Creative Director, Unannounced Game Job at Blizzard Entertainment in Irvine

Job description

At Blizzard, we craft genre-defining games and legendary worlds for all to share.

 Through unparalleled creativity and storytelling, we create immersive universes and iconic characters that are beloved across platforms, borders, backgrounds, and generations - only made possible by building a work environment that nurtures the artistry of game development and unleashes the aspirations of our people.

We are in search of a Creative Director to help grow and advance the creative vision of a new, unannounced game.

The ideal candidate has a passion for both design and narrative and can effectively communicate the game's objectives through high-quality visual content.

They continuously learn, understand the importance of processes, pay attention to detail, and are eager to play a crucial role in our team.

The Creative Director will oversee world building, narrative, and visual design, guiding story and world creation for this project.

Qualified candidates will have demonstrated experience in establishing and guiding creative leadership teams from initial concept to release.

 

This role is anticipated to be a hybrid position based out of our Irvine, CA studio.

Responsibilities: 

• Fully own the process of developing our game’s IP, working with art and game design leadership to develop the settings, characters, themes, and story arcs within that world.
  
  
• Shepherd a shared vision around our key aspirational character and core fantasies, acting as the torchbearer for how our project will intentionally deliver on them.
  
  
• Own communication around the IP, which includes developing and refining key artifacts that help communicate our vision to teammates, stakeholders, and partners.
  
  
• Promote an inclusive and diverse culture within our team, and let this ethos guide the stories we tell and the worlds we create.
  
  
• Participate actively in team playtesting and provide feedback.
  
  
• Develop partnerships with internal departments and external agencies.
  
  
• Remain current on industry trends.
  
  
• Solve complex visual problems with clear and aesthetically pleasing design solutions.
  
  
• Maintain the visual aesthetic and spirit of the game while bringing your personal design perspective.
  
  
• Facilitate communication, organization, and accountability across all departments to ensure project goals are met, and brand representation is consistent and of high quality.
  
  
• Lead, mentor, and inspire your teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and a production mindset.
  
  
• Set clear goals and performance expectations, conducting regular check-ins and reviews to support individual growth and team alignment.
  
  

Requirements: 

• 15+ years experience in game design with a focus on AAA titles, or an equivalent blend of education and experience.
  
  
• 4+ years experience leading game design teams and defining game creative direction.
  
  
• Deep understanding of IP world building and narrative design.
  
  
• Proven success collaborating with internal departments and external agencies.
  
  
• Strong project management skills and the ability to maintain a strategic view of all work.
  
  
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills for working with internal and external teams.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Have shipped at least one AAA title as a creative leader.
  
  

Application Materials: 

• Online portfolio demonstrating relevant artistic skills is required.
  
  

Your Platform 

Best known for iconic video game universes including Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, and StarCraft®, Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

(www.blizzard.com), a division of Activision Blizzard, which was acquired by Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment experiences.

Blizzard Entertainment has created some of the industry’s most critically acclaimed and genre-defining games over the last 30 years, with a track record that includes multiple Game of the Year awards.

Blizzard Entertainment engages tens of millions of players around the world with titles available on PC via Battle.net®, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android.

Our World 

Activision Blizzard, Inc., is one of the world's largest and most successful interactive entertainment companies and is at the intersection of media, technology and entertainment.

We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, World of Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, Candy Crush™ and Bubble Witch™.

Our combined entertainment network delights hundreds of millions of monthly active users in 196 countries, making us the largest gaming network on the planet! 

Our ability to build immersive and innovative worlds is only enhanced by diverse teams working in an inclusive environment.

 We aspire to have a culture where everyone can thrive in order to connect and engage the world through epic entertainment.

We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for ‘Every World’ - we’ve got our employees covered! 

Ready to Activate Your Future?

 

The videogame industry and therefore our business is fast-paced and will continue to evolve.

As such, the duties and responsibilities of this role may be changed as directed by the Company at any time to promote and support our business and relationships with industry partners. 

We love hearing from anyone who is enthusiastic about changing the games industry.

Not sure you meet all qualifications?

Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable assistance to individuals with physical and mental disabilities.

If you are a disabled individual requiring an accommodation to apply for an open position, please email your request to accommodationrequests@activisionblizzard.com.

General employment questions cannot be accepted or processed here.

Thank you for your interest.

  

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status, among other characteristics.

Rewards

We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for ‘Every World’ - we’ve got our employees covered!  Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:

• Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
• 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
• Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
• Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
• If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.
  
  

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company.

You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $134,000.00 - $247,900.00 Annual.

These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations.

Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location.

Your Talent Professional can share this role’s range details for your local geography during the hiring process.

In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation.

Incentive compensation is not guaranteed.

While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable.

Required Skill Profession

Art And Design Workers