Weta Workshop
Games Developer from New Zealand, WellingtonAuthored by
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Our Game Studio transforms ideas into the magic of play. From the beginning, we take a custodian’s approach that forms the foundation of the games and entertainment properties we create. As passionate, accomplished world-builders, we thrive on developing interactive stories that can be enjoyed by people around the world. With experience working on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and web browsers, our studio team knows the process inside out, from start to finish.
In 2012, Wētā Workshop formed its Game Studio to create the world’s first mixed-reality game, Dr. Grordbort’s Invaders. Set amongst rayguns, rocket ships and deadly robot miscreants imagined by our friend and colleague Greg Broadmore, we were approached by Rony Abovitz, founder of Florida-based company Magic Leap, to bring this extraordinary world into people’s homes. Following rave reviews on its release, we developed three more games: Dr. Grordbort’s Boosters, The Society of (NOT) Getting Along Nicely and Raygun Arena. Wētā Workshop has been nominated for both Visual Effects Society Awards and DICE Awards and has received a New Zealand Game Award and a Wellington Gold Award.
Our next title is due for release in July 2025 - Tales of the Shire. In this storybook return to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, you live the cosy life of a Hobbit as you set forth in Bywater. Though not yet established as an official village, you’ll play a big part in helping the quaint town flourish. Greet comfort at the door as you decorate your own Hobbit-hole, tend to your garden, fish at clear ponds, forage wild fruits and herbs, and trade with townsfolks.
Our workplace is flexible, inclusive, supportive ... and dog friendly!
- Help develop a game based in Middle-earth within Wētā Workshop’s game studio.
- Fun, collaborative team that looks out for each other.
- Full-time role with flexible work-life balance arrangements.
Specialists in creating rich worlds of wonder and telling immersive stories. For over 30 years, Wētā Workshop has been pushing the boundaries, earning multiple awards for our ground-breaking work in film and games. Based in Wellington, NZ we work with the biggest names in the entertainment industry to deliver unforgettable experiences to our fans the world over.
We’re looking for a Senior Game Designer to join our game studio! You will be responsible for maintaining exceptional quality across the gameplay, environment design and storytelling of our games.
You’ll bring your understanding of game design principles to our game, which is set in Middle-earth and different to any other Middle-earth title on the market!
We are looking for a game design generalist, with a flair for balancing and progression.
What will you be doing?
- Maintaining exceptional quality across the gameplay, environment design and storytelling of our games.
- Creating and refining clear design documentation to help guide cross-discipline groups towards a shared product vision, including documentation for systems of mechanics
- Working with the team to create and design meaningful content involving but not limited to items, quests, and NPCs
- Engaging in playtesting with internal and external testers, and utilising feedback to further improve designs.
- Iterating on game design from prototype to polish.
What we’re looking for from you
- Two shipped commercial titles (or equivalent).
- Experience iterating and maintaining game progression balancing.
- Background in Unity development and confidence in prototype-level programming in C#.
- Portfolio demonstrating an excellent understanding of the principles of game design.
- Experience and a passion for Life Simulation, RPG, or Narrative games a plus
- Confidence in taking an established vision and maintaining it through the later stages of game development.
What we can offer you
- A unique and inspiring working environment
- Flexible working arrangements so you can work in a way that’s best for you and create a work-life balance.
- Private crew screenings of movies that we've worked on and social events throughout the year
- Our studio is dog friendly, so feel free to bring them along. We can assure you they’ll get lots of pats to keep them happy.
- Each Friday we have a social get together in the late afternoon. We also have social events throughout the year.
- Professional development opportunities so you can continue to grow and blossom.
- Dedicated management focused on your growth.
- Free fruit and coffee, including a variety of milks to cater for all dietary preferences.
Our Culture
- Our vision is to be a successful global arts and entertainment company ... making imaginary worlds a reality.
- Our core values are: creativity, courage, community, kindness, excellence and kotahitanga
- We’re a fun, collaborative team, who look out for and support one another.
- As a creative business, we know that inspiration is achieved by working with people who have a range of experiences and perspectives.
- We strive to create a culture of belonging, where our team members feel welcome, supported and diversity is celebrated. After all, games are for everyone.
Sound like you?
If you think you meet 60% of the requirements – we encourage you to apply now – we are reviewing applications as they come in!
You must have the right to live and work in NZ to apply for this job.
Successful applicants require a satisfactory Ministry of Justice Criminal Convictions check