The Birmingham Studio is the newest of the Codemasters studios having become part of the Codemasters group in late 2008. It has already enjoyed great success with the BAFTA and Develop Award winning number one hit F1 2010. Codemasters Birmingham is now working on F1 2012, as well as an exciting new title for release in 2012. The existing team is made up of some very experienced staff, some having worked in the industry for over 20 years, with average experience in the studio of over a decade. Situated in brand new offices in Birmingham city centre near the end of Broad Street, we are looking for an Experienced Level Designer to work on our new yet undisclosed title for 2012 and beyond.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

Research

·        Use all sources available to research the relevant area(s) of design.

·        Ensure that thorough notes are taken and concepts are effectively recorded.

·        Make valuable contributions to both the concept and vision of the project or task.

Planning

·       Working from requirements delegated by lead level designer develop detailed specifications. (To be agreed and signed off by lead level designer and possibly chief games designer).

·       Assigned tasks should regularly be prioritised.

·       Identify and report additional tasks over and above the delegated work that will aid the projects schedule and/or quality.

Documentation

·       Ensure all allocated design work is documented in accordance with the standards outlined and set by the Chief Games Designer or Lead Level designer.

·       Produce required documentation in the timeframe stated by Line Manager.

·       Ensure all relevant design documentation is up to date.

·       Ensure scheduling documentation is up to date against targets.

·       All documentation must be clear, comprehensive and concise.

Communication

·       Communicate clearly and effectively.

·       Use appropriate methods of communication.

o           Ensure verbal communication is understood and transcribe any vital points / new tasks.

o           Text communication must be clear, comprehensive and concise.

o           Visual imagery as a communication tool needs to be “bullet-proof” to eliminate miscommunication.

·       Raise any issues to the attention of those concerned.

·       Liase effectively with level design team and other co-dependant job roles.

·       To actively participate in team meetings.

·       Act as a point of contact where appropriate.

Implementation

·       Working from agreed specification and schedule, implement assets to the required standard or higher.

·       Report progress to line manager and inform them of any implementation issues as they arise.

·       Test owned assets against specification to ensure they perform as required.

·       Fix bugs identified in owned assets to specified standards and timescales.

·       Assist in fixing bugs across the project.

Game balancing and play testing

·       Play test and balance all owned areas of the game, in line with the vision and direction as set by the design team.

·       To play and suggest appropriate changes to others’ levels currently in development.

·       To communicate regularly with other development team members on game balancing and quality issues.