📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Creative Director - Hearthstone | Irvine, CA
🔹 Company: Activision Blizzard
🔹 Location: Irvine - Blizzard - Blizzard Way, Irvine, CA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Entertainment Providers
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-04
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (On-site and Remote)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Setting the creative vision for Hearthstone, ensuring a cohesive and impactful player experience.
- Managing team directors and collaborating with game designers to execute the vision.
- Overseeing external partners and outsourcing teams to ensure delivery of high-quality creative content.
- Contributing to new R&D projects in the same role.
- Operating with autonomy while upholding and embodying Blizzard’s creative values in all aspects of work.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, leadership, and collaboration to drive the creative direction of Hearthstone. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in creative direction, storytelling, and world-building, with a passion for the Warcraft universe and CCGs.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Forge the overall creative direction for new content and features, including tone, themes, stories, locations, and player experiences.
✅ Define and drive the team’s understanding of different types of players and how to create compelling content for each.
✅ Align the creative vision across all disciplines, including art, UI/UX, audio, and narrative, to ensure a cohesive and impactful player experience.
✅ Drive great story and craft that inspires players through all areas of the game, including gameplay, features, and live ops.
✅ Champion diversity and inclusion across all areas, including setting and meeting targets for team composition and in-game representation.
✅ Effectively manage team directors around setting creative goals, establishing standards for quality, and review of delivery with an eye toward ongoing improvement.
✅ Partner closely with game designers to execute the vision as an integral part of innovative gameplay and features.
✅ Work with publishing, marketing, and story-franchise development teams to generate high-quality assets and ensure creative alignment between those teams and the game team.
✅ Oversee external partners and outsourcing teams to ensure delivery of high-quality creative content.
✅ As needed, directly generate content including style guides, art descriptions, concept sketches, flavor text, card names, pet & other cosmetic concepts, and other tasks that align with your core skillsets.
✅ Operate with autonomy while upholding and embodying Blizzard’s creative values in all aspects of your work.
✅ Inspire and encourage all of our teams with your energy, optimism, and dedication.
ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities listed above are not exhaustive and may change based on the needs of the project and the organization. The ideal candidate will be adaptable and able to take on additional responsibilities as needed.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Not specified (Assumed: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field)
Experience: 10+ years of experience in AAA video game development with multiple shipped titles or live service equivalent. Lead or director-level experience in one or more of the following domains: art, UI art, narrative, or audio.
Required Skills:
- Demonstrated aptitude for practical reuse and production techniques to maximize ROI on creative systems.
- Proficiency in creative software tools such as Maya, Adobe Creative Suite, Unity, or Unreal Engine.
- Incredible storytelling acumen and world-building toolset.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in shared world game development.
- Knowledge and passion for the Warcraft universe, Hearthstone, and CCGs generally.
- UX experience.
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Creative Writing) is typically required for this role. Additionally, experience in the gaming industry and familiarity with the Warcraft universe and Hearthstone are highly desirable.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $164,800.00 - $304,800.00 Annual (Based on the provided range)
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
- 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
- Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
- Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
- If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with a hybrid work arrangement (some work required on-site and some work-from-home)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Creative Director role in the gaming industry. The benefits listed are based on the information provided in the job listing and may be subject to change or eligibility requirements.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Entertainment Providers (specifically, video game development and publishing)
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees (Large enterprise)
Founded: 1991 (as Activision, Inc.)
Company Description:
- Activision Blizzard, Inc. is one of the world’s largest interactive entertainment companies, with operations across North America, Europe, and Asia.
- The company is home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises, including Call of Duty®, Skylanders®, World of Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Diablo®, Candy Crush™, and Bubble Witch™.
- Activision Blizzard is known for its commitment to creating high-quality, engaging entertainment experiences and fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.
Company Specialties:
- Video Games
- Entertainment
- Consumer Products
- Media
- Film and TV
- Gaming
- and Production
Company Website: http://www.activisionblizzard.com/
ASSUMPTION: Activision Blizzard is a well-established, large enterprise in the entertainment industry with a strong focus on creating high-quality, engaging entertainment experiences. The company is known for its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and fostering a positive work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Executive (Creative Director is typically a senior leadership role)
Reporting Structure: The Creative Director reports directly to the Game Director or a similar senior leadership role within the organization.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (On-site and Remote) with some work required on-site and some work-from-home.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to a Vice President or similar role within the creative leadership team.
- Opportunities to work on new projects or franchises within the Activision Blizzard portfolio.
- Potential to expand the scope of the role or take on additional responsibilities based on the needs of the organization.
ASSUMPTION: As a Creative Director, the ideal candidate will have the opportunity to grow within the role and take on additional responsibilities as the organization evolves. Additionally, the role may provide opportunities to work on new projects or franchises within the Activision Blizzard portfolio.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site office with a hybrid work arrangement (some work required on-site and some work-from-home)
Office Location(s): Irvine - Blizzard - Blizzard Way, Irvine, CA
Geographic Context:
- The Irvine office is located in Orange County, California, approximately 45 miles southeast of Los Angeles.
- The area is known for its mild Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
- Orange County is home to a diverse range of industries, including technology, healthcare, and retail, as well as a thriving arts and culture scene.
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with a hybrid work arrangement (some work required on-site and some work-from-home)
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement for this role allows for some flexibility in work location and schedule, while still requiring regular on-site presence for collaboration and team building.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the Activision Blizzard careers portal.
- Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team to discuss qualifications and fit for the role.
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or other members of the creative leadership team to discuss creative vision, leadership style, and cultural fit.
- Portfolio review or creative challenge to assess creative skills and problem-solving abilities.
- Final interview with senior leadership to discuss the fit for the role and the organization.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Creative vision and direction for Hearthstone.
- Leadership and management skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-disciplinary teams.
- Cultural fit and alignment with Blizzard’s creative values.
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Include a portfolio or examples of your creative work to showcase your skills and style.
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
- Research the company and the Hearthstone franchise to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
ATS Keywords: Creative Direction, Hearthstone, World of Warcraft, Blizzard, Game Design, Art Direction, Narrative, Player Experience, Leadership, Collaboration, Problem-Solving, Creative Software, Game Development
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate’s creative vision, leadership skills, and cultural fit for the organization. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in creative direction, storytelling, and world-building, with a passion for the Warcraft universe and CCGs.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Maya
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Unity
- Unreal Engine
- Other relevant creative software tools and platforms
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have proficiency in one or more creative software tools and be able to learn and adapt to new tools as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Creativity
- Fun
- Innovation
- Quality
- Teamwork
- Happiness
- One Activision Blizzard
Work Style:
- Collaborative and inclusive
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Focused on high-quality, engaging entertainment experiences
- Committed to diversity, inclusion, and fostering a positive work environment
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Blizzard’s creative values, and how do you embody them in your work?
- How do you approach collaboration and teamwork in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?
- How do you ensure high-quality, engaging entertainment experiences in your creative work?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong alignment with Blizzard’s creative values and be able to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced work environment focused on creating high-quality entertainment experiences.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a large, cross-disciplinary team with diverse skills and backgrounds.
- Balancing creative vision and direction with the needs and constraints of the organization.
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines and changing priorities.
- Navigating a large, complex organization with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have strong leadership, management, and communication skills to navigate these challenges effectively.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Creative Director roles in other gaming studios or entertainment companies may have different scope, scale, and responsibilities based on the size and structure of the organization.
- Creative Director roles in other industries may have different focus areas, such as film, television, or advertising.
- Career progression for Creative Directors may vary depending on the organization and industry, with opportunities for advancement to Vice President or similar roles within the creative leadership team.
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the gaming industry and the specific needs and constraints of the organization to succeed in this role.
📝 Sample Projects
- Leading the creative direction for a new expansion or set of features for Hearthstone, including tone, themes, stories, locations, and player experiences.
- Collaborating with game designers to execute the creative vision for innovative gameplay and features.
- Overseeing external partners and outsourcing teams to ensure delivery of high-quality creative content for a live ops event or in-game promotion.
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong portfolio of creative work that demonstrates their ability to lead and execute creative projects in a gaming or similar entertainment context.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does this role fit into the broader creative leadership structure at Activision Blizzard, and how does it collaborate with other teams and disciplines?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the Hearthstone franchise, and how can this role address them?
- How does Activision Blizzard support the growth and development of its creative leadership team, and what opportunities are there for advancement within the organization?
- What is the company’s approach to diversity, inclusion, and fostering a positive work environment, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will use the interview process to gain a deep understanding of the role, the organization, and the opportunities for growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, including your creative portfolio or examples of your work.
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
- Research the company and the Hearthstone franchise to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of your interview to express your continued interest in the position.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
