Lead Game Designer

Summary

Join Demiurge Studios as a Lead Game Designer and become part of the leadership team for their next open-world RPG. You will own the design and implementation of an immersive open-world experience, collaborating with product leadership and a cross-functional team. Responsibilities include prototyping gameplay mechanics, solving creative and technical challenges, providing feedback, and growing the design team. The ideal candidate has 8+ years of game design experience, including 3+ years in a lead role, and proven experience designing open-world RPGs. Remote work is available, with a preference for local Boston candidates; relocation assistance may be offered. Demiurge offers a flexible work environment, generous PTO, various medical benefits, 401k matching, tuition reimbursement, and more.

Requirements

• 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 RPG game
• Deep understanding of open-world RPG player motivations and behaviors as well as the game systems that satisfy them including gameplay feel, character abilities, and encounter design
• 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 RPG gameplay with the desire and motivation to take an idea from initial concept to launch

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 RPG 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

Benefits

• 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!
• Free snacks and drinks!
• Demi-Lunch Tuesday - Lunch is on us!
• Game Night Food
• Ping Pong!
• Step Mania! Get your dance on!