Creative Director

Position Description:

RealNetworks Inc. is a rapidly growing, web based, digital music, online gaming and streaming company headquartered in Seattle, Washington, that provides the universal platform for the delivery of any digital media, from any point of origin, across virtually any network, to any person on any Internet-enabled device, anywhere in the world. GameHouse is the leader in providing the best casual games in the market. We make fun exciting games that people like to play and we love to make. Our work environment is very collaborative, open, and creative. GameHouse is unlike any place you have ever worked for.GENERAL SUMMARY/PURPOSECome Join a world-class team!There is only one GameHouse. Are you ready to play?GameHouse Studios is a leading provider of games serving the Casual Games market since 2000 and has over 50 games to its credit. We have an open environment and value creativity and hard work. GameHouse Studios is owned by RealNetworks, Inc. a rapidly growing, cutting edge technology, web based digital music, online gaming and streaming company headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Real provides the universal platform for the delivery of any digital media from any point of origin, across virtually any network, to any person on any Internet-enabled device, anywhere in the world.Creative Direction: GameHouse is looking for an experienced Creative Director to work in our GameHouse games division in Pioneer Square. This position is responsible for the creative direction of the studio. Providing the Vision: This job entails designing games, making games, playing games, and talking about games. Candidates must have a high degree of passion for their projects and must be a team player. In this role, you will work closely with game Producers to define the vision for individual game concepts and to help carry the vision to completion.Design Ownership through Completion: This senior level position plays a key leadership role in the studio. In addition to initial game design, candidates must be able to direct game level design and level balancing throughout the game development cycle. You must also have excellent communication and listening skills while working with Art and Development Leads within the studio.Studio Road Map: This position, along with studio leads, is responsible for creating, updating, and monitoring the strategic road map for the studio. This responsibility requires working with other departments in the broader Game Content division to make sure the games we are developing align with the division’s strategy.Coordination with Netherlands studio: This position involves working with Game Designers in both the Seattle office and the GH Netherlands studio. Coordination of creating design direction and resolving game design and game roadmap issues will be critical for the success of the global GH studio. The ideal candidate must be able to create, maintain, and lead the design vision for multiple projects. Candidate will be responsible for creating back stories and composition for games. The candidate will be required to collaborate extensively with all members of the teams to ensure that all features of the design meet a high quality bar. The candidate will also be responsible for designing game concepts and proposals that reflect a strong knowledge of current market trends and customer expectations. And the candidate will be responsible for managing game designer(s) and level designers within the studio. PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESList the five to six major job duties (essential job functions) in order of their importance and the percentage of time used to perform that duty. Be as specific as possible. Duties may include such activities as maintains department files, uses a variety of software to compose correspondence, provides recommendations on investment strategy, creates financial spreadsheets, etc. The total time should equal 100%.Essential Functions: % of Time1. Studio Game Design Owner: Guide and manage the design and creative direction of the studio’s games; this includes working with the Designers and Producers in both Seattle, WA and Eindhoven, Netherlands 40%2. Coordinate with Production: Work with the production team throughout the development of a product, solving design-related issues 30%3. Game Design Docs: Create and update detailed game design documents composed of functional, technical, and artistic specifications 20%4. New Game Concepts/Green Light Process: Coordinate process for new and innovative game concepts for the casual market; work with Game Content division and Eindhoven studio to create and update the studio’s game road map 10%5. 6. Non-Essential Functions:• QUANTITATIVE MEASURES:Include information here regarding how the position will be measured (i.e. sales quota, call volume, etc.) Job Description PAGE 2JOB SPECIFICATIONSList the minimum and then the preferred levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities, education, and experience required for this position.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Minimum:Broad knowledge of game design / game mechanics / game balancing concepts and techniques.Strong leadership abilities and good communication skills.Ability to create composition of story and game-flow.Strong knowledge of casual games and the casual games industry.Strong verbal and written communication.Ability to adapt quickly to a rapidly changing, fast-paced creative environment.Thorough understanding of programming concepts.Thorough understanding of game art production.Preferred:Knowledge of LUA scripting language.Basic knowledge of C++ / Java / Flash. Basic knowledge of 3D Studio Max / Maya / PhotoshopEducation, Certification, and/or Training:Minimum:Some college courses in Visual Arts/ Computer Science/ other applicablePreferred:Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Arts / Computer Science / other applicableExperience:Minimum:5+ years of experience designing and bringing casual/mainstream games to market 2+ years of managing level designers/game designers/programmers and/or artistsPreferred:5+ years of hands on experience as either a game artist or game software engineer5+ years in the casual game marketRealNetworks, Inc is proud to offer our full time employees an extensive benefits package, including vacation, medical, dental, vision, matching 401K, an employee stock purchase program and subsidized commuting options. Additional benefits include our charitable matching program, learning and development programs, employee wellness plans and more. RealNetworks is an equal opportunity employer. (EOE)

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Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Minimum:Broad knowledge of game design / game mechanics / game balancing concepts and techniques.Strong leadership abilities and good communication skills.Ability to create composition of story and game-flow.Strong knowledge of casual games and the casual games industry.Strong verbal and written communication.Ability to adapt quickly to a rapidly changing, fast-paced creative environment.Thorough understanding of programming concepts.Thorough understanding of game art production.Preferred:Knowledge of LUA scripting language.Basic knowledge of C++ / Java / Flash. Basic knowledge of 3D Studio Max / Maya / PhotoshopEducation, Certification, and/or Training:Minimum:Some college courses in Visual Arts/ Computer Science/ other applicablePreferred:Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Arts / Computer Science / other applicableExperience:Minimum:5+ years of experience designing and bringing casual/mainstream games to market 2+ years of managing level designers/game designers/programmers and/or artistsPreferred:5+ years of hands on experience as either a game artist or game software engineer5+ years in the casual game market