Job opening Level Designer at Warhorse Studios

Warhorse Studios is a world-class game development studio based in the historic heart of Prague. We are the creators of the critically acclaimed, multi-million-selling RPG Kingdom Come: Deliverance. Our studio is defined by a unique vision: to transport players into believable, authentic worlds filled with deep, non-linear stories and uncompromising historical realism. We don’t just build games; we build time machines.

We are currently seeking a highly creative and technically proficient Level Designer to join our team. In this role, you will be a key architect of our open-world environments, ensuring that every forest, village, and castle layout serves both the narrative and the gameplay. You will work at the intersection of art and logic, crafting spaces that guide the player’s eye while providing the freedom that defines the modern RPG experience.

Position & Compensation Overview: Level Designer

The Role as Level Designer

As a Level Designer at Warhorse, your primary mission is to contribute to our core vision of “Believable Worlds.” You are responsible for the flow, pacing, and environmental storytelling of our game world. You aren’t just placing trees and buildings; you are designing the player’s journey, managing their attention through geometry, and creating the “theatre” for our epic narrative moments.

Key Responsibilities

• Environmental Design & Prototyping: Design and iterate on game environments at the geometry level (greyboxing). You will focus on player flow, leading the player’s attention through natural landmarks, and ensuring intuitive world exploration.

• Open-World Narrative Content: Brainstorm and implement engaging content for our open world from both a gameplay and narrative perspective. This includes side activities, environmental puzzles, and world events.

• Narrative & Art Collaboration: Work in tight-knit “strike teams” alongside Narrative Designers, Concept Artists, and Environment Artists to ensure the world layout supports the story and looks stunning.

• Combat & Gameplay Support: Layout environments specifically to support our unique combat systems, providing tactical opportunities for the player and ensuring AI navigation is seamless.

• NPC Integration: Place Non-Player Characters (NPCs) within the environment and create/maintain their “Living World” behaviors (schedules, idle animations, and world interactions).

• Environmental Storytelling: Use the placement of objects, lighting cues, and architectural details to tell “silent stories” within the world, rewarding players who pay attention to their surroundings.

Requirements & Qualifications

We are looking for a designer who lives and breathes open-world RPGs. You should have a natural sense of space and a deep understanding of how players interact with digital environments.

Core Requirements

• Czech Language Proficiency: This role requires fluent Czech for internal documentation and communication within the core design team.

• Technical Experience: Experience with modern game editors (Unreal Engine, Unity, CryEngine) or other 3D modeling tools (Maya, Blender, 3ds Max).

• Level Design Principles: A rock-solid understanding of the core principles of level design: sightlines, “weenies” (guiding landmarks), negative space, and pacing.

• Spatial Imagination: The ability to visualize complex 3D spaces from a 2D map or concept sketch.

• Creative & Analytical Thinking: A proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to take independent responsibility for a specific region or feature of the game world.

• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication skills are a must; you must be able to pitch ideas and take constructive criticism within a highly collaborative team environment.

• Industry Overview: A deep interest in current gaming trends, particularly in the open-world RPG genre.

Desirable “Bonus” Skills

• Unreal Engine: Direct experience working within the Unreal Engine 5 editor.

• VFX/Art Background: Previous experience as a Level Artist, Concept Artist, or in a similar creative role.

• Education: Relevant university degree in Game Design, Architecture, or Fine Arts.

Our Commitment to Authentic Storytelling

At Warhorse Studios, we value truth in our design. Whether we are recreating a 15th-century castle or designing a fictional village, we prioritize “believability” over “gamey” tropes. Our team is a mix of history buffs, tech enthusiasts, and hardcore gamers.

A Human Recruitment Process: We believe that level design is a craft that requires a human touch. We do not use AI to screen or filter candidates. Your portfolio, screenshots, and design documents will be reviewed by our Lead Level Designer and Creative Directors. We are looking for your unique “signature” in the spaces you create.

What We Offer: The Warhorse Experience

Prague is widely considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and our office in the Karlín district is at the center of its tech and culinary scene.

• Global Impact: Work on internationally recognized AAA titles that are discussed and played by millions around the globe.

• Ambitious Team: Become part of a young, highly motivated team where innovation is encouraged and the “Warhorse spirit” of independence is celebrated.

• Daily Sustenance: We provide free breakfast and a wide selection of snacks and drinks in the office to keep your creative energy high.

• Health & Wellness: We support your physical and mental health through Multisport cards, in-office yoga sessions, and mental health support via Hedepy.

• Social Benefits: Benefit from meal vouchers (stravenky) and a range of other perks typical of a top-tier European studio.

• Professional Growth: Regular internal workshops and access to the latest development hardware and software.

Why Join Warhorse Studios?

If you are a Czech-speaking designer who wants to move beyond “generic” levels and start building worlds that feel lived-in, ancient, and alive, Warhorse Studios is your destination. We offer the chance to work on a project where your creativity will be visible in every corner of the map. We don’t just fill space; we create atmosphere.

Application Process

To apply, please submit your CV and a link to your portfolio/demo reel. Please ensure your portfolio includes “greybox to final” comparisons or layout top-downs.

Apply via our recruitment portal or email your application to our HR department.

If you are passionate about level design but don’t meet every single requirement, we still want to hear from you. We value creative spark and the right attitude above all else.