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Senior Combat Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Warner Bros. Discovery

Senior Designer, Combat

Chicago, IL · On-site

$89K - $166K/yr

The Job The Senior Combat Designer will be responsible for significant contributions to game design with a focus on combat, moment-to-moment gameplay, and character implementation. Alongside Lead and ...

Warnerbros

Senior Designer, Combat

Chicago, IL · On-site

$89K - $166K/yr

The Job The Senior Combat Designer will be responsible for significant contributions to game design with a focus on combat, moment-to-moment gameplay, and character implementation. Alongside Lead and ...

2K

Senior Combat Designer (Encounters)

Novato, CA

$100K - $148K/yr

As a Senior Combat Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will be responsible for scripting and shaping unforgettable encounters throughout the world of BioShock 4. You will set the standard for what ...

2K

Senior Combat Designer (Encounters)

Novato, CA · On-site

$100K - $148K/yr

As a Senior Combat Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will be responsible for scripting and shaping unforgettable encounters throughout the world of BioShock 4. You will set the standard for what ...

2K

Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)

Novato, CA · On-site

$119K - $128K/yr

As a Senior Combat Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will collaborate with an innovative team of designers, artists, and engineers to create industry-leading AI characters and combat gameplay. You will ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)

Novato, CA · On-site

$119K - $128K/yr

As a Senior Combat Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will collaborate with an innovative team of designers, artists, and engineers to create industry-leading AI characters and combat gameplay. You will ...

2K

Senior Combat Designer (AI archetype)

Novato, CA

$119K - $128K/yr

As a Senior Combat Designer at Cloud Chamber, you will collaborate with an innovative team of designers, artists, and engineers to create industry-leading AI characters and combat gameplay. You will ...

Tencent

Lead Combat Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$109K - $205K/yr

Who We Look For * 10+ years of experience in combat design, including senior, principle or lead ... Experience in designing combat gameplay based on mo-cap performances; experience in directing mo ...

LightSpeed Studios

Lead Combat Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$109K - $205K/yr

Who We Look For * 10+ years of experience in combat design, including senior, principle or lead ... Experience in designing combat gameplay based on mo-cap performances; experience in directing mo ...

ProbablyMonsters

Technical Designer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$77K - $108K/yr

Work with the senior combat designer to implement and balance AI enemy behaviors, state trees and enemy types into the game. * Along with AI enemies, you are capable of designing and implementing ...

ProbablyMonsters

Technical Designer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$77K - $108K/yr

Work with the senior combat designer to implement and balance AI enemy behaviors, state trees and enemy types into the game. * Along with AI enemies, you are capable of designing and implementing ...

Naughty Dog

Senior Game Designer (Combat)

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$145K - $181K/yr

At least one shipped title as a combat designer or similar role. Experience with behavior trees or similar NPC AI concepts preferred * Strong coding ability: Computer Science degree preferred though ...

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Senior Combat Designer information

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How much do senior combat designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior combat designer in the United States is $105,882.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,000.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Combat Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Combat Designer, you need deep expertise in game design principles, combat mechanics, and balancing, usually demonstrated through a portfolio and several years of industry experience. Proficiency with game engines like Unreal or Unity, scripting languages, and familiarity with design documentation tools are typically required. Creative problem-solving, collaboration, and strong communication skills help you work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and iterate on feedback. These skills ensure the creation of engaging, balanced, and fun combat experiences that enhance player satisfaction and game success.

What is a Senior Combat Designer?

A Senior Combat Designer is a game development professional responsible for designing, implementing, and balancing combat systems in video games. They work closely with other designers, artists, and programmers to create engaging and challenging combat experiences for players. Senior Combat Designers often lead teams, mentor junior staff, and ensure that combat mechanics align with the game's vision and objectives. Their work involves designing enemy behaviors, player abilities, weapons, and progression systems, as well as iterating on feedback and playtesting results.

What is the difference between Senior Combat Designer vs Combat Designer?

AspectSenior Combat DesignerCombat Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in game design, computer science, or related field; several years of experienceBachelor's degree in game design, related field; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDevelops complex combat systems, mentors junior staff, and leads design initiativesDesigns combat mechanics, collaborates with teams, and implements gameplay features
Industry UsageCommon in AAA and large-scale game studiosUsed across indie and mid-sized studios as well

The main difference between a Senior Combat Designer and a Combat Designer lies in experience, leadership responsibilities, and scope of work. Senior Combat Designers typically oversee complex systems, mentor team members, and contribute to strategic planning, while Combat Designers focus on designing and implementing combat mechanics. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are integral to game development teams.

How does a Senior Combat Designer typically collaborate with other departments during game development?

A Senior Combat Designer works closely with programmers, animators, artists, and narrative designers to ensure that combat systems are engaging, balanced, and visually coherent. This collaboration often involves frequent meetings, playtesting sessions, and iterative feedback cycles. Clear communication and documentation are essential, as the combat designer must translate creative visions into actionable tasks for various teams while also integrating technical and artistic constraints.
What cities are hiring for Senior Combat Designer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Combat Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Combat Designer jobs? The most popular types of Combat Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Combat Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Combat Designer jobs include:
Senior Combat Designer jobs near you
Senior Designer, Combat

Senior Designer, Combat

Warner Bros. Discovery

Chicago, IL • On-site

$89K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Warner Bros. Discovery rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 67 rated media

Job description

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery... the stuff dreams are made of.
Who We Are...
When we say, "the stuff dreams are made of," we're not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD's vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what's next...
From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.
The creative team that brought Mortal Kombat and Injustice to life is now NetherRealm Studios, part of the Warner Bros. Games family. With over 20 years of creation under our belts, NetherRealm's mission remains the same: to create cutting edge entertainment and deliver industry leading tech, game art and overall gaming experiences. NetherRealm Studios is a collaborative and creative environment, constantly striving to up the ante on what is possible in interactive entertainment. Our team is comprised of dedicated professionals with years of experience who are at the forefront of the gaming industry. The passion and energy that made Mortal Kombat a reality is still on display every day in our offices, our hallways and most definitely the studio's arcade room.
The Job
The Senior Combat Designer will be responsible for significant contributions to game design with a focus on combat, moment-to-moment gameplay, and character implementation. Alongside Lead and fellow Designers, the Senior Combat Designer is expected to implement and maintain combat-centric systems, game balance, and character tuning.
The Daily
  • Establishes and maintains design documentation for combat gameplay and systems.
  • Designs and builds game experiences, including implementation of characters and their navigation, combat move sets, and moment to moment gameplay.
  • Works closely with art teams to collaborate on and help define all associated visual elements.
  • Iterate with gameplay teams to drive the implementation of character combat with the highest degree of polish.
  • Analyze and incorporate user feedback from usability tests.
  • Works with personnel on R&D efforts for new game systems and creates playable prototypes as required.

The Essentials
  • 6+ years game design experience required.
  • Shipped at least 2 titles with a strong emphasis in combat design and implementation.
  • Direct experience in implementing combat mechanics (with a preference on melee-based combat) on at least 2 shipped titles.
  • Strong programming or scripting knowledge and experience required.
  • B.A. degree preferred or equivalent job experiences.
  • Ability to work well under pressure and with deadlines.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  • Strong passion for action and fighting games with a focus on combat mechanics.
  • Positive attitude and collaborative approach to problem solving.

How We Get Things Done...
This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.
Championing Inclusion at WBD
Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or any other category protected by law.
If you're a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.
In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance. Base pay is just one component of Warner Bros. Discovery's total compensation package for employees. Pay Range: $89,600.00 - $166,400.00 salary per year. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and sick time and vacation.

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