Midway is a leading developer, publisher, and marketer of interactive entertainment software. Midway videogames are available for play on all major videogame platforms including the Playstation3 computer entertainment system, Xbox360 video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo Wii, and Nintendo DS. Midway is legendary in the industry with early breakthrough titles including Defender and Spy Hunter. More recent blockbuster titles include NBA Ballers, Blitz: The League and the Mortal Kombat series. Midway San Diego is looking for a Manager of Gameplay Testing. As part of the Product Development team, the Manager of Gameplay Testing is responsible for implementing Midway’s quality processes. The Manager works closely with Production and Development to deliver consumer console games that exhibit high quality gameplay and execution. This person drives, evangelizes and expands Gameplay Testing throughout Midway. S/He also organizes schedules and supervises the required Blind & Gameplay tests that are part of all projects’ timelines. In addition, the Manager of Gameplay Testing acts as the primary contact person between the QA teams and Production, Development and QA Management regarding the organization of all gameplay tests. The Manager of Gameplay Testing is accountable for assessing and maintaining the level of feedback generated by the Gameplay and Blind tests, for ensuring it is of the required quality, and for delivering the feedback effectively to the development teams. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Drives the organization of Blind & Gameplay tests • Evangelizes the need for and methodology to execute gameplay testing through Midway’s Product Development organization. • Finds effective ways to analyze the results, draw conclusions and present the information to Product Development teams. Works closely with PD management to ensure highest possible acceptance and assimilation of the information. • Applies effective methodologies and best practices to help ensure the highest possible quality with maximum efficiency. • Works with members of the Product Development team & QA to plan the application of Blind & Gameplay test process to all projects. These responsibilities include gaining input and agreement for the focus of the tests, agreeing the target market, and scheduling them well in advance. • Develops internal QA teams and methodologies for evaluating gameplay quality. • Works with QA’s outsource partners to develop Gameplay Testing capabilities. • Works with QA, HR and other internal teams to source Gameplay testers • Establishes and maintains a comprehensive candidate database for the Blind tests. • Directly supervises and moderates Blind tests. Supervisory activities include ensuring the test area is set up with the correct equipment such as controllers, headphones, memory cards, controller configurations, upload questionnaires to PCs, etc. Additionally, this person is responsible for moderating the Blind tests by appointing proctors to take notes, organizing the supply of food and drink, monetary compensation, etc. • Ensures that comprehensive, effective and detailed Feedback reports are delivered to the Project Development teams promptly following the Gameplay & Blind tests. Works with PD to ensure that feedback is understood and assimilated, and that specific action plans are documented. • Constantly reviews and revises the process to ensure that we’re running the tests as effectively as possible, and generating the best results • Maintains comprehensive knowledge of and experience with contemporary videogames, as well as awareness of current software and hardware trends and consumer expectations, specifically regarding computer and console based platforms. Reviews and analyzes competitive interactive video game products. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • Broad knowledge of videogames and the videogame industry. • Comprehensive experience of running focus tests, or similar. Knowledge of accepted software and console game Quality Assurance principles, methodologies and best practices. • Knowledge of and experience with videogame development processes, preferably in a Production role. • Demonstrated ability to analyze data, draw conclusions and present the information in a clear and compelling manner. Understanding of the development cycle from concept to completion. • Excellent communication skills including but not limited to the ability to communicate effectively with developers and other employees including executives; ability to write detailed reports and correspondence with a high level of tact, etc. • Ability to interpret, analyze and evaluate a variety of technical instructions and documents. • Ability to define solve problems with processes, recommend solutions, and implement those solutions in a resourceful manner. Ability to proceduralize solutions for repeatability and ongoing success. • Strong time management skills with proven ability to meet deadlines. • Comprehensive understanding of one or more operating systems or platforms. • Ability to work as a team player and interact with other department personnel. • Ability to deal successfully with change. • Must be able to travel from time to time. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE • Minimum two years experience in a leadership, supervisory or management role. • Minimum of two years experience in the videogame industry in a Marketing or Product Development role (including QA). Associate or Bachelor's Degree or equivalent, preferably in a technical fieldMarketing, Communications or videogame-related field, from a two or four year college or technical school,; or minimum of two years gaming industry or related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Proficient with home gaming platforms, and good knowledge of all game types. • Able to utilize computer-based applications and tools such as MS Word, MS Excel, FTP, and MS Project. WORKING CONDITIONS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move equipment and boxes weighing up to 50 pounds or more. • Additional physical demands may exist from time to time and are further described in the Employee Safety Manual. Please apply via our website at http://jobs.midway.com. Midway is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.