Gameplay Camera Designer

Job Description

Crystal Dynamics is constantly seeking the best gaming talent worldwide to add to our 30-plus year legacy of game development creating new and iconic franchises. We are committed to making great games with great people and living the dream while doing it.

Benefits for our regular full-time positions include, but are not limited to, a competitive regional salary, 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance options, professional development reimbursement, flexible hybrid on-site/off-site work opportunities, company paid holidays, plus additional paid days in December when the studio is closed for holiday break, and the ability to accrue additional paid time-off.

Join us and shape the future of an amazing studio culture committed to creating award-winning franchises like Tomb Raider, the next Perfect Dark, and more! 

Crystal Dynamics is seeking a talented and innovative Gameplay Camera Designer to join our team. In this role, you will be instrumental in designing, implementing, and refining gameplay cameras and custom level cinematic transitions. Your work will play a crucial role in delivering a smooth and seamless journey for players through our game’s rich and epic narrative. Working closely with Engineers, Animators, and Designers, you will develop tools and camera solutions that enhance player experience and bring excitement to our dynamic game worlds. 

As a Gameplay Camera Designer, you will: 

• Strategically place cameras to ensure scenes are impactful, purposeful, and highly interactive. 
• Maintain high-quality standards for both camera function and cinematic presentation to support immersive gameplay. 
• Work on custom level cameras and cinematic transitions, emphasizing a smooth and seamless player experience.
• Collaborate with technical designers for training and support on technical implementations. 
• Partner with System Designers to ensure seamless integration between gameplay systems and their on-screen representation. 
• Conceptualize, present, and execute ideas within a tight schedule, while actively solving technical and design challenges. 
• Coordinate with multiple departments to address design challenges, create exceptional narrative storytelling, alleviate production bottlenecks, and communicate design requirements clearly. 
• Evaluate and initiate improvements for processes, tools, and features specific to camera design for the franchise.

To be considered for this role, we require the following: 

• Professional experience as a Gameplay Camera Designer within a collaborative cross-department game development team. 
• Proven expertise in camera placement and shooting interactive scenes, with a strong grasp of cinematography concepts applicable to games. 
• A portfolio or clips demonstrating contributions to gameplay camera design, focusing on gameplay and cinematic elements. 
• Experience with commercial and/or proprietary game engines. 
• Proficiency in at least one core animation tool (preferably Maya), with an understanding of camera animation techniques.

Preference will be given to candidates who have: 

• Shipped a 3rd person action-adventure title. 
• Professional experience with Unreal Engine.

It’ll be a bonus if you also have: 

• Prior experience animating cameras in Maya.   

Pay Range (United States)

$75,000—$105,000 USD

Pay Range (Canada)

$70,000—$110,000 CAD