Staff Hero Designer

Insomniac Games

. Own the design, prototyping, iteration, and polish of hero core combat and player character systems .

Posted 9/28/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesLead💰 $148,000 - $222,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive expertise in game design, particularly in player combat and character systems, with a strong focus on prototyping, iteration, and quality execution. Proficient in modern game engines and scripting, with exceptional communication and leadership skills to foster collaboration and innovation.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Game Design ExperiencePlayer Combat Systems DesignUnreal Engine ProficiencyScripting and PrototypingStrong Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Game DesignPlayer Movement TuningGameplay Balance3D LayoutLevel EditingScriptingPrototypingGame Feel ImplementationCharacter Systems DesignAnimation Tools

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsProblem SolvingTeam CollaborationMentoringCreative Vision

Tools & Technologies

Unreal EngineUnityMayaMicrosoft Office SuiteMiroConfluence

Industry Keywords

3rd Person Narrative GamesGameplay SystemsPlayer Character SystemsHero CombatDesign Documentation

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

UnityUnreal Engine

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own the design, prototyping, iteration, and polish of hero core combat and player character systems
Implement and iterate hero combat and non-combat gameplay using proprietary tools and scripting systems
Drive creative vision, gameplay design, and execution quality for playable hero characters
Collaborate with Gameplay Programmers, Animators, VFX Artists, Character Artists, Mission Designers, Combat Designers, Systems Designers, UI/UX, Narrative, and project leadership
Lead development pods, plan milestones, set priorities, and coordinate feedback
Proactively identify problems, implement solutions, and improve hero gameplay quality
Create and maintain player system documentation, tutorial videos, standards, metrics, and best practices
Review work in progress, gather feedback, and ensure milestone quality targets
Run brainstorms and reviews while championing design vision and inclusivity
Drive innovation in internal character prototyping and iteration tools
Review hero character work across the studio and mentor/coaching other Hero Designers
Support additional gameplay systems design as needed
Create a safe, supportive, and creative work environment

Requirements

What you’ll need

Eight or more years of professional game design experience
At least one shipped title as a primary design owner of player combat and/or overall player character systems
Proven expertise in creating, tuning, and polishing player movement, combat, controls, and gameplay balance
Deep expertise in game design craft, especially 3rd person narrative games
High proficiency with modern game engines such as Unreal or proprietary engines
Experience in scripting, prototyping, and iterating gameplay systems directly
Experience in 3D layout is a plus
Proven ability to implement, iterate, and tune game feel with polished presentation
Extremely strong written, verbal, and visual communication skills
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule instructions
Intermediate knowledge and experience with level editing tools and scripting, including Unreal Engine, Unity, or similar editors
Intermediate knowledge of Maya or other major 3D modeling programs
Experience with animation tools or programming languages is a plus
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Miro, Confluence, or equivalent office software
Very good interpersonal skills and effective communication with team members and developers
Strong verbal and written communication skills are required
Background check required at offer stage

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Matching 401(k)
Paid time off
Wellness program
Employee discounts for Sony products
May be eligible for a bonus package
Flexible role that can be remote