Lead Gameplay Designer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States, +1 more country.

📋 Description

• Collaborate with the Creative Director and Technical Director to prototype the primary combat loop using Blueprints.

• Design, prototype, and refine core gameplay systems that shape the player experience.

• Take ownership of player-facing mechanics, progression systems, combat systems, game loops, and structures for long-term engagement.

• Team up with the Creative and Technical Directors to convert creative vision into practical gameplay experiences.

• Work alongside Engineering to prototype, implement, and enhance gameplay features.

• Partner with Design, Art, and Audio teams to deliver cohesive and immersive experiences for players.

• Create and manage comprehensive design documentation, specifications, diagrams, and presentation materials.

• Develop and fine-tune gameplay systems utilizing data, feedback from playtesting, and input from the team.

• Establish best practices for processes and documentation in gameplay design.

• Lead feature reviews and present design concepts to leadership and cross-disciplinary stakeholders.

• Proactively identify gameplay risks and devise solutions that balance creative aspirations, technical limitations, and production realities.

• Mentor and support the growth of future design team members as the discipline evolves.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 6 years of experience in game design.

• At least one shipped AAA title in a Senior Designer, Lead Designer, Systems Designer, or similar role.

• Extensive expertise in gameplay systems design, player engagement loops, progression systems, and game mechanics.

• Strong grasp of player psychology, feedback systems, and emergent gameplay design.

• Experience working closely with Engineering teams to prototype and implement gameplay features.

• Proficient in Unreal Engine 5 and contemporary gameplay scripting workflows.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to produce clear and actionable design documentation.

• Strong problem-solving capabilities and a highly iterative design approach.

• Experience navigating prototype and early pre-production phases of game development.

• Active engagement with AI tools pertinent to game design, including AI-assisted content generation, playtesting analysis, or systemic design tooling.

• Comfort in utilizing AI as both a creative and analytical resource.

• Ability to excel in a startup environment where processes, systems, and solutions are being developed from scratch.

• Preferred: Experience in designing co-op, multiplayer, or shared-player experiences.

• Preferred: Background in first-person action or FPS development.

• Preferred: Experience in defining gameplay pillars and product vision during early development stages.

• Preferred: Prior experience with original IP or new franchise development.

🏝️ Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• 401(k) plan.

• Flexible paid time off.

• Remote-first work option from anywhere in the US or Canada.

• Opportunity to work on a project aimed for a 2029 launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

• Direct influence over studio operations, values, and game development.