
// Open Role at 2K Games
Lead the vision and execution for groundbreaking second-to-second gameplay in a new AAA sports franchise at 2K Sports Lab in Vancouver. Drive systemic design, mentor a talented team, and collaborate across disciplines to deliver a world-class experience.
Founded in 2023, Small Axe Studios is 2K’s newest stand-alone studio, built to push the boundaries of game development and bring 2K’s next groundbreaking sports franchise to life. Headquartered in Burnaby, we are assembling a world-class team of visionaries, builders, and passionate gamers who thrive on creative collaboration, technical excellence, and bold ideas. At Small Axe Studios, we believe big things start with sharp focus—and we’re crafting an exceptional, player-first experience from the ground up. If you’re ready to tackle unique challenges, leave your mark on a brand-new IP, and help shape the future of interactive sports entertainment, we want you on our team!
What We Need
Our studio is looking for an experienced Gameplay Design Director who has a high quality bar, a passion for replicating authentic sports behaviors and experience in creating a systemic and sophisticated second to second gameplay.
You will partner closely with Engineers, Animators, Designers, and Producers to help lay the foundation, build, and innovate upon it to create world class gameplay for what will be the next massive sports franchise in our industry. You will have the opportunity to drive the long-term vision for our sec-to-sec gameplay and partner with production and tech peers to lead a sizable team of developers to deliver against the vision.
What You’ll Do
What Will Make You A Great Fit
The pay range for this position in Vancouver at the start of employment is expected to be between CAD $153,300 and CAD $229,020 per year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.
Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for employees in regular roles may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, provided that temporary or intern roles will not be eligible for many of these payments or benefits. Details of participation in compensation and benefit plans (if applicable) will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.
Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.
#LI-Hybrid
• Passion for Sports and Sports Video Games • Experience directing and delivering high quality second-to-second game experiences • Experience with, and passion for, systemic game design • Experience leading a design team (5+) and directing a sizable development team (20+) • Experience working with Animation Software Engineers and Animators, familiar with animation technology (Blend techniques, Masking, Procedural Animation etc.)