The Lead Game Designer will develop immersive gameplay for an open-world RPG, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and provide leadership in design prototyping and implementation.
Demiurge Studios is seeking a highly motivated Lead Game Designer with open-world action experience. As the Lead Game Designer, you will be part of the leadership team for the next great Demiurge game.
Our ideal candidate is passionate about gameplay and player experience, has a broadly shaped systems and gameplay design skillset, and proven leadership experience in early-stage open-world game development.
Although remote work is available for this role, there is a strong preference to candidates who are local to the Boston area. Relocation assistance to the Boston area may also be available.
Responsibilities:
- Own the design, documentation, and implementation of an immersive, best-in-class open-world experience that delivers on the strong player fantasy of this open-world action game.
- Partner with the game's product leadership to turn the game vision into practical and executable designs.
- Rally a cross-functional team of designers, engineers, animators, and artists around your designs as you prototype and iterate on game mechanics and systems that ensure a thrilling player experience.
- Solve creative and technical challenges that require navigating ambiguity and production constraints.
- Provide regular active feedback across all features and the overall design of the game.
- Grow and empower the design team through clear direction, consistent feedback, and engaged coaching.
- Technical prototyping and implementation of gameplay systems and mechanics within Unreal utilizing blueprints, Unreal features, and other tools as applicable.
Qualifications:
- 8+ years of experience in game design, with a minimum of 3 years in a lead design role.
- Demonstrable experience designing significant gameplay systems and mechanics for at least one shipped open-world game. Please submit a portfolio link that showcases your experience!
- Deep understanding of open-world player motivations and behaviors as well as the game systems that satisfy them including 3Cs/combat, character abilities, encounter design, and narrative integration into gameplay.
- Hands-on experience rapidly prototyping gameplay with a AAA game engine (strong preference for Unreal expertise).
- Ability to translate feedback from team members, user play tests, and other validation efforts into actionable product insights and rapid design iterations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey designs clearly across all disciplines and levels of the organization.
- Self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to operate within an agile, fast-paced, and sometimes ambiguous environment.
- Passion for open-world action gameplay with the desire and motivation to take an idea from initial concept to launch.
About Us:
Headquartered in Boston, MA at Demiurge you will find a studio with an amazing, collaborative culture and a deep respect for art in all our games. With over 20 years of game development expertise and teams all over North America our commitment to balanced and sustainable development is well known in the game community. We also provide co-development services to larger, best-in-industry game companies. In this capacity, Demiurge has worked with some of the industry’s biggest hitters on exciting projects including Marvel Snap, 2XKO, Marvel Puzzle Quest, and Teamfight Tactics to name a few. This is an exciting time to join Demiurge as we are developing our own independent titles as well. With tons of challenges and opportunities ahead we are always looking for great talent! If you are looking for an exciting, creative, and collaborative studio come join us on Demiurge's next journey!
DEI Statement:
At Demiurge, we celebrate our differences and know that diverse perspectives empower us to build a stronger company and better games. We work hard to create an equitable, safe and accessible work environment where all Demiurgers are empowered to be themselves and do their best work regardless of race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or physical or mental ability. We thrive on self-reflection, healthy debate, and mindful listening. We respect each other's opinions and seek new ideas. We denounce hate, discrimination and racism in all forms.
What Demiurge Offers:
• Flexible work environment
• Generous PTO program including vacation days, sick days, and holidays. Earn-as-you-go plan that rolls over year to year, offering flexibility as well as the last week of December the studio closes to recharge
• A variety of medical benefits with PPO options that start on your first day of employment
• Vision and Dental benefits
• Health Savings Account (HSA) - Available if you select a High Deductible Healthcare plan
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (HC & DC FSA)
• 401K Partial Match
• Commuter Reimbursement Program for hybrid employees
• Tuition reimbursement promoting lifelong learning
• Referral bonuses
• Bonus plan
• So. Many. Games. - Access to our huge game library!
As well as a State of the Art Boston Studio with in Office Perks:
• Free snacks and drinks!
• Demi-Lunch Tuesday - Lunch is on us!
• Game Night Food
• Ping Pong!
• Step Mania! Get your dance on!
Demiurge Studios is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, or Veteran status. Demiurge Studios also makes workplace accommodations for individuals with disabilities or special needs.
#LI-Remote
Top Skills
Blueprints
Unreal Engine
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