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Head of Creative

Aspyr Media, Inc.
Full-time
On-site
Austin, Texas, United States
🌐 Digital Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Head of Creative

πŸ”Ή Company: Aspyr Media, Inc.

πŸ”Ή Location: Austin, Texas, United States

πŸ”Ή Job Type: On-site

πŸ”Ή Category: Computer Games

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: 2025-05-18

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 10+ years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site (not remote)

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Leading the creative vision for Aspyr’s games, ensuring alignment with company strategy, market expectations, and player engagement goals
  • Heading multidisciplinary creative teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation
  • Establishing and upholding creative standards and processes for consistency, quality, and clarity of vision across all titles
  • Partnering with product, production, and engineering leaders to balance creative ambition with schedule, budget, and resource constraints
  • Guiding concept development, IP pitch materials, and greenlight presentations with strong storytelling and visual impact

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creative leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire and manage teams. It involves working closely with various departments and external partners to ensure Aspyr's games reflect a strong, cohesive vision.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Define and champion the creative vision for Aspyr’s games, ensuring alignment with company strategy, market expectations, and player engagement goals

βœ… Lead multidisciplinary creative teams including game design, narrative, and visual development, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation

βœ… Establish and uphold creative standards and processes that ensure consistency, quality, and clarity of vision across all titles

βœ… Partner with Product, Production, and Engineering leaders to balance creative ambition with schedule, budget, and resource constraints

βœ… Guide concept development, IP pitch materials, and greenlight presentations with strong storytelling and visual impact

βœ… Work directly with external licensors to maintain brand integrity and push creative boundaries within existing IP frameworks

βœ… Ensure player-centric thinking is embedded in design, art, and narrative decisions throughout the game lifecycle

βœ… Attract, develop, and retain top creative talent across disciplines

βœ… Represent Aspyr’s creative philosophy and vision in internal leadership discussions and external partner communications

ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of high-level strategic planning and hands-on creative work, requiring strong leadership, communication, and creative skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Game Design, Fine Arts, Creative Writing, or a related field

Experience: 12+ years of experience in creative leadership roles in the video game industry

Required Skills:

  • Proven track record as a Creative Director, Art Director, Narrative Director, or similar senior role on shipped titles
  • Deep expertise in at least one core creative discipline (game design, art, or narrative) with working knowledge across others
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional creative teams and build cohesive, player-focused experiences
  • Experience working with licensed IPs and navigating approvals with major licensors
  • Strong presentation and communication skills with the ability to inspire teams and influence stakeholders

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience shipping titles across multiple platforms including console and PC
  • Comfortable working in both hands-on and high-level strategic capacities
  • Passion for storytelling, visual worldbuilding, and immersive gameplay experiences

ASSUMPTION: Given the senior nature of this role, candidates should have extensive experience in creative leadership within the video game industry and a strong portfolio demonstrating their creative vision and leadership capabilities.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the experience level and industry standards for a Head of Creative role in Austin, TX, the estimated salary range is $150,000 - $220,000 per year. This is an assumption and the actual salary may vary.

Benefits:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan with company match
  • Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
  • Employee assistance program
  • Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours, Monday through Friday. Occasional evenings and weekends may be required to meet project deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and negotiation skills. Benefits are typical for a company of this size in the gaming industry.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Aspyr Media, Inc. operates in the Computer Games industry, focusing on video game publishing and development. The gaming industry is highly competitive and dynamic, with a strong emphasis on creativity, innovation, and player engagement.

Company Size: Aspyr Media, Inc. has 51-200 employees, which places it in the mid-size category. This size allows for a more intimate work environment with opportunities for growth and impact, while still offering the resources and stability of a larger company.

Founded: Aspyr Media, Inc. was founded in 1996, giving it over two decades of experience in the gaming industry. The company has established itself as a reliable and respected publisher and developer, working with some of the industry's leading franchises.

Company Description:

  • Aspyr Media, Inc. is an independent, full-service developer and publisher for the industry’s leading games
  • The company has helped nearly 200 games reach their next level across all platforms and beyond expectations
  • Aspyr is committed to equal employment opportunity and providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment

Company Specialties:

  • Mac game development
  • Video game publishing
  • Mac game publishing
  • Digital distribution
  • Video game marketing
  • Video game sales
  • Boutique indie game publishing
  • Console game development
  • VR game development
  • VR game publisher
  • Linux game development
  • Quality Assurance

Company Website: http://www.aspyr.com

ASSUMPTION: Aspyr Media, Inc. has a strong focus on creativity, innovation, and player engagement, with a portfolio that includes some of the industry's leading games. The company's commitment to equal employment opportunity and providing a harassment-free work environment indicates a focus on fostering a positive and inclusive workplace.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to the CEO or another executive-level position. It requires a high level of strategic thinking, creativity, and leadership skills.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Creative will likely oversee creative directors, art directors, narrative directors, and other creative team members. They will collaborate closely with product, production, and engineering leaders, as well as external licensors and partners.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site, full-time position. While some flexibility may be available, the role requires regular in-person collaboration with team members and stakeholders.

Growth Opportunities:

  • As Aspyr continues to grow and expand its portfolio, there may be opportunities for the Head of Creative to take on additional responsibilities or lead new initiatives
  • The role offers the chance to work on high-profile games and franchises, providing opportunities for professional development and exposure
  • The gaming industry is dynamic and ever-changing, presenting new challenges and growth opportunities for those who embrace them

ASSUMPTION: Given the senior nature of this role and the growth potential of the gaming industry, there are significant opportunities for career growth and development for the right candidate.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Aspyr Media, Inc. has an in-person/in-office work environment. This role is not available remotely.

Office Location(s): Austin, Texas, United States

Geographic Context:

  • Austin is the capital of Texas and the 11th-most populous city in the United States
  • The city is known for its vibrant music and cultural scene, as well as its strong tech industry
  • Austin offers a mix of urban and outdoor living, with numerous parks, lakes, and hiking trails within the city limits

Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is typically Monday through Friday, with standard office hours. However, the nature of the gaming industry may require occasional evenings and weekends to meet project deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: The in-person work environment and Austin location offer opportunities for collaboration, networking, and professional development. The city's vibrant culture and strong tech industry provide a dynamic and engaging work environment.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission
  • Phone or video screen with the HR department
  • In-person or video interview with the hiring manager and/or creative team members
  • Final interview with the CEO or another executive-level position
  • Background check and reference check

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Creative vision and leadership skills
  • Portfolio and past work examples
  • Communication and presentation skills
  • Cultural fit and alignment with Aspyr's values

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your creative leadership experience and relevant skills
  • Prepare a portfolio showcasing your creative vision, leadership, and hands-on work in game design, art, or narrative
  • Research Aspyr Media, Inc. and the gaming industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
  • Practice your presentation and communication skills, as these are crucial for this role

ATS Keywords: Creative Leadership, Game Design, Art Direction, Narrative Development, Player Experience, Collaboration, Innovation, Creative Standards, Storytelling, Visual Impact, Brand Integrity, Cross-Functional Teams, Presentation Skills, Communication Skills, Immersive Gameplay, Talent Development

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a strong focus on creative leadership, communication skills, and cultural fit. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their creative vision, leadership skills, and relevant experience throughout the interview process.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine)
  • 3D modeling and animation software (e.g., Maya, Blender)
  • Graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite)
  • Project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana)
  • Version control systems (e.g., Git, Perforce)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role will depend on the games and platforms Aspyr is currently working on. Applicants should be comfortable learning and adapting to new tools and technologies as needed.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Creativity and innovation
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Player focus and engagement
  • Quality and excellence
  • Integrity and respect

Work Style:

  • Creative and innovative
  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Player-focused and engaged
  • Quality-driven and detail-oriented
  • Respectful and inclusive

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you thrive in a creative and collaborative environment?
  • Are you passionate about storytelling, visual worldbuilding, and immersive gameplay experiences?
  • Do you have strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to inspire teams and influence stakeholders?
  • Are you comfortable working in both hands-on and high-level strategic capacities?
  • Do you align with Aspyr's company values and work style?

ASSUMPTION: Aspyr Media, Inc. values creativity, collaboration, and a player-focused approach. Applicants should assess their fit with these values and work style before applying.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • The gaming industry is highly competitive and dynamic, with a fast-paced work environment and tight deadlines
  • This role requires a high level of creative leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage and inspire teams
  • Applicants may face competition from other experienced creative leaders in the gaming industry
  • The Austin location may require relocation for some applicants, which can present additional challenges and costs

ASSUMPTION: The fast-paced, competitive nature of the gaming industry, the high level of creative leadership required, and the potential need for relocation present significant challenges for applicants. However, these challenges also offer opportunities for growth, development, and professional achievement.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Compared to other creative leadership roles in the gaming industry, this role offers a unique opportunity to work on high-profile games and franchises with a well-established and respected publisher and developer
  • The gaming industry is highly competitive and dynamic, with a strong focus on creativity, innovation, and player engagement
  • Career paths in the gaming industry can vary widely depending on the specific role, company, and individual goals. This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within Aspyr Media, Inc. and the broader gaming industry

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work on high-profile games and franchises with a well-established and respected publisher and developer. The gaming industry's competitive and dynamic nature, as well as the potential for career growth and development, make this role an attractive opportunity for experienced creative leaders in the gaming industry.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Leading the creative vision for a new IP, from concept development to greenlight presentation
  • Working with external licensors to maintain brand integrity while pushing creative boundaries within existing IP frameworks
  • Guiding the narrative and visual development of a game, ensuring a cohesive and engaging player experience

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the high level of creative leadership, strategic thinking, and collaboration required for this role. Applicants should be prepared to provide examples of their own creative leadership and project management experience.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the creative vision for Aspyr's current portfolio and how this role fits into that vision?
  • How does Aspyr support the professional development and growth of its creative team members?
  • What is the typical creative process for a game at Aspyr, from concept development to launch?
  • How does Aspyr collaborate with external licensors and partners to maintain brand integrity while pushing creative boundaries?
  • What are the biggest challenges facing the gaming industry today, and how does Aspyr approach them?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a strong understanding of the role, the company, and the gaming industry. They also show a proactive and engaged approach to the interview process, which can help applicants stand out.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your creative leadership experience and relevant skills
  • Prepare a portfolio showcasing your creative vision, leadership, and hands-on work in game design, art, or narrative
  • Research Aspyr Media, Inc. and the gaming industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
  • Practice your presentation and communication skills, as these are crucial for this role
  • Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about next steps

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.