Principal Designer

2K is headquartered in Novato California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). Founded in 2005 2K Games is a global video game company publishing titles developed by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Our studios responsible for developing 2Ks portfolio of world-class games across multiple platforms include Visual Concepts Firaxis Hangar 13 CatDaddy Cloud Chamber 31st Union HB Studios and 2K SportsLab. Our portfolio of titles is expanding due to our global strategic plan building and acquiring exciting studios whose content continues to inspire all of us! 2K publishes titles in todays most popular gaming genres including sports shooters action role-playing strategy casual and family entertainment.

Our team of engineers marketers artists writers data scientists producers thinkers and doers are the professional publishing stewards of 2Ks portfolio currently includes several AAA sports and entertainment brands including global powerhouse NBA 2K renowned BioShock Borderlands Mafia Sid Meiers Civilization and XCOM brands; popular WWE 2K and WWE SuperCard franchises TopSpin 2K25 as well as the critically and commercially acclaimed PGA TOUR 2K

At 2K we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive work environment which means encouraging our teams to Come as You Are and do your best work! We encourage ALL applicants to explore our global positions even if they dont meet every requirement for the role. If youre interested in the job and think you have what it takes to work at 2K we encourage you to apply!

What We Need

As Principal Designer you define the moment-to-moment player experience. You establish gameplay standards systemic rules and implementation metrics that ensure the game delivers a cohesive high-fidelity AAA feel across traversal combat interaction and camera behavior. Acting as the bridge between creative direction and engineering execution you translate intent into playable reality and maintain consistency across the entire experience.

What Youll Do

• Design Governance: Define the Golden Rules for systems and world-building including process metrics and standards to ensure mechanical consistency across the entire game.
• Workflow Architect: Act as the final authority on how the design team utilizes tools and engine features in partnership with the Gameplay Engineering team.
• Craft Mastery: Maintain hands-on authority over gameplay feel through direct in-engine iteration across mechanics traversal level design and gameplay scripting.
• CCC Ownership: Define the technical implementation of Character Camera and Controls establishing the exact metrics that create the games signature feel.
• Execution Excellence: Ensure the player experience is cohesive and polished maintaining a Game of the Year quality bar for all shipped features.

What Will Make You a Great Fit

• 10 years in AAA Game Design: A proven track record in 3rd or 1st person blockbusters across multiple shipped titles.
• Unreal Engine Mastery: Deep experience shipping gameplay systems in Unreal Engine (blueprints data driven architecture and level streaming.)
• Systemic Thinking: A focus on building scalable frameworks and ecosystems rather than one-off features.
• The Bridge: To partner with art animation engineering and tech design to synthesize feedback and rapidly iterate to meet the studios quality standards.
• Forward Looking: A drive to improve workflows and leverage new technology to create unique gameplay experiences.

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 accounts.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $150400 and $222580 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 this position may also include other elements including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(k) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Regular full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company including: medical dental vision and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Companys discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses.

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