Principal Game Designer (AI)

About Sumo Digital, Sheffield

Founded in 2003, Sumo Sheffield was the first of the Sumo Digital studios. Firmly established as the premium development partner of leading publishers, we are trusted to deliver high quality games associated with some of the most iconic and valued properties in the industry. We are also generating innovative new IP! With a highly skilled body of over 300 developers we work across all platforms, on a selection of AAA games covering multiple genres including Sports, FPS, and platform adventure.

Day in the life of a Principal Game Designer (AI)

We are looking for a Principal Game Designer (AI) to join our team and help craft a rich, responsive world filled with compelling NPCs and challenging enemies. This is an incredible opportunity to contribute meaningfully to an ambitious AAA third-person action RPG based on a globally beloved IP. As a master of your craft, you’ll focus on enemy design and AI behaviour systems that support meaningful player choice and create dynamic, engaging encounters across a variety of gameplay scenarios.

As a Principal AI Designer, you will design and iterate on enemy archetypes and AI behaviour to ensure that combat feels fluid, reactive, and alive. You will work closely with code, animation, and art teams to help implement responsive, believable AI characters. Your primary focus will be documentation and cross-discipline collaboration, supported by hands-on work using tools such as Blueprint for prototyping and fine-tuning behaviour and balance after implementation.

Within this role you will :

• Design AI that is systemic, responsive, and creates meaningful player challenges.
• Create combat encounters that support variety, player choice, and tactical decisions.
• Define gameplay states that support player strategy and flexible AI behaviour.
• Work with animation, code, and art to bring responsive AI characters to life.
• Align AI design with world-building, story, and player experience goals.
• Build combat scenarios that scale in challenge and support different playstyles.
• Own AI systems from concept to delivery with clear vision and accountability.
• Tune AI behaviours post-implementation for balance and player satisfaction.
• Mentor designers and help raise the overall quality of design across the team.

What do you need to do this job :

You will also need to demonstrate that you have :

What’s in it for you?

At Sumo, you’re in control of your benefits, tailored to support your lifestyle, wellbeing, and growth.

Inclusion and Belonging at Sumo Digital

At Sumo Digital, we believe that when people feel supported, valued, and empowered, they create their best work and that’s what drives our success.

We’re committed to building a sustainable, people-first business where everyone can thrive. Our focus is on nurturing talent, fostering creativity, and creating a healthy, inclusive, and enriching environment where everyone feels they truly belong.

PRISM, our employee-led diversity group, champions inclusion, equity, and wellbeing across all our studios. It plays a vital role in shaping a culture where every voice is heard, every background is respected, and every team member feels safe, welcome, and represented.

We’re proud to support meaningful causes through our charitable and community initiatives-reflecting the passions and values of our people, partners, and players.

We’re actively working to improve diversity in our recruitment and career development processes, and we encourage individuals from underrepresented and marginalised communities to explore careers at Sumo Digital.

Together, we’re building a studio where everyone can grow, contribute, and feel proud to be part of something special.

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