Associate Game Director

Job description

IO Interactive is an independent video game development and publishing company with studios in Copenhagen, Malmö, Barcelona, Brighton and Istanbul.

As the creative force behind some of the most talked-about multiplatform video games in the last decade, we are dedicated to creating unforgettable characters and experiences – all powered by our award-winning proprietary Glacier technology.

A passion for fantasy worlds has long been ingrained in our studio, and at last we can announce we have embarked on a journey into that beloved realm.

With a party of veteran IOI guild members and new wizards and sorceresses of the industry, we are building an ambitious new IP for console and PC that will revolutionise the online fantasy RPG genre.

If you share a similar passion for creating welcoming, heartfelt, bold and impactful worlds, join us and together we will write the next chapter in IOI's history.

We are looking for an experienced Associate Game Director to join our team and work closely with our Game Director to bring our vision to life.

This role is central to shaping the moment-to-moment gameplay, leading the Combat pillar (3Cs, heroes, bosses, enemies, and encounters) as well as Level Design, while also acting as a trusted partner to the Game Director on the overall direction of the game.

What you will do:

• Partner with the Game Director to drive the overall game vision, and step in to represent or take over responsibilities when needed.
  
  

• Own and direct the Combat pillar, including:

• 3Cs (Character, Controls, Camera)

• Core combat systems and mechanics

• Player character, bosses, enemies, and encounter design

• Oversee Level Design, ensuring environments and encounters align with the combat vision and overall gameplay goals.
  
  

• Manage and guide multi-disciplinary teams across design disciplines to achieve a high standard of execution.
  
  

• Provide clear feedback, direction, and decision-making to ensure consistency across gameplay experiences.
  
  

• Collaborate with other directors and leads (Creative, Art, Animation, Narrative / Fantasy, Tech) to ensure features and systems serve the overall game vision.
  
  

• Represent the game vision both internally and externally when required.
  
  

who you are: 

• 15+ years of experience in combat design with a proven track record on shipped titles, ideally in action RPGs or other games with dynamic combat.
  
  

• Deep expertise in 3Cs and moment-to-moment gameplay.
  
  

• Previous experience leading design teams, mentoring senior and junior designers, and providing creative direction.
  
  

• Strong understanding of encounter design, level design, and how they integrate with combat systems.
  
  

• Excellent communication skills, able to clearly articulate vision and give actionable feedback.
  
  

• Collaborative mindset, able to partner with other directors and adjust quickly to shifting needs.
  
  

• A passion for action games and a strong design sensibility for responsive, rewarding combat.
  
  

Nice to Have

• Experience with cross-discipline collaboration (Animation, VFX, Audio, etc.) to deliver high-quality combat experiences.
  
  

• Experience in both AAA and mid-sized teams, with flexibility in approach.
  
  

Who we are:

IO Interactive is an independent videogame development and publishing company with studios in Copenhagen, Malmö, Barcelona, Istanbul and Brighton.

As the creative force behind some of the most talked-about multiplatform video games in the last decade, we are committed to creating unforgettable characters and experiences – all powered by our award-winning, proprietary Glacier technology.

IOI is a studio that values in-person collaboration.

Being together helps us focus our collective energy on our immediate goals.

For us, being both in-office as well as connected across our studios helps us integrate our teams faster, strengthen relationships, and improve knowledge-sharing.

We believe that the more time we spend together, the more quality and progress we achieve for our games and players.

We know that to achieve those goals, we need courage, talented people and a great working environment – and we do our utmost to have all of that.

Across our multiple studios, we’re working on several projects.

Crucially though, we’re all one team.

We value the work and impact that each person brings to the table and we actively encourage new ideas, whilst listening to your insights along the way.

We have a dedicated team of People Managers, who look after you as an individual and as an employee.

With more than 40 nationalities, we know that everyone is different and we are proud to have a reputation for being a friendly workplace with highly-talent people.

Required Skill Profession

Art And Design Workers