Hello! I’m William, the designer of Manifold Garden and the Creative Director of William Chyr Studio (WCS). We are a small indie game studio based in Chicago, with a remote team located around the world. 

We are currently working on an unannounced original game as a follow-up to Manifold Garden and are looking for a Creative Researcher to join us. In this role, you will work closely with the Creative Director to research topics, create presentations, and provide references and feedback. For example, you might research and write up a report about early Roman architecture or play a bunch of VR games in a certain genre and record gameplay footage from your play sessions. 

The position is hybrid (in-office/remote) and will require around 20-30 hours per week of availability. We are looking for candidates who live in Chicago, IL.  

Background

Manifold Garden’s development began in 2012. It was inspired by the works of M.C. Escher, physics, and architecture. While the game started as a solo project, it was a team that took it through the finish line. The core team came together starting in 2017, and the final product is a collaborative effort with all of our contributions.

Manifold Garden was released in October 2019 to critical acclaim. It was nominated for a BAFTA and Game Developers Choice Award and has since been exhibited at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Design Museum in London. The game is available on Apple Arcade, Steam, Epic Games Store, Itchio, PS4/PS5, Xbox One /Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch. We partnered with iam8bit to release a physical edition for PS5 and Switch, as well as a beautiful edition of the soundtrack on vinyl that won the Best Vinyl Gatefold Award.

What are we working on? 

Since Manifold Garden was released, we’ve been working on several new projects. We are excited about the creative potential of new technologies. Our focus is to create innovative games that push the boundaries of gameplay and reimagine space, physics, and architecture. One of the projects we are working on is an original VR title that explores impossible geometry. 

What are we looking for in a Creative Researcher? 

The ideal candidate is resourceful, works well independently and as a team member, and possesses strong oral and written communication skills. They are passionate about video games, art, and design. They have a background in research, with experience in conducting both online and offline research, and familiarity with a wide variety of media. The Creative Researcher will be responsible for identifying relevant sources, gathering and organizing information, and presenting findings in a clear and concise manner.

The Creative Researcher will be responsible for conducting in-depth research on a wide range of topics related to the studio’s game development projects. They will work closely with the design team and will report to the Creative Director. 

Responsibilities

• Conduct project research on topics including (but not limited to) architecture, video games, art, design, music, and history
• Assist in creating educational materials, decks, and presentations for internal and external teams
• Assist the Creative Director with brainstorming ideas
• Document and organize creative team’s communications and notes
• Play games and write reviews, feedback, and reports
• Capture gameplay footage on a number of different hardware and platforms
• Research particular genres of games
• Collect and analyze data
• Identify relevant sources and gather information from both online and offline sources
• Organize and summarize research findings in a clear and concise manner

Qualifications

• A love of video games
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, with the ability to present findings in a clear and concise manner
• Good time management
• Self starter and independent
• Strong research skills, with experience working with a wide variety of media
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to handle multiple competing tasks and demands and changing priorities
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to accept direction on assignments and respond appropriately to feedback

Skills and Experience that would be beneficial, but not required:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as game design, computer science, or psychology
• Familiarity with video game design and development processes

Flexible Hours

We value flexibility and independence. Flexibility means each team member can decide what is the best way for them to work, while staying open-minded to input. Independence means being self-motivated, having the ability to run with 75% of a task, and having the confidence to know when and how to ask for guidance and offer ideas.

We are primarily a remote work environment, with team members and collaborators working in multiple cities and various time zones. We use a synchronous/ asynchronous model to ensure we can have real-time meetings as a group, as well as time for each of us to do deep work according to our own schedule. Our synchronous hours are Monday to Friday, 10 am - 2 pm US Central Time. During these hours, you’re expected to be available and responsive. Outside of these 4 hours, you can manage your time however you want.

Location

• Candidate must be based in or around the Chicago, IL area. 
• The position is hybrid (in-office/remote)

To Apply

Please send an email with "WCS - Creative Researcher'' in the subject line. Please also include 

• A brief outline of why you think you'd fit the position
• Contact information for two professional references
• Writing sample
• Attach any relevant supporting documents –resume, CV, or portfolio

William Chyr Studio is an equal-opportunity employer committed to facilitating an inclusive environment for all team members. We encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds to apply for our open positions.