2,474 Lead Game Designer jobs in the United States
Lead Game Designer
95101 San Jose, California
$120000 Annually
WhatJobs
Posted 7 days ago
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Job Description
Our client is seeking a visionary Lead Game Designer to shape the future of interactive entertainment. This role is crucial in conceptualizing, developing, and refining gameplay mechanics, systems, and player experiences for our innovative gaming projects. You will lead a talented team of designers, artists, and engineers, fostering a collaborative environment where creativity and technical excellence converge. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of game design principles, a passion for creating engaging player journeys, and the ability to translate creative visions into tangible, fun, and successful games.
Key Responsibilities:
The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. A minimum of 7-10 years of experience in game design, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior design role, is required. Proven experience designing and shipping successful titles across multiple platforms (PC, console, mobile). Strong portfolio showcasing exceptional game design work. Deep understanding of various game genres and player psychology. Proficiency in game design tools (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine, scripting languages) and documentation software. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to manage and inspire a creative team. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. This is a hybrid role based in San Jose, California, US , requiring a blend of remote flexibility and in-office collaboration.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conceptualize and design core game mechanics, systems, levels, and narrative elements.
- Lead and mentor a team of game designers, providing direction, feedback, and support.
- Develop detailed game design documents (GDDs), flowcharts, and wireframes to communicate design vision.
- Collaborate closely with art, programming, and production teams to ensure design integrity and feasibility.
- Prototype and iterate on gameplay features, conducting playtesting and analyzing feedback to improve player experience.
- Define and maintain the overall player experience, ensuring consistency in tone, theme, and engagement.
- Champion innovation in game design, exploring new technologies and emerging trends.
- Manage the game design schedule and deliverables, ensuring projects stay on track.
- Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify opportunities and best practices.
- Provide creative leadership and problem-solving for complex design challenges.
- Contribute to the overall vision and strategic direction of the game studio.
- Review and approve design assets, ensuring they align with the GDD and artistic vision.
- Foster a positive and productive team culture.
The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. A minimum of 7-10 years of experience in game design, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior design role, is required. Proven experience designing and shipping successful titles across multiple platforms (PC, console, mobile). Strong portfolio showcasing exceptional game design work. Deep understanding of various game genres and player psychology. Proficiency in game design tools (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine, scripting languages) and documentation software. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills. Ability to manage and inspire a creative team. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. This is a hybrid role based in San Jose, California, US , requiring a blend of remote flexibility and in-office collaboration.
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0
Lead Game Designer
95814 Sacramento, California
$135000 Annually
WhatJobs
Posted 7 days ago
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Job Description
Our client, a critically acclaimed game development studio, is seeking a visionary Lead Game Designer to spearhead the creative direction of their upcoming projects. This role is situated in Sacramento, California, US , and operates on a hybrid model, offering flexibility while fostering in-studio collaboration. You will be responsible for defining the core gameplay mechanics, player experience, and overall vision for our titles. This involves leading a team of talented designers, mentoring junior talent, and collaborating closely with art, programming, and production departments to bring creative concepts to life. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of game design principles, player psychology, and current industry trends. A strong portfolio showcasing successful shipped titles and a proven ability to manage complex design projects from conception to release are essential. Proficiency in game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) and design documentation tools is required. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills are paramount, as you will be instrumental in guiding the design process and inspiring the team. You should have a passion for creating immersive and engaging interactive experiences that captivate players worldwide. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of interactive entertainment and leave your creative mark on the industry. If you are a seasoned game designer with a passion for innovation and a drive to create unforgettable gameplay, we encourage you to apply.
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1
Remote Lead Game Designer
97204 Portland, Oregon
$160000 Annually
WhatJobs
Posted 4 days ago
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Job Description
Our client, a visionary studio renowned for its innovative approach to interactive entertainment, is searching for a highly experienced and creative Lead Game Designer to join their acclaimed team. This role is entirely remote, providing the flexibility to work from your preferred location while contributing to groundbreaking gaming projects. You will be instrumental in shaping the player experience, defining game mechanics, and guiding the design vision from concept through to final release. Responsibilities include conceptualizing and developing core game systems, designing engaging gameplay loops, and creating detailed design documentation that clearly articulates the game's vision and mechanics. You will lead and mentor a team of talented game designers, fostering a collaborative and iterative design process. This involves providing constructive feedback, ensuring design coherence across all game elements, and championing the player's perspective. Collaboration with art, programming, and production teams is crucial to ensure the seamless integration of design elements into the final product. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field, with a minimum of 8 years of professional game design experience, including significant experience in a lead or senior design role. A strong portfolio showcasing successful game titles and a deep understanding of various game genres and design principles are required. Proficiency in industry-standard design tools and a proven ability to manage complex design challenges are essential. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills are paramount for success in this role and in a remote setting. This is an exceptional opportunity to leave your mark on the future of gaming, working with a passionate and talented team on projects that push the boundaries of interactive entertainment. Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a culture that values creativity, innovation, and work-life balance.
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2
Remote Lead Game Designer
19104 William Penn Annex West, Pennsylvania
$120000 Annually
WhatJobs
Posted 7 days ago
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Job Description
Our client is a globally recognized leader in the gaming industry, looking for an exceptional Remote Lead Game Designer to spearhead the creative vision for our next generation of interactive entertainment. This is a fully remote position, offering the opportunity to work from anywhere within the US. You will be at the forefront of innovation, shaping compelling gameplay experiences that captivate millions of players worldwide.
As the Lead Game Designer, you will guide a talented team of designers, fostering a collaborative and inspiring environment. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, documenting, and implementing core game mechanics, systems, and narrative elements. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring that our games are not only fun and engaging but also technically sound and aligned with market trends and player expectations. This role demands a blend of artistic creativity, strategic thinking, and strong leadership capabilities.
Key Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
As the Lead Game Designer, you will guide a talented team of designers, fostering a collaborative and inspiring environment. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, documenting, and implementing core game mechanics, systems, and narrative elements. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring that our games are not only fun and engaging but also technically sound and aligned with market trends and player expectations. This role demands a blend of artistic creativity, strategic thinking, and strong leadership capabilities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and mentor a team of game designers, providing clear direction and feedback.
- Develop and document innovative game mechanics, systems, and player progression frameworks.
- Collaborate closely with art, programming, and production teams to translate design concepts into reality.
- Define and maintain the overall gameplay vision and player experience.
- Create compelling narrative structures and engaging story elements.
- Balance game systems to ensure fairness, challenge, and replayability.
- Conduct market research and player analysis to inform design decisions.
- Champion design best practices and contribute to the continuous improvement of the design process.
- Present design concepts and progress updates to stakeholders.
Qualifications:
- Proven experience as a Game Designer, with at least one shipped AAA title in a lead role.
- Demonstrable success in designing and implementing complex game systems.
- Strong understanding of player psychology and engagement drivers.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly.
- Experience with game design documentation tools (e.g., Confluence, Jira, Miro).
- Proficiency in a scripting language (e.g., Lua, Python) is a plus.
- Passion for video games and a deep understanding of various game genres.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a distributed team.
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3
Lead Game Designer - Mobile RPGs
45202 Cincinnati, Ohio
$110000 Annually
WhatJobs
Posted 1 day ago
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Job Description
Our client is seeking a visionary Lead Game Designer to conceptualize and guide the development of our next generation of mobile role-playing games (RPGs). This is a fully remote position, offering a unique opportunity to shape immersive gaming experiences from anywhere. You will be responsible for defining the core game mechanics, narrative structure, player progression systems, and overall player experience. The ideal candidate possesses a deep passion for gaming, a proven track record in game design for mobile platforms, and exceptional leadership skills. You will collaborate closely with artists, engineers, and producers to bring your creative vision to life. Key responsibilities include creating detailed design documents, prototyping game features, conducting playtesting sessions, and iterating on designs based on feedback. Experience with free-to-play (F2P) monetization strategies and live-ops game design is highly desirable. We are looking for a designer who can balance creative innovation with commercial viability, ensuring our games are engaging, fun, and successful. You will mentor junior designers, contribute to the overall game vision, and ensure design integrity throughout the development cycle. Strong understanding of player psychology, game balance, and player motivation is essential. This role requires excellent communication and collaboration skills to effectively work with a distributed team. If you are a creative force ready to lead the design of groundbreaking mobile RPGs in a remote-first environment, we want to hear from you.
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Responsibilities:
- Lead the design of core game mechanics, systems, and features for mobile RPGs.
- Develop comprehensive game design documents, flowcharts, and wireframes.
- Define player progression, economy, and meta-game systems.
- Create compelling narratives and world-building elements.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (art, engineering, QA, production) to implement designs.
- Conduct playtesting sessions and analyze feedback to iterate on game design.
- Mentor and guide junior game designers.
- Ensure design consistency and quality throughout the development process.
- Contribute to F2P monetization strategies and live-ops planning.
- Champion player-centric design principles and innovation.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- 7+ years of professional game design experience, with a strong focus on mobile RPGs.
- Proven experience as a Lead Game Designer or equivalent senior role.
- Deep understanding of mobile game design principles, F2P economies, and live services.
- Proficiency in game design tools and documentation software.
- Excellent understanding of player psychology, game balance, and engagement loops.
- Strong portfolio showcasing successful mobile game titles.
- Exceptional creative, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fully remote, collaborative team environment.
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4
Lead Game Designer - AAA Titles
94103 San Francisco, California
$120000 Annually
WhatJobs
Posted 7 days ago
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Job Description
Our client, a renowned studio in the heart of the entertainment industry, is seeking a visionary Lead Game Designer to spearhead the creation of innovative AAA titles. This hybrid role, based in San Francisco, California, US , offers a unique opportunity to shape compelling player experiences and guide a talented design team. You will be responsible for defining the core gameplay mechanics, systems, and overall player progression for ambitious projects. This includes developing detailed design documents, creating prototypes, and iterating on designs based on feedback and playtesting. The Lead Game Designer will mentor and manage a team of game designers, fostering a collaborative and creative environment, and ensuring the cohesive vision of the game is maintained across all disciplines. The ideal candidate possesses a deep passion for video games and a proven track record of designing successful titles, ideally within the AAA space. Strong understanding of game design principles, mechanics, systems, and level design is essential. Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills are required to inspire and guide the design team effectively. You should be proficient in industry-standard design tools and methodologies, with the ability to translate complex ideas into actionable design specifications. Experience with various game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) and scripting languages is a plus. This role demands creativity, strategic thinking, and a meticulous attention to detail. You will work closely with other leads in art, programming, and production to ensure the game meets quality standards and project deadlines. Occasional visits to the office in San Francisco, California, US , will be required for team collaboration and key decision-making. This is an exceptional opportunity to leave your mark on the next generation of blockbuster games.
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5
Senior Lead Game Designer - Interactive Storytelling
48201 Detroit, Michigan
$130000 Annually
WhatJobs
Posted 7 days ago
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Job Description
Our client is seeking an exceptionally talented and experienced Senior Lead Game Designer with a passion for crafting deeply engaging interactive narratives. This is a fully remote, first position, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere. You will be instrumental in shaping the core mechanics, narrative structure, and player progression for our next-generation titles. Your role will involve mentoring a team of talented designers, driving the creative vision, and ensuring the seamless integration of gameplay systems with compelling storytelling. We are looking for a visionary individual who can translate complex narrative concepts into intuitive and exciting player experiences.
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Responsibilities:
- Lead the design and implementation of core gameplay systems and narrative elements.
- Mentor and guide a team of junior and senior game designers, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
- Develop detailed game design documents, including mechanics, progression systems, and user interface flow.
- Collaborate closely with narrative writers, artists, and engineers to ensure a cohesive and immersive player experience.
- Champion the creative vision for the game, ensuring alignment with project goals and target audience.
- Conduct playtesting and user research to gather feedback and iterate on design decisions.
- Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies to inform design innovation.
- Contribute to high-level game concepts and pitch new ideas for future projects.
- Manage design tasks and timelines effectively, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality assets.
- Act as a primary point of contact for design-related discussions with external stakeholders if necessary.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- Minimum of 8 years of experience in game design, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior role.
- Proven track record of shipping successful titles, particularly in narrative-driven genres.
- Expertise in creating compelling interactive narratives and complex character arcs.
- Strong understanding of various game development pipelines and engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity).
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to think critically and solve complex design problems.
- A portfolio showcasing your design work, including examples of narrative integration and system design.
- Experience with Agile development methodologies is a plus.
- Passion for video games and a deep understanding of player psychology.
Apply Now
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6
Remote Lead Game Designer - Sports Simulation
53201 West Milwaukee, Wisconsin
$120000 Annually
WhatJobs
Posted 7 days ago
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Job Description
Our client is seeking a talented and visionary Lead Game Designer to join their innovative game development studio on a fully remote basis. Specializing in sports simulation games, this role will be instrumental in shaping the future of their flagship titles. You will lead a team of passionate designers, defining game mechanics, systems, and overall player experience. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of sports, a proven track record in game design, and exceptional leadership skills to guide creative development from concept to release. This is a unique opportunity to work from anywhere and make a significant impact on beloved sports gaming franchises.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities:
- Define and document core game mechanics, systems, and features for sports simulation titles.
- Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of game designers, fostering a collaborative and creative environment.
- Oversee the design process from concept through prototyping, implementation, and iteration.
- Collaborate closely with engineers, artists, producers, and QA teams to ensure design vision is realized.
- Develop detailed design documents, wireframes, and flowcharts.
- Champion player experience and ensure gameplay is intuitive, engaging, and authentic.
- Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities and trends.
- Present design concepts and rationale to stakeholders and leadership.
- Provide constructive feedback on designs from other team members.
- Balance gameplay, technical constraints, and business goals.
- Contribute to the overall narrative and world-building of the game.
- Stay ahead of the curve on emerging technologies and design methodologies in the gaming industry.
- Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in game design, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior role.
- Demonstrated experience designing and shipping successful sports simulation or sports-related video games.
- In-depth knowledge of sports rules, strategies, and player behaviors.
- Expertise in game design principles, systems design, and player progression.
- Proficiency with game design documentation tools and methodologies.
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage and motivate a remote team effectively.
- Experience with game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) is a plus.
- Passion for video games and a deep understanding of the gaming market.
- Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
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7
Lead Video Game Designer
98101 Seattle, Washington
$100000 Annually
WhatJobs
Posted 7 days ago
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Job Description
Our client, a dynamic and innovative game development studio, is looking for a visionary Lead Video Game Designer to spearhead the creative direction of our next-generation titles. This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to work with a globally distributed, talented team. You will be instrumental in conceptualizing, defining, and executing game design across multiple platforms, ensuring an engaging and memorable player experience. Your role will involve leading a team of designers, fostering a collaborative and creative environment, and translating high-level concepts into detailed design documentation.
The Lead Video Game Designer will be responsible for creating core game mechanics, level designs, narrative structures, and user interface flows. You will work closely with art, programming, and production teams to ensure that the game's vision is realized cohesively and effectively. This position requires a deep understanding of player psychology, game balance, and the ability to iterate rapidly based on feedback and playtesting. You will also play a key role in defining the player journey, designing progression systems, and ensuring that the game's systems are robust, scalable, and fun. The ideal candidate will have a passion for interactive entertainment, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely.
Key Responsibilities:
The Lead Video Game Designer will be responsible for creating core game mechanics, level designs, narrative structures, and user interface flows. You will work closely with art, programming, and production teams to ensure that the game's vision is realized cohesively and effectively. This position requires a deep understanding of player psychology, game balance, and the ability to iterate rapidly based on feedback and playtesting. You will also play a key role in defining the player journey, designing progression systems, and ensuring that the game's systems are robust, scalable, and fun. The ideal candidate will have a passion for interactive entertainment, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the design vision for video game projects, ensuring a cohesive and compelling player experience.
- Create and maintain detailed game design documents (GDDs), including mechanics, systems, levels, and narrative.
- Direct and mentor a team of game designers, providing constructive feedback and guidance.
- Collaborate closely with artists, programmers, and producers to implement design features.
- Design and iterate on core gameplay loops, player progression, and economy systems.
- Develop compelling narratives and integrate them seamlessly into gameplay.
- Conduct playtests and analyze player feedback to refine game mechanics and features.
- Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitor analysis.
- Champion the player's perspective throughout the development process.
- Proven experience as a Game Designer, with at least 5 years in a lead or senior role.
- A strong portfolio showcasing shipped titles or significant contributions to game projects.
- Expertise in game design principles, mechanics, and systems.
- Proficiency in industry-standard design tools and engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine, relevant documentation software).
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a remote setting.
- A passion for video games and a deep understanding of diverse game genres.
Apply Now
8
Lead Video Game Designer
37203 Nashville, Tennessee
$105000 Annually
WhatJobs
Posted 7 days ago
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Job Description
Our client, a renowned studio in the interactive entertainment industry, is seeking a visionary Lead Video Game Designer to spearhead the creative vision for their upcoming titles in Nashville, Tennessee, US . This exciting role demands a blend of artistic talent, technical understanding, and exceptional leadership to guide a team of talented designers. The ideal candidate will have a deep passion for gaming, a keen eye for detail, and a proven ability to craft engaging gameplay experiences that resonate with players worldwide. This hybrid role allows for flexibility, combining essential in-office collaboration with remote work options. You will be instrumental in defining game mechanics, player progression, narrative integration, and overall player experience.
Key Responsibilities:
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the design and development of core game mechanics, systems, and features.
- Conceptualize and document detailed game design specifications, including player interactions, level design, and user interface flows.
- Collaborate closely with art, programming, and audio teams to ensure a cohesive and compelling game vision.
- Guide and mentor a team of game designers, providing constructive feedback and fostering their professional growth.
- Champion innovative gameplay ideas and ensure their effective implementation.
- Oversee the creation of player progression systems, economy balancing, and reward structures.
- Work with narrative designers to integrate story elements seamlessly into gameplay.
- Conduct playtesting sessions and analyze feedback to iterate and improve game design.
- Ensure the game meets target audience expectations and market trends.
- Maintain clear and effective communication with project stakeholders, including producers and management.
- Contribute to the overall art direction and user experience of the game.
- Stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in game development and design.
- Develop prototypes to test and validate design concepts.
- Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, Fine Arts, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in video game design, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior design role.
- Proven track record of successfully shipping multiple titles across various platforms (PC, console, mobile).
- Deep understanding of game design principles, player psychology, and engagement mechanics.
- Proficiency in game design documentation, prototyping tools, and relevant software (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity, proprietary engines).
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to effectively manage and motivate a creative team.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- A keen eye for aesthetics, user interface design, and overall player experience.
- Passion for video games and a comprehensive understanding of the gaming industry.
- Experience with narrative design and world-building is a plus.
- Adaptability and willingness to work in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
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