Game Design Lead

Summary

Join Argus Labs, a company building next-generation MMO games, and lead the design of major game systems. As a Game Design Lead, you will mentor a team, collaborate cross-functionally, and establish high design standards. Responsibilities include designing systems for long-term engagement, analyzing player data, and iterating on content strategies. You will advocate for the player community and balance gameplay for diverse player types. Argus Labs offers competitive benefits, including flexible PTO, comprehensive health insurance, 401k, and a desk setup stipend.

Requirements

• 5+ years of professional game design experience , including 2+ years in a leadership or senior role
• Shipped at least one live game with a strong LiveOps component (MMO, ARPG, looter shooters, or other long-tail online titles strongly preferred)
• Deep understanding of systems design, player motivation, and game balance—especially in games with progression, classes, skills, or gear-based mechanics
• Proven experience designing for hardcore audiences—you know what makes min-maxers tick and how to craft meaningful high-skill gameplay loops
• Strong familiarity with data-driven design—you can translate dashboards and player metrics into actionable design changes
• Excellent communicator, collaborator, and mentor. You can clearly articulate design intent to both creatives and technical stakeholders
• Passion for MMO-style games, sandbox systems, and community-driven game worlds

Responsibilities

• Own the vision and design of major game systems including progression, economy, combat balance, and core loops tailored to a hardcore MMO audience
• Lead and mentor game studio team, providing direction, feedback, and support in alignment with creative and product goals
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product managers, engineers, artists, narrative, and LiveOps teams to drive cohesive gameplay experiences
• Establish and enforce high design standards through documentation, peer reviews, and rapid prototyping
• Design and manage systems that support long-term engagement, including live events, seasonal content, monetization loops, and in-game economies
• Work closely with stakeholders to set KPIs, analyze player data, and optimize experiences based on live telemetry and player feedback
• Own and iterate on content cadence strategies to sustain player retention, progression, and meaningful investment over time
• Be an advocate of the needs and motivations of our highly-engaged, competitive audience through regular community listening and player research
• Balance gameplay for fairness and depth, with a keen understanding of how to satisfy both casual and hardcore player personas within a shared world

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working on User-Generated Content tools or sandbox gameplay systems
• Experience with blockchain or Web3-based game economies

Benefits

• Flexible PTO (2 weeks required) + holidays
• 100% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance (US)
• 401k (US)
• Up to $1500 desk set-up stipend
• Well-being allowance
• Company retreats