Lead Level Scripter

DONTNOD Studios is looking for a Lead Level Scripter to work on our next project 100% developed in Montreal

Why would you join us in the first place?

• You want to be part of the next narrative project from Don’t Nod Montréal;
• You wish to join a diverse and committed team, both in its culture and in the game content it creates;
• You're looking for a studio whose controlled size maximizes iteration efficiency, simple human interaction, and individual satisfaction for each team member;
• You would like to put your communication and organizational skills at the service of the well-being and efficiency of the team and its project.

What you'll really be doing here?

Reporting to the Project Producer, you will manage a team of level scripters (up to around 5 people), in various seniority levels.

Your mission will be to:

• Ensure the game levels are scripted and built according to the creative briefs, while respecting the technical constraints and game intention pillars;
• Build the design content creation workflows, tools and pipelines in collaboration with other departments;
• Define content creation best-practices, provide guidance, give creative and scripting feedback, and coordinate with other departments when needed;
• Follow-up on feedback from Directors, Narrative Designer, playtests and analytics with Level Scripters: implementation, discussions, compromises, etc.;
• Oversee the creation of prototypes in collaboration with programmers to test and refine gameplay mechanics;
• Collaborate with programmers to build the technical roadmap: help bridge the gap between technical and creative, and support in defining priorities needed for design objectives;
• Ensure the levels feel alive, natural, exciting and immersive: focus on the orchestration, animation scripting, characters/AI routines, pacing of the scripted events, etc.;
• Create and maintain documentation throughout the development process that outlines the scripting tools, implementation best-practices and technical specifications;
• Support the Level Scripters to translate design intent into gameplay logic;
• Play content regularly to ensure that it meets the desired quality, design standards, and stability requirements;
• Coordinate with other disciplines including art departments, programming and narrative, to integrate different elements into a unified game experience;
• Collaborate with the production team to manage level scripting resources, sprint planning, high-level roadmaps, and timelines.

What skills should you have?

• 5+ years of experience in the video game industry as a Level Scripter or similar position;
• 3+ years of experience successfully managing a team of Designers or Level Scripters;
• Experience working on at least two full production cycles of published video games;
• Proven experience with Unreal Engine 5 and good knowledge of Blueprint;
• Strong rigor, analytical mindset, a good capability to react to an iterating environment and being flexible to change;
• Tech savvy with basic knowledge on programming and/or technical constraints in the video game industry;
• Proficient in communicating, collaborating and presenting with the different team members;
• Experience in working through all the design spectrum (game, level and tech design) using visual scripting tools;
• Fluent in adventure games which have strong narrative, dialogue and storytelling components;
• A strong flair for scene orchestration & pacing, animation scripting, character/AI routines in order for to create content that feels alive and reactive.

At DON’T NOD Montreal, we celebrate diversity and inclusivity within our games as well as our teams. We commit to equal opportunities and non-discrimination in our hiring process. We are respectful of the principles of equal employment opportunities, and that is why we encourage women, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, First Nations people, people living with a disability, visible minorities, as well as any other person who can contribute to the diversity of our studio to apply for our positions.

We build close-knit teams to encourage a fulfilling work environment for all our employees.
Our teams enjoy a range of benefits, including flexibility, a generous holiday bank, time off, training and career development support, and a personalized Lifestyle spending account.

Additional perks include:

• The possibility of working anywhere in Quebec;
• Insurance and virtual healthcare coverage as of Day 1;
• An annual bank of 40 hours of menstrual leave;
• Partial refund of transport fees (OPUS, BIXI and parking);
• Access to gym and fitness classes as well as a multi-sports field in summer which turns into an ice rink in winter;
• Referral bonus that goes the extra mile;
• RRSPs with the employer's contribution.