Game Designer (Mission) - Wētā Workshop Game Studio

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!

Join our talented, award-winning game studio and make imaginary worlds a reality!

We are Wētā Workshop’s dedicated Game Studio, where our crew unleash our imaginations and create immersive game worlds and stories to inspire players around the world. From concept design to polished product, we bring our ideas to life in the games we create. Having been nominated for VES and D.I.C.E. awards and winning the NZ Pav award, making games of exceptional quality is what we do.

It's all made possible through the creativity, passion and tenacity of our talented team. That’s where you come in!

We are looking for a Game Designer to join our crew.

A bit about the role…

Our game studio is fully funded with an exciting game in development set in Tolkien’s Middle-earth.

In this role, you will start off as a Mission Designer on our current title, focused on creating content in game. This will be a more technical design role requiring familiarity with the Unity Game Engine. Some of the things you might expect to complete in your day to day would include:

Setting up in-game triggers, working within existing systems.
Designing the layout and flow of player activities.

As a game designer, your day to day will shift as we move through production phases. This will involve an appreciation for both finer detailed content creation as well as high-level approaches, thinking holistically about overall experiences to ensure they are clear, accessible, and enjoyable.

You can find out all the ins and outs of the role in our Job Description

A bit about you…

We’re looking for someone who has previously shipped a game (indie or pro), with confidence in prototype-level programming in C# and a portfolio demonstrating a good understanding of the principles of game design.

It would be nice if you also had:

Experience with Life Simulation, Dating, or Narrative games for PC or consoles
Creative writing skills
Knowledge of production tools such as Git, Jira, Lucid, Confluence

…but even if you don’t, we’d still like to hear from you.

We want our studio to reflect the diverse society we live in and welcome a range of experiences and perspectives.

As a creative organisation, we know that inspiration and amazing things can be achieved by working with people who have a range of experiences, unique strengths, and perspectives. We strive to create a culture of belonging, where our team members feel welcome and supported and diversity is celebrated.

What we can offer you

You can expect to receive fortnightly check ins, a manager focused on your growth and wellbeing and to have a strong voice representing you in leadership decisions.

We also offer:

Flexible working arrangements. Maintaining a positive culture of work-life balance is incredibly important to us.
A unique and inspiring working environment, with plenty of professional development opportunities.
We love and welcome dogs, so feel free to bring yours along - they’ll get lots of pats to keep them happy.
Free fruit and quality coffee, including a variety of milk to cater to all dietary preference.

You can find out more about our Game Studio and Wētā Workshop here.

What next?

If you’re keen – apply today! Please include your portfolio when you apply.

If you’d like to find out more information, you can check out our Job Description or contact us at recruitment@wetaworkshop.co.nz.

Please apply by 14 July 2023.

If we can do anything to accommodate you during the recruitment or interview process, please let us know.

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