133 Junior Game Designer jobs in the United States

About Nexon

Nexon America is a branch of Nexon Co., Ltd., a global video game publisher and leading developer of online virtual worlds for PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. Nexon proudly offers celebrated franchises like MapleStory and Mabinogi that have been enjoyed by millions of players for over two decades. When we founded our Nexon America branch in 2006, we made it our goal to bring those unique games to western players using a player-first approach. We achieve that goal by applying our team's outstanding free-to-play expertise and live game support to every decision, every day.

But we're committed to more than our games! Here at Nexon America, we're all about open communication, diversity, mutual respect, and collaboration, so we can bring out the best in each other. Nexies find support, friendship, and career growth all in one place! And because we know a healthy work-life balance is the key to happiness, Nexies also enjoy flexible hours, a hybrid work model, and extra perks like food trucks, happy hours, and team events. It's why we've earned the Great Place to Work certification for 5 years running!

We're looking to expand our team with passionate individuals who want to learn, play, and grow with us. Ready for a new challenge?

Summary of Position

Nexon America is seeking a Game Designer to join our Western MapleStory Development team. In this role, you will work closely with the Lead Designer to create and implement new content for Global MapleStory Classic World. Your responsibilities will span gameplay feature design, data implementation, bug fixing, and supporting ongoing live development efforts.

We are currently working in the office 2-3x a week in a hybrid work model.

Job Responsibilities
* Design and maintain documentation for gameplay features and systems
* Implement and configure game data based on design specifications; validate in-game functionality
* Troubleshoot and fix data-related bugs during development and testing
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including art, engineering, and production
* Other duties as assigned

Work Experience
* Minimum of 3 years of professional experience as a Game Designer in the video game industry
* Bonus: one shipped title

Education, Professional Training, Technical Training or Certification
* Bachelor's degree or higher in Game Design, Computer Science, Art, or a related field

Knowledge/Skills
* Required
* Solid understanding of MMORPG systems design, including progression, economy, and quest mechanics
* Strong proficiency in creating detailed and well-structured game design documents
* Excellent communication and collaboration skills in cross-functional team settings
* Working knowledge of in-game data tools and debugging processes
* Passion for and experience playing Global MapleStory or earlier versions of the game
* Preferred
* Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to design innovative gameplay solutions
* Familiarity with game balancing, live service design considerations, and user experience
* Working proficiency in Korean is preferred for effective collaboration with Korean engineers

Management has the right to add or change duties and job requirements at any time.

Nexon's Benefits and Perks

We offer medical, dental and vision plans for you, your spouse or domestic partner and your children. Employees who enroll in the high deductible health plan receive an annual employer contribution to a health savings account and company paid hospital indemnity benefits. We also provide company paid life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability benefits as well as access to voluntary life and AD&D for yourself and your dependents, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) savings plan with a company match, and pet insurance. Nexies are encouraged to take advantage of our monthly wellness credit, participate in lunchtime yoga, and enroll in language classes. We host bi-monthly catered lunches, monthly happy hours, and maintain a well-stocked snack bar. To help you maintain a good work life balance, we offer paid time off, sick days, company holidays, and a year-end break.

Nexon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Compensation Description for Pay Transparency (annually)

The base salary range for this position in El Segundo, CA is $80,000 - $100,000 annually.

Our salary ranges are determined by market data based on position and level. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum salaries for that position. An individual's pay is determined by factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's qualifications, skills, experiences, relevant education or training, and location.

Base pay is one part of the Total Rewards package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work. This role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, however the salary range listed in this job posting reflects the base salary only.

Beware of Recruitment Scams

We have been made aware of fraudulent recruitment activities by individuals falsely claiming to represent Nexon America. Our recruiters will only contact you from official company email addresses ending in @nexon.com and will follow a formal interview process. We will never request for payment or personal financial information such as photos of government-issued identification during the recruitment process or offer a job without a formal interview process. If you receive suspicious email, we advise you to mark the email as junk or spam, so your email provider will block future messages from the sender.

Title: Game Designer IV
Location: Remote
Duration: 6+ month contract
Compensation: $58 - 75.00/hr
Work Requirements: US Citizen, GC Holders or Authorized to Work in the U.S.

Job Description:
Youll design engaging game systems and progression mechanics that motivate and reward members across their fitness journey. From core progression structures to reward loops, your work will power a sense of momentum and delight. The ideal candidate is both creative and analyticalpassionate about game design as a discipline, excited by metrics and systems, and inspired by helping people grow stronger, healthier, and more confident through play.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of game systems that support long-term engagement, motivation, and player growth.
• Redesign the apps core progression system, integrating fitness goals, rewards, and achievement structures.
• Develop engaging game loops, daily and weekly rituals, and event-based content.
• Collaborate with product, content, and data teams to align game systems with fitness outcomes and business goals.
• Prototype systems in Figma to communicate and test design ideas.
• Work with UX designers to integrate progression and reward mechanics into intuitive 2D and 3D interfaces.
• Evaluate existing game metrics and propose new structures with clear goals.
• Stay informed on game design research and trends, contributing thought leadership within the team.
• Inform onboarding flow to introduce new systems and metrics in an engaging and intuitive way.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in game design, preferably in live service or progression-heavy products.
• Deep understanding of core game loops, progression systems, and motivational design.
• Demonstrated ability to design for both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
• Strong communication skills with cross-disciplinary teams including product, UX, and engineering.
• Passion for creating emotionally resonant, habit-forming experiences.
• Experience working in Figma for prototyping and systems visualization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with games that serve a specific function like Duolingo and language learning.
• Academic background in game design, human-computer interaction, or behavioral psychology.
• Personal interest in fitness, movement, or wellness.
• Experience designing for rhythm games.
• Experience working with product teams or experimental games.
• Familiarity with metrics-driven design and iteration cycles based on user behavior.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

As a Game Designer, you will design and improve the player experience. Your analytical skills, player insight, and creativity help craft in- and out-of-game experiences that engage and surprise players. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and work with every tool at hand to design and iterate player-focused designs that'll delight millions around the world. In these roles you will report directly to the Lead Designer of the product.

We have an exciting Game Designer role on VALORANT . You’ll collaborate closely with teams to craft compelling mechanics, engaging Agents, and exciting player moments. 

This role is great for someone building their foundation in game design. We’re looking for potential, not perfection. You don’t need previous professional design experience, but you do need an analytical mind, a passion for solving tough gameplay problems, and a relentless drive to grow as a designer.

Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively to ideate, prototype, and implement gameplay features that enhance player experience for VALORANT.
• Analyze game mechanics and systems critically to identify areas of improvement.
• Solve complex design challenges through creativity, iteration, and player-focused thinking.
• Actively participate in playtests and feedback sessions, using data and insights to iterate designs.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure alignment and shared vision.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelors degree or 2+ years of prior professional experience
• You regularly play VALORANT and have in-depth knowledge of our game. 
• You have a desire to pursue a career in game design.
• You have a growth mindset and are open to receive, reflect upon, and act on feedback.
• You deeply understand and communicate customer/player needs, especially around deep player experience, player decision making, and creating exciting spectator experiences.
• You’re capable of identifying a problem, generating a range of solutions to it, and identifying the most appropriate one. You’re then able to create and communicate the details of that proposed solution.

Desired Qualifications:

• You have a strong understanding of player motivations and have the ability to translate player needs into design solutions.
• You are familiar with competitive gaming environments or esports communities.
• You are experienced working collaboratively on group projects or in team settings.

For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise and a collaborative spirit that prioritizes the delight of players. We will look at your past studies and experience, but for this role, we also look for dedicated people with a personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about players' experiences, this is the role for you!

Our Perks:

Riot focuses on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy and other perks such as flexible work schedules. We offer medical, dental, and life insurance, parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children, and a 401k with company match. Check out our benefits pages for more information.

At Riot Games, we put players first. That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you’re working directly on a new player-facing experience or you’re supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we’re better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we’re looking forward to your application.

(Los Angeles Only) Base salary range between $88,200 - $123,500USD + incentive compensation + equity + 401K with company match + medical, dental, vision, and life insurance + short and long-term disability + open PTO.

It’s our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.

Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:

• Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data
• Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors
• Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks
• Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters

These duties are directly related to essential operations, safety, trust, and compliance obligations within our organization. Please note that job duties may evolve based on business needs and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to maintain operational efficiency and security.

The Pokmon GO team is seeking a Senior Game Designer to help build compelling gameplay experiences that delight and engage our players. As a Senior Game Designer, you will be responsible for working across functions to craft Live Ops seasonal events and new game mechanics/systems from ideation to launch. You will take on a role to make features and decisions that use player experiences, feedback, and data. You will implement, test, and balance game rule changes during build reviews, feature launches, and economy adjustments. You will thoughtfully craft features that ensure Trainers continue to have fun and explore the real world.

Responsibilities

• Communicate clearly to gain alignment within Pokmon Gos internal and external stakeholders to create design specifications from ideation to launch
• Advocate for player first designs and collaborate frequently with IP holders to ensure brand integrity
• Use data and player research to deliver concise documentation that includes cross functional support (wireframe, flows, supporting sheets)
• Create flexible, modular designs that will support a multitude of gameplay features
• Work with leads and managers to identify new pitches and improvements
• Build and test new and existing features to ensure they meet design requirements and company OKRs
• Work with designers to ensure high quality of design that meets business goals of the feature
• Inspire designers to be innovative by keeping up with industry trends and thinking of creative ways we can leverage Niantics emerging technology
• Contribute to the culture of a supportive and cohesive design team
• Regular and reliable attendance and participation in meetings.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience designing for live operation games, especially mobile games
• 2+ years of experience mentoring designers
• Extensive game development experience, has successfully shipped new game features
• Experience working with original and brand IPs
• Excellent skills in verbal and written communication across all game disciplines
• Expertise with spreadsheets, data, and feature documentation for a live game
• Experience with game balance, pacing, and monetizing virtual goods in a FTP model
• Ability to deliver specs from concept to launch
• Ability to adapt on a fast-paced team to drive and deliver results
• Experience working on cross-functional teams with ability to communicate effectively through written and verbal communications, including asynchronous interactions with others.
• Familiarity with Pokmon GO and the general Pokmon franchise
• Bilingual in both English and Japanese
• Knowledge in JIRA and Unity
• Leadership training certifications
• Experience with AR games or features
• Experience building tools

The total compensation package for this position includes a new hire offer base salary range of $ 121,500.00 - $ 135,000.00 + bonus + equity + benefits.

Individual pay within this salary range is determined by work location and additional factors, including assessed job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can answer any questions about new hire total compensation during the hiring process. An overview of benefit offerings for your location can be found on the careers page.

Join the Niantic team!

We're a hard-working, fun, and exciting group who value intellectual curiosity and a passion for problem-solving! We have growing offices located in San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Bellevue, London, Tokyo, and Zrich. #LI-HYBRID

If required by law, by submitting my job application I consent to the processing of my information as described in that Notice, including processing information I voluntarily disclose to Niantic, such as health or medical information, race or ethnicity data, and sexual orientation data and, in limited circumstances sharing information with third parties such as references and other third parties that assist in the hiring process.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Join to apply for the Lead Game Designer role at Pure Imagination Studios

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Lead Game Designer role at Pure Imagination Studios

Job Location:

We are hiring for this position in Salina, Kansas.

About Us

Pure Imagination Studios started in 2012 as a diversified entertainment company built by a team of creators who shared a true passion for storytelling. We thrive on imagination, and everything we do is designed to bring a tangible experience to anything our clients, partners and even ourselves, are able to imagine. We believe that pure imagination should be the fuel to our reality. Pure Imagination Labs designs immersive, interactive experiences that make complex training and simulation intuitive, purposeful, and fun. Our projects blend real-time systems, tactile interfaces, and narrative framing to support education, decision-making, teamwork, and user engagement in high-stakes scenarios. We take the best of game design and apply it to real-world learning environments that demand more than just entertainment. The environments are dynamic, the challenges are varied, and the work is as rewarding as it is technically ambitious. We are storytellers, dreamers, and creators of new worlds striving to develop the future of entertainment. Join our team today!

Overview

Pure Imagination Labs Lead Game Designer defines mission structure, branching logic, scoring systems, and counselor tools for simulation-based scenarios. Writes detailed logic documentation and implements core game systems using Unreal Blueprints. Balances narrative clarity, system complexity, and user accessibilityparticularly in multi-role or tactile environments. Collaborates across design, engineering, and production to guide interaction flow, QA validation, and educational goal alignment.

Responsibilities

• Define the core game systems that power real-time training and simulation experiences, including mission structure, role-based logic, scoring models, progression, and branching outcomes
• Design re-playable, scalable scenarios that support multi-role collaboration, counselor integration, and alignment with educational or behavioral objective
• Author detailed design documentation including game logic flows, task trees, feedback systems, UI trigger states, and counselor-facing control models
• Implement core mission logic and interaction flows using Unreal Engine Blueprints during early development phasesestablishing structure and functionality prior to broader team scale-up
• Prototype and test core gameplay loops and branching interactions to validate assumptions, support iteration, and guide technical planning
• Collaborate closely with the Experience Director, TED, and UI/UX Lead to ensure guest flow, technical feasibility, and platform alignment
• Balance narrative intent, system complexity, and user accessibilityespecially in physically interactive or tactile control environments
• Support milestone planning and sprint estimation with production leads
• Guide QA in defining pass/fail states, edge cases, and real-time state validation for interactive logic
• Ensure guest feedback and scoring are surfaced clearly across physical and digital interfaces
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• Associates degree or equivalent from two-year college/technical school required.
• Bachelors degree from a four-year college or university is preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 5 to 7 years of experience in game design, simulation design, or interactive systems design with mission logic or branching systems ownership.
• Relevant professional certifications preferred.
• Solid expertise in writing detailed, structured design documentation and flowcharts for use across creative and technical teams.
• Strong systems thinking and user-centered design approach; ability to structure logic that supports role-based collaboration and adaptive outcomes
• Proficiency in implementing logic and interaction systems in Unreal Engine using Blueprints (UMG experience a plus).
  
  

Additional Qualifications

• Expected to design experiences that balance educational or training goals with intuitive gameplay and emotional clarity.
• Proven ability to prototype and test interactions independently; comfortable iterating and debugging without engineering support in early phases.
• Expertise in simulation, training, or educational game development.
• Experience working with tactile input systems, counselor tools, or physical-digital interaction models.
• Familiarity with adaptive difficulty, branching narrative logic, or replay system design.
• Exposure to mission scoring, telemetry, or data-driven user feedback systems.
• Experience mentoring junior designers or technical contributors.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with internal teams, external vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and professionalism.
• Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of four days per week.
• Required Residence: This candidate must live or reside in the state of Kansas; or relocate within six (6) months of offered employment.
• Required Travel: This candidate is required to travel up to 15% for specific project installations.
  
  

The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidates geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), medical leave, and a variety of other perks. A bonus and incentive plan may be provided as part of the compensation package, dependent on the level and position offered.

Learn more about the opportunities offered by Pure Imagination by visiting the Careers page of the company website.

Salary

$125,000 annually (bonus eligible)

Pure Imagination Studios is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).

Fill out my Wufoo form!

Fill out my Wufoo form! Seniority level

• Seniority level Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type Full-time

Job function

• Job function Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
• Industries Entertainment Providers

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Pure Imagination Studios by 2x

Sign in to set job alerts for Lead Game Designer roles.

Were unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Sr. Game Designer - Mission/Level

Permanent / FTE

REMOTE

Our client is developing a first-person tactical military shooter title in Unreal Engine and is looking for a talented game designer to join their team.

The Sr. Game Designer will work to design and implement mission for the game's story campaign. This is a hybrid role that requires BOTH creative vision and technical proficiency to bring the game vision to life.

• Work with the Creative Director to establish the overall arc and pacing of each mission

• Thoroughly plan and document missions in detail

• Set up objectives and encounters, script mission events, and assemble all mission assets

• Evaluate and iterate on missions based on playtest feedback

Qualifications:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• 3+ years' experience in a Mission Design role
• Familiarity with Unreal Engine 4 and Blueprints
• Experience with AI scripting and Behavior Trees
• Shipped Titles in FPS/TPS genre is a HUGE plus!

This is a remote position.

Compensation: $150,000.00 per year

Pikemann is a recruiting company that was founded by three partners with over 40 years of experience providing contingent staffing and permanent placement services in the greater Seattle area. We partner with our clients to bring the right technology and finance candidates that meet their workforce needs.

The Pokémon GO team is seeking a Senior Game Designer to help build compelling gameplay experiences that delight and engage our players. As a Senior Game Designer, you will be responsible for working across functions to craft Live Ops seasonal events and new game mechanics/systems from ideation to launch. You will take on a role to make features and decisions that use player experiences, feedback, and data. You will implement, test, and balance game rule changes during build reviews, feature launches, and economy adjustments. You will thoughtfully craft features that ensure Trainers continue to have fun and explore the real world.

Responsibilities

• Communicate clearly to gain alignment within Pokémon Go's internal and external stakeholders to create design specifications from ideation to launch
• Advocate for "player first" designs and collaborate frequently with IP holders to ensure brand integrity
• Use data and player research to deliver concise documentation that includes cross functional support (wireframe, flows, supporting sheets)
• Create flexible, modular designs that will support a multitude of gameplay features
• Work with leads and managers to identify new pitches and improvements
• Build and test new and existing features to ensure they meet design requirements and company OKRs
• Work with designers to ensure high quality of design that meets business goals of the feature
• Inspire designers to be innovative by keeping up with industry trends and thinking of creative ways we can leverage Niantic's emerging technology
• Contribute to the culture of a supportive and cohesive design team
• Regular and reliable attendance and participation in meetings.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience designing for live operation games, especially mobile games
• 2+ years of experience mentoring designers
• Extensive game development experience, has successfully shipped new game features
• Experience working with original and brand IPs
• Excellent skills in verbal and written communication across all game disciplines
• Expertise with spreadsheets, data, and feature documentation for a live game
• Experience with game balance, pacing, and monetizing virtual goods in a FTP model
• Ability to deliver specs from concept to launch
• Ability to adapt on a fast-paced team to drive and deliver results
• Experience working on cross-functional teams with ability to communicate effectively through written and verbal communications, including asynchronous interactions with others.
• Familiarity with Pokémon GO and the general Pokémon franchise

Plus If.

• Bilingual in both English and Japanese
• Knowledge in JIRA and Unity
• Leadership training certifications
• Experience with AR games or features
• Experience building tools

The total compensation package for this position includes a new hire offer base salary range of $115,500.00 - $165,000.00. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for equity, bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Individual pay within this salary range is determined by work location and additional factors, including assessed job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can answer any questions about new hire total compensation during the hiring process. An overview of benefit offerings for your location can be found on the careers page.

Join the Niantic team!

Niantic's global-scale augmented reality platform and digital map powers spatial computing experiences in the real world. Incubated out of the Maps team at Google, Niantic first created Ingress and then Pokémon GO, a cultural phenomenon and hit game played by tens of millions of people each month. Niantic's platform, which powers Pokémon GO, also supports the company's other games including Pikmin Bloom, Monster Hunter Now.

We believe that cultivating a workplace where our people are supported and included is essential to creating great products our community will love. Our mission emphasizes seeking and hiring diverse voices, including those who are traditionally underrepresented in the technology industry, and we consider this to be one of the most important values we hold close.

Niantic is a hybrid first company. We believe that in person interaction and collaboration fosters creativity, a sense of community, and is critical to our future success as a company. Our hybrid work schedules allow for a mix of remote and in-office work.

We're a hard-working, fun, and exciting group who value intellectual curiosity and a passion for problem-solving! We have growing offices located in San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Bellevue, London, Tokyo, and Zürich. #LI-HYBRID

Candidate Privacy Policy

I understand that by submitting my job application, the information I provide as part of that application will be used in accordance with Niantic's Privacy Notice for Job Applicants and Candidates.

If required by law, by submitting my job application I consent to the processing of my information as described in that Notice, including processing information I voluntarily disclose to Niantic, such as health or medical information, race or ethnicity data, and sexual orientation data and, in limited circumstances sharing information with third parties such as references and other third parties that assist in the hiring process.

Title: Game Designer IV
Location: Remote
Duration: 6+ month contract
Compensation: $58 - 75.00/hr
Work Requirements: US Citizen, GC Holders or Authorized to Work in the U.S.

Job Description:
You'll design engaging game systems and progression mechanics that motivate and reward members across their fitness journey. From core progression structures to reward loops, your work will power a sense of momentum and delight. The ideal candidate is both creative and analytical-passionate about game design as a discipline, excited by metrics and systems, and inspired by helping people grow stronger, healthier, and more confident through play.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of game systems that support long-term engagement, motivation, and player growth.
• Redesign the app's core progression system, integrating fitness goals, rewards, and achievement structures.
• Develop engaging game loops, daily and weekly rituals, and event-based content.
• Collaborate with product, content, and data teams to align game systems with fitness outcomes and business goals.
• Prototype systems in Figma to communicate and test design ideas.
• Work with UX designers to integrate progression and reward mechanics into intuitive 2D and 3D interfaces.
• Evaluate existing game metrics and propose new structures with clear goals.
• Stay informed on game design research and trends, contributing thought leadership within the team.
• Inform onboarding flow to introduce new systems and metrics in an engaging and intuitive way.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in game design, preferably in live service or progression-heavy products.
• Deep understanding of core game loops, progression systems, and motivational design.
• Demonstrated ability to design for both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
• Strong communication skills with cross-disciplinary teams including product, UX, and engineering.
• Passion for creating emotionally resonant, habit-forming experiences.
• Experience working in Figma for prototyping and systems visualization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with games that serve a specific function like Duolingo and language learning.
• Academic background in game design, human-computer interaction, or behavioral psychology.
• Personal interest in fitness, movement, or wellness.
• Experience designing for rhythm games.
• Experience working with product teams or experimental games.
• Familiarity with metrics-driven design and iteration cycles based on user behavior.

Sawhorse Productions is a Los Angeles based, Award winning full-service creative studio turning ideas into unforgettable experiences through captivating branded content, viral social moments, and groundbreaking interactive experiences. We partner with industry-leading brands, artists, and studios such as Walmart, Google, NBCUniversal, Fanatics, Toyota, Pepsi and Alo to deliver industry-leading, innovative multi-platform content. At Sawhorse, we believe in fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and relentless excellence while shaping the future of digital storytelling.

Our releases include: (Roblox, Fortnite, Rec Room, ZEPETO)

• Roblox: How To Train Your Dragon
• Roblox: Wicked RP
• Roblox: Walmart Discovered - 2024 ADDY Winner
• Roblox: Fenty - 2024 Webby winner
• Roblox: Alo Sanctuary
• Roblox: Beetlejuice Escape the Afterlife
• Roblox: Lamborghini Lanzador Lab - 2024 Telly Winner
• Roblox: Elton John's 'Beyond The Yellow Brick Road'
• Roblox: Olivia Rodrigo
• Roblox: Fashion Klossette
• Gen AI applet: Coca - Cola Cappy
• And numerous digital fashion releases on UGC Gaming platforms - Sawhorse Productions

We are seeking a Part Time Game Designer to research, concept, and write clear, production ready documentation for Roblox titles. You will explore trends, analyze competitors, and translate ideas into detailed Game Design Documents that set teams up for efficient prototyping and production.

This role can be based in the Los Angeles office or remote. This position is generally operating during PST core hours M-F 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

Requirements

• Game Concept Development: Research platform trends and market gaps, then propose concepts aligned to audience, brand goals, and Roblox constraints.
• GDD Ownership: Write production-ready Game Design Documents covering core loop, mechanics, camera, controls, win/fail states, UX flow, and content roadmap.
• Systems & Progression Drafts: Outline progression, rewards, difficulty curves, and early economy scaffolding that support retention goals.
• Monetization Concepts: Propose fair and player-first monetization approaches suitable for Roblox, including cosmetics, bundles, and event-based offers.
• UX Flows & Wireframes: Create feature briefs, user flows, and lightweight wireframes using tools like Figma or Miro.
• Competitive & Player Research: Run lightweight comps analysis, summarize insights, and recommend actionable differentiators.
• Playtesting & Iteration: Define test plans, collect feedback, and update specs to improve clarity, balance, and fun.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with producers, engineers, and artists to ensure specs are feasible, scoped, and unambiguous.
• Live Ops Planning (Foundations): Recommend update cadence, limited-time events, and content pipelines suitable for ongoing operation.
• Documentation Hygiene: Maintain versioned docs, change logs, and clear acceptance criteria for each feature.

Qualifications

A strong candidate for this position should have the following qualities:

• Experience: 2 to 4 years in game design or UGC experience design, with at least one shipped or launched Roblox or comparable live experience preferred.
• Roblox Familiarity: Expert knowledge of Roblox Studio capabilities, platform guidelines, and best practices for performance and safety.
• Design Fundamentals: Strong grasp of core loops, systems design, progression, balancing, and player psychology for short session play.
• Documentation Skill: Excellent written communication with a portfolio of clear Roblox GDDs, feature specs, and flows.
• Tool Proficiency: Comfortable with Google Workspace, Figma and similar tools.
• Collaboration: Ability to take feedback, manage scope, and align stakeholders through crisp documentation.

Nice To Have's

• Basic Lua literacy
• Familiarity with analytics and KPIs
• Exposure to live ops.
• Experience in UEFN or Unity

Benefits

$35 - $40 per hour (average 20 - 30 hours per week)

EEO Statement

Sawhorse Productions is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employees and applicants are evaluated on the basis of their qualifications, consistent with applicable state and federal laws. In addition, Sawhorse Productions will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Sawhorse Productions will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and federal law.