Proficiency in all aspects of game design, including the player package, balancing, and progression systems.
• Ability to map out overall game pacing and manage creative vision boards and design pillars.
• Exceptional planning, prioritization, risk assessment, and communication skills.
• Extremely creative with a passion for video games, with a familiarity in project pitching and content creation.
• Experience working directly with external clients/publishers.

Pluses

• Maintaining a live service product
• Experience with Unreal Engine 5
• Previous franchise or IP experience

Blind Squirrel Entertainment, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Eligibility to participate in benefits and perks may vary depending on position term and location.

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