Crystal Dynamics

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, 12 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! 

The Cinematic Design Lead plays a pivotal role in shaping the visual storytelling and immersive experiences of our games here at Crystal Dynamics. Positioned within the Story Pillar, this leadership position works closely with the other Design Leads and teams, infusing content with captivating presentation elements that narrate and enhance gameplay. Your expertise will direct the creative vision for reveals, character conversations, tutorial experiences, and first use moments, ensuring a seamless blend of narrative and gameplay. 

As a Cinematic Design Lead, you will: 

• Partner with narrative and design leads to weave presentation elements seamlessly into the game, while adhering to the cinematic tone and style set forth by the Cinematic Director. 
• Lead the strategic planning and execution of presentation for significant game moments. 
• Oversee and drive the work of the presentation team, inspiring creativity, innovation, and excellence in every aspect of their work. 
• Manage cross-disciplinary collaboration to ensure presentation objectives align with overall game design and storytelling goals. 
• Evaluate and refine presentation techniques, adapting based on feedback and evolving project needs. 
• Champion the integration of advanced technologies and methodologies to enhance presentation quality and impact. 

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

• Experience as a Senior, Lead, or Principal Designer (or equivalent), overseeing experience/presentation or similar design functions for highly rated next-gen games. 
• Leadership experience, overseeing multi-disciplinary teams within AAA game development. 
• A comprehensive understanding of narrative design, player psychology, cinematic storytelling, and cinematic language, including directing character conversations and utilizing animation and camera libraries for narrative depth. 
• Strong project management skills, with a history of delivering complex projects on time and within budget. 
• Proficiency in advanced game development software and tools. 
• Extensive understanding of end-to-end game development processes. 
• Demonstrated capacity for fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration. 

Preference will be given to candidates who have: 

• Portfolio that showcases the ability to drive innovative design and vision execution. 
• Experience creating systems for AAA Action-Adventure games for PC/Console. 
• Advanced proficiency with Unreal Engine. 
• Experience with Sequencer. 

It'll be a bonus if you also have: 

• Shipped multiple AAA titles. 

The pay range for this role includes the annual base salary, not including bonus and the generous benefits package that Crystal Dynamics provides all full-time employees. Individual compensation is determined by work location within our approved states or regions, as well as additional factors, including job related skills, experience, and relevant education. 

Your recruiter will be able to share more information about total compensation.

Pay Range (United States)

$120,000—$170,000 USD

Not sure if you are qualified? We hope that you will still choose to apply so we may review your application!

Crystal Dynamics is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to identifying and implementing positive and persistent measures to ensure equal opportunity in the recruitment, hiring, development, training, promotion and compensation of a diverse team employee group. This includes persons of different race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity or gender expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding, genetic characteristic, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, medical condition, political affiliation, age, veteran status, uniform service member status, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship, as well as any other classifications protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

By submitting an application, you acknowledge that you have read and understand Crystal Dynamics’s Privacy Notice available at https://www.crystald.com/legal/privacy/.