Level Designer

From dodgeball in the streets to racetracks in your living room, we've always been more interested in asking "what if?" than following a roadmap. Whether we're dreaming up a chaotic game of hide & seek in the dark or putting a legendary space fox back in the pilot's seat, that inventor's mindset runs through everything we do. We make games for people who appreciate craft and a little bit of magic. If you're curious, you'll be in good company. 

Are you a level designer with experience building 3D-levels across varied genres?  Do you have a passion for building compelling game levels that challenge players through unique layouts, mechanics, puzzles, and other design-based challenges?   

Velan Studios is expanding our design team as we head into production on multiple forthcoming titles and we are looking for experienced Level Designers who can drive critical design decisions and build compelling level designs across our projects.  

Responsibilities  

• Work closely with the Game Director and other Lead Designers to shape and implement compelling level and mission content.  
• Own the entire development cycle of various game levels, from prototype phase to polished, shippable content.  
• Greybox layouts to determine gameplay spaces, high level pacing, and identify key moments. 
• Collaborate with environment artists and Gameplay Programmers to generate expertly-designed game spaces that deliver unique, replayable levels and missions.  
• Help define and implement unique gameplay mechanics that fit different environments and biomes.  

Requirements

• 3+ years of design experience  
• At least one shipped title as a level designer  
• Experience grey-boxing to blockout of gameplay spaces and establishing landmarks 
• Ability to do quick prototypes to prove out gameplay ideas 
• A knack for visual storytelling  
• An understanding of level pacing and encounter design 
• Familiarity with tool-use and basic scripting in any major game-engine such as Unity, Unreal, or equivalent  

Big Plusses  

• Experience in creating Co-Op gameplay 
• Experience crafting cinematic gameplay moments, an eye for camera 
• Experience with procedurally-created level design systems 
• Experience seamlessly blending hand-made and procedural scenes  
• Familiarity with any major 3D art creation tool such as Maya or Blender  
• Other areas of design expertise (systems, combat, etc.) to contribute on different teams and projects. 

This is a hybrid or onsite position. Hybrid is 3 days a week in studio - Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. Our studios are located in Troy, NY & Toronto, ON. 

The salary for this position is typically within the range specified below per year. Please note that the actual base pay may vary based on factors such as your qualifications, skills, experience, and other relevant considerations.  
 
US Salary Range:

• Mid-Level $65,000. - $90,000. USD
• Senior $80,000. -$115,000. USD 

Canada Salary Range:

• Mid-Level $60,000. - $80,000. CAD
• Senior $75,000. - $110,000. CAD 
   

Velan Studios is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about a role, but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to submit a General Application. Velan Studios is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion, diversity, and providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We seek to create a work culture that matches the diversity of our players.

3+ years of design experience. At least one shipped title as a level designer. Experience grey-boxing to blockout of gameplay spaces and establishing landmarks. Ability to do quick prototypes to prove out gameplay ideas. A knack for visual storytelling. An understanding of level pacing and encounter design. Familiarity with tool-use and basic scripting in any major game-engine such as Unity, Unreal, or equivalent.