Senior Level Designer (Independent Contractor)

NO AGENCIES OR EXTERNAL RECRUITERS

Sinn Studio Inc. is leading the charge in XR combat games! Our debut game, Swordsman, is a physics-based combat game where you can slash your way through medieval earth to become the ultimate Swordsman. Having won multiple and been nominated for awards like Game of the Year in 2022, Best Swordfighting Game in 2020 and more. Swordsman also boasts top best seller in Quest and PSVR/2 platforms.

Sinn Studio is on the lookout for a dynamic and strategic Senior Level Designer (Independent Contractor). This role offers the flexibility to work remotely to craft immersive game environments to structure and define moment-to-moment gameplay within one of our projects, Battlegrounds. They will do end-to-end level creation: from concept to fully playable. This role delivers high-quality, ensuring alignment combat and fun at the project’s core.

Mandate

PLEASE NOTE:This role is an Independent Contractor role, and will be for a short term period to support some of our internal initiatives. The individual hired for this position will need to manage their own tax remittances to the CRA, EI and CPP, this short-term project based position does not include benefits or vacation pay. The contractor is expected to provide their own tools to complete the project work.

Project Details & Expectations:

1. Create immersive and engaging levels/maps that enhance the combat and player interactions in VR/XR environments
2. Design 3D combat arenas with interactive elements that drive variety, progression, and player engagement through iterative design
3. Develop level layouts, flow, and pacing that support the game's mechanics and playability
4. Focus on designing levels that cater to both sandbox and PvP gameplay, ensuring balance and replayability
5. Utilize your understanding of medieval settings to create authentic and visually stunning environments
6. Continuously innovate and refine level design concepts to deliver immersive and impactful gameplay experiences
7. Work with other disciplines at Sinn Studio to seamlessly integrate new features and ensure high-quality execution
8. Develop wireframes, flowcharts, and prototypes to clearly convey design ideas and systems
9. This could also include producing or adding to any design documents, including gameplay rules and balancing parameters
10. Monitor game health to make informed and strategic design decisions
11. Continuously refine level design to improve player experience, adapting to emerging trends and feedback
12. Analyze player feedback and game metrics to iteratively enhance design elements, retention, engagement, and monetization strategies
13. Monitor and engage with community feedback and player behavior to address issues promptly and ensure a positive experience
14. Provide guidance and subject matter expertise for design initiatives and working towards project needs.

Competencies & Expertise

We encourage all qualified individuals to apply and help shape the future of the XR industry. We’re looking for the following competencies and expertise as an independent contractor to support this project.

1. 5+ years of experience in video game design with proven experience spearheading level design features/elements (ie. creating new or modifying pre-existing levels)
2. 2+ years of experience in a senior position
3. Deep understanding of game mechanics, player psychology, and immersive design principles
4. Proficiency with Unreal Engine and exposure to Blueprints
5. Experience working with tight deadlines and multiple competing priorities
6. Strong analytical skills and experience using metrics to refine and optimize game features
7. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts clearly and collaborate effectively with studio teams and with communities/players
8. Results oriented with excellent time management skills
9. Organized and adept at planning
10. Curious personality to be able to problem solve
11. Comfortable being in a virtual environment for varying times wearing a VR headset

Added Advantages:

1. Experience and background with VR / MR / XR
2. Experience with PC and console games preferred over mobile
3. Post-secondary education in Level Design, Interactive Media, related field or equivalent experience
4. Familiarity with additional tools like nVidia Omniverse, Houdini, or similar is a plus
5. Authentic understanding and passion about games / working in the industry

What to send in your application

Beyond a resume, please also include a portfolio/website/profile/reel demonstrating your highlights and successes in level design related to this mandate. Check out the recommended guide here.

Additional Information

Hourly Rate Range: ~$50.00-57.00 CAD / hour

Commitment: Length TBD, 0-40 hours / week.

We take a no-negotiation approach in our selection process when making contractor offers. Our team has worked hard to develop equitable and fair compensation bands that have been set to support our current and incoming team members. We strive to pay our team fairly for the knowledge and relevant experience that they bring.

Offers made to successful contractors have been carefully considered to meet market rates, support studio equity and are commensurate on experience and skillset as well as critical need for the mandate. These are intended to be our best offer and support our no-negotiation approach.

Sinn Studio is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. All qualified independent contractors are encouraged to apply, and we welcome applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or any other protected status.

Accommodations are available upon request during the exploration process. For questions or accommodation needs, please contact us at talent@sinnstudio.com.

The Sinn Studio Talent team will communicate with you only through official email addresses and connected Linkedin profiles. We do not use WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc. Our team will not ask you to send us money or technology through our processes.

NO AGENCIES OR EXTERNAL RECRUITERS