Creative Director at Oxide Games in Timonium, Maryland

Job Description:

Oxide Games, headquartered in Timonium, Maryland, is a PC game development studio specializing in building AAA real-time strategy games. A relatively new player in the industry, Oxide has quickly made a name for itself with its ambitious projects and state-of-the-art technology. The team is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of gaming by using our proprietary Nitrous engine. The studio is staffed by a team of industry veterans and passionate game developers committed to delivering unique gaming experiences. Check out Ara: History Untold, a high-profile strategy game for XBOX Games, on STEAM!

As the Creative Director at Oxide Games, you will be the visionary leader responsible for defining and guiding the creative direction of our AAA strategy games. You will collaborate closely with designers, artists, writers, and engineers to create innovative, immersive gameplay that resonates with a wide audience. Your role will involve shaping the game's artistic, narrative, and design elements to ensure a cohesive experience for all players. You'll inspire and lead multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture where creativity, collaboration, and diversity thrive.

In this role, you will

• Define and articulate the creative vision for our AAA strategy games, ensuring that all game elements - including design, art, and narrative - are cohesive and aligned with the overall vision.
• Guide and support the design team in developing innovative, engaging, and in-line with the creative direction of game mechanics, systems, and features, promoting collaboration and diverse perspectives.
• Oversee the development of the game's story, characters, and world, ensuring that the narrative is compelling and enhances the overall gameplay experience.
• Work closely with the art team to establish the visual style, ensuring it supports the creative vision and game design and is inclusive of different player perspectives and experiences.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and marketing teams to ensure the creative vision is effectively implemented and communicated throughout the game's development and beyond.
• Drive innovation in game design and storytelling, ensuring the highest level of quality in all creative aspects of the game, from initial concept to final execution.
• Inspire, mentor, and support a multidisciplinary team of designers, artists, and writers, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best work.
• Ensure that game design and creative elements are centered around delivering a memorable, inclusive, and satisfying experience for all players.
• Oversee the game's post-launch content, updates, and live service support to ensure ongoing player engagement and satisfaction.

What types of education and experience do you need for this role?

• Bachelor's degree in Game Design/Development, Project Management, or a related field
• 10+ years of experience in the game industry, with at least 5+ years in a creative leadership role (e.g., Creative Director, Lead Designer, etc.).
• Proven ability to lead and inspire creative teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment that values diverse perspectives.
• Strong background and professional experience in game design with a proven record of delivering successful AAA games, particularly in the strategy genre.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate creative ideas and decisions to a diverse range of team members and stakeholders.
• Strong artistic and narrative sensibilities, with the ability to translate high-level concepts into engaging gameplay experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.
• Ability to think creatively and critically, with strong problem-solving skills to overcome creative and technical challenges during game development.
• Deep understanding of game design principles, player psychology, and current trends in the gaming industry, particularly within the strategy genre.
• A deep passion for strategy games and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of the genre to create inclusive experiences for all players.

And what about helping me grow as a professional?

We support our team members' growth through access to training, mentorship, and opportunities to attend industry events and conferences. As a Creative Director, you'll have the opportunity to shape the creative direction at Oxide while collaborating with industry veterans. This role will enhance your leadership and strategic thinking skills, as well as provide a platform to innovate and push the boundaries of game design.

Why join Us?

At Oxide Games, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive, empowering, and supportive work environment where creativity, innovation, and diversity thrive. We offer a hybrid work environment where most employees work from home two days per week, allowing you to balance focused work with in-office collaboration. We also understand that life can be unpredictable, so when things come up, we're flexible and can support your needs to work from home occasionally to care for what matters. Your well-being is our priority, and we strive to provide an environment where everyone can excel both personally and professionally. We value every perspective and are committed to building a team that reflects the diverse world of the players we serve. And, of course, we offer great benefits, too - because we believe you should feel good as you play! Whether it's a comprehensive health plan, paid time off, or opportunities for professional growth, we've got you covered.

Inclusivity and Equal Opportunity Statement:

Oxide Games is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and empowering environment where all team members can thrive. We value every perspective and strive to build a team that reflects the players we serve and our diverse world. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of background, gender, life experience, or identity.

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