Senior 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! 

As a Senior Gameplay Camera Designer at Crystal Dynamics, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the visual and narrative journey of our players. Your expertise will bridge the gap between storytelling and gameplay, crafting immersive camera dynamics that enhance player engagement and deliver a seamless, rich narrative experience. Working closely with a cross-disciplinary team, you will design, implement, and refine gameplay cameras, custom level camera systems, and cinematic transitions. Your vision and technical skill will ensure that each scene is not only impactful and purposeful but also maintains the highest quality of interactive gameplay.

As a Senior Gameplay Camera Designer, you will:

• Strategically design and place gameplay cameras to enhance narrative impact while ensuring interactivity and player immersion.
• Develop and fine-tune custom level cameras and cinematic transitions, creating a smooth and engaging player journey through our game’s narrative.
• Collaborate with Engineers, Animators, and Designers to create and refine tools and camera solutions that elevate the player experience and contribute to the game’s dynamic worlds.
• Work closely with System Designers to synchronize gameplay systems with their visual representation on screen, ensuring a cohesive player experience.
• Conceptualize, present, and execute camera design ideas within a project schedule, actively engaging in technical and design problem-solving processes.
• Coordinate with representatives from various departments to address design challenges, enhance narrative storytelling, eliminate production bottlenecks, and clearly communicate design requirements.
• Proactively evaluate, initiate, and implement new processes, tools, and features related to camera design that are specific to the game title or franchise.

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

• Significant professional experience as a Gameplay Camera Designer, with a strong portfolio or clips showcasing contributions to gameplay camera design, particularly in gameplay and cinematic contexts.
• A deep understanding of cinematography concepts and their application within game development, with proven ability in camera placement and interactive scene composition.
• Proficiency in commercial and/or proprietary game engines, with hands-on experience in implementing camera systems within these environments.
• Skill in at least one core animation tool (preferably Maya), demonstrating an understanding of camera animation techniques.

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

• Successfully shipped a 3rd person action-adventure title, demonstrating a keen eye for camera design that enhances gameplay and narrative.
• Professional experience with Unreal Engine, showcasing a strong command of its camera systems and design capabilities.
• Prior experience in animating cameras within Maya, highlighting technical proficiency and creative application in past projects.

It’ll be a bonus if you also have:

• Experience in leading camera design initiatives or mentoring junior designers, demonstrating leadership capabilities and a collaborative spirit.
• A background in narrative design or storytelling, adding depth and context to camera design decisions.

Pay Range (United States)

$95,000—$135,000 USD

Pay Range (Canada)

$100,000—$145,000 CAD