The Design/Planning Leader is responsible for devising and clearly communicating what a game consists of and how it plays, following the vision of the Development Director. They will plan, define, and communicate all the elements and components of a game, including setting, structure, rules, story flow, characters, objects, vehicles, and devices available to the characters; interface design; and game modes.

Originality and creativity are valued, but a thorough knowledge of a game's target audience and market is equally if not more important (working with the Marketing Officer for this analysis). Design/Planning Leaders should also have a deep understanding of the capabilities and benefits of different hardware platforms, as well as familiarity with software technologies and techniques appropriate to each platform.  Creative, practical solutions are required of the Design/Planning leader when trading off the intention of the game design with the technology and resources of the studio.

It is the Design/Planning Leader's responsibility to ensure that the whole team understands and shares the original concept and vision of the game as outlined by the Development Director. During development, the Design/Planning Leader makes adjustments to the original specification to respond to technical constraints and to incorporate new programming and art creation methods developed by the team. The Design/Planning Leader also maintains appropriate test plans and trains testers to test the game, making sure that the product is tested appropriately for each development phase, leading to a quality launch of a finished product.

Skills
The Design/Planning Leader will have a reasonably high level of industry experience and knowledge. We would expect to see a portfolio of work, which can take the form of completed game projects or written game design documents and proposals.   The Design/Planning leader is expected to have completed diverse systems design and implementation across multiple completed titles.

Game development is a collaborative process involving multi-disciplinary teams. This involves presenting their ideas both verbally and on paper, for which the Design/Planning Leader needs writing and basic visual design and drawing skills.  Designers must be able to communicate their vision to artists, programmers, producers, marketing staff, and others involved in the development process, and incorporate diverse feedback into their work. The candidate should also be reasonably familiar with a range of 2D and 3D graphics and animation packages, such as 3D Studio Max or Maya. Good technical knowledge is required, with some programming skills at least at 'scripting' level and awareness of the latest game platforms and technologies.

When looking for Design/Planning Leaders we value a thorough understanding of game play theory. Excellent communication and presentation skills are a must, along with storytelling and narrative development skills. The ideal candidate possesses information design and user interface design skill, as well. They must be able to work both as part of a team and independently. Last but not least, they must display systematic and strategic thinking as well as imagination and creativity.

As far as educational background, Design/Planning Leaders with degrees can come from a diverse range of subjects, from programming and CS, to the sciences, history, or art and design. Preference will be given to candidates with 4 year degrees.

The Next Step
Write us an email at hr@evony.com with the following:
1.  Application must clearly demonstrate your experience, education, desired remuneration and contact details.
2.  You must attach a CV
3.  You must include a few dates and times that are convenient for you so we can do an interview.
4.  Subject line must include "201008GDP"

Please note, applications submitted as incomplete (without the above information) will not be considered and will be rejected.