> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2037308-game-designer-combat](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2037308-game-designer-combat). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Game Designer, Combat - **Company:** SMILE BREAK INC. - **Location:** United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $100,000.0 - $140,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Computer Animation, Confluence, JIRA, Video Game Development, Visual Effects, Interactive Whiteboards - **Published:** August 12, 2026 - **Apply:** https://remotegamejobs.com/goto/smile-break-senior-game-designer-combat-remote-job ## About the Role * 5+ years of experience in combat design, character design, or gameplay design roles in the game industry. * Passion for designing memorable playable characters and creating responsive, satisfying, and balanced combat experiences. * Strong documentation skills with the ability to produce both detailed design specifications and executive-friendly summaries. * Excellent problem-solving skills with a deep understanding of third-person combat design, character progression, game feel, and player engagement. * Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across design, animation, art, VFX, audio, engineering, and production teams., * Experience designing third-person action combat for action RPGs, character-action games, or hero shooters. * Proficiency in Unity and experience working with gameplay scripting tools. * Familiarity with combat animation workflows and gameplay implementation. * Understanding of character progression, balance, and long-term progression systems. * Experience collaborating with licensors or working on established IPs. * Strong documentation skills and familiarity with common game development tools such as Jira, Confluence, Miro, Git, and Perforce., Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country in which they reside. Visa sponsorship is not currently available for this position. ## Description We are seeking a creative and experienced Senior Game Designer to join our team and help shape a top-tier third-person action RPG experience featuring a high-profile IP. This full-time, remote position offers an opportunity to join the Champion Design team, creating memorable, authentic, and mechanically distinct playable Champions that capture the fantasy of iconic characters while delivering engaging moment-to-moment gameplay. You will collaborate closely with animators, artists, engineers, VFX artists, and fellow designers to bring Champions from concept to fully realized, playable characters. Character and Ability Design * Design, prototype, and tune unique Champion kits that capture the fantasy of iconic characters. * Create engaging Champion abilities while balancing damage, cooldowns, and combat pacing to deliver satisfying moment-to-moment gameplay. * Design Champion gameplay loops that are distinct, intuitive, and fun to master. Champion Progression & Balance * Design Champion progression through skill trees, upgrades, and progression systems. * Collaborate with combat, progression, and systems designers to ensure Champions integrate cleanly with the game's combat, progression, and team-building systems. * Iterate on Champion gameplay using playtest feedback and data. Champion Feel & Presentation * Partner with Animation, VFX, Audio, and Engineering to deliver responsive, impactful abilities. * Ensure Champion gameplay authentically represents each character's personality, combat style, and fantasy. * Review implementation quality and provide feedback to maintain a high gameplay polish bar. Cross-Discipline Collaboration * Collaborate closely with Engineering, Animation, VFX, Audio, Art, Narrative, and Production throughout development. * Create and maintain Champion design documentation. * Own Champion designs from concept through implementation, iterating based on playtests and cross-disciplinary feedback. ## Related Videos - [Improving quality with Agentic AI with Rovo Dev and Xray](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2005-improving-quality-with-agentic-ai-with-rovo-dev-and-xray) - [The Story of Games](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/226-the-story-of-games) - [Dizzy users close browsers: balancing creativity and accessibility](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/803-dizzy-users-close-browsers-balancing-creativity-and-accessibility) - [42 x 2 Canvases Later: Two Years, Two Minds, Many Lessons](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1458-42-x-2-canvases-later-two-years-two-minds-many-lessons) - [A Founder's Journey : From Startup Chaos to Purposeful Growth](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1926-a-founder-s-journey-from-startup-chaos-to-purposeful-growth) - [Designing UX for SRE Agents in High-Stakes Incidents](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100003-designing-ux-for-sre-agents-in-high-stakes-incidents) ## Related Articles - [John Romero - What AI Can, Can’t, and Shouldn’t do for Games](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/478-john-romero-what-ai-can-can-t-and-shouldn-t-do-for-games) - [WWC24 Talk - Brenda Romero - Stay: Surviving and Thriving in Tech](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/467-wwc24-talk-brenda-romero-stay-surviving-and-thriving-in-tech) - [What Developers Can Learn from Indie Games](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/650-what-developers-can-learn-from-indie-games) - [Dev Digest 129 - Now that's what I call private data!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/468-dev-digest-129-now-that-s-what-i-call-private-data) - [Tips on mastering remote job interviews](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/23-tips-on-mastering-remote-job-interviews) - [Dev Digest 130 - The Diablo is in the details](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/470-dev-digest-130-the-diablo-is-in-the-details)