Lead Game Designer

2 weeks ago


Wellington, New Zealand This Is An It Support Group Full time

Lead Game Designer / Design Director Location: Southern Hemisphere (Relocation & Visa Sponsorship Available)

We are searching for an exceptional Lead Game Designer / Design Director to join a world-class entertainment brand known globally for creating industry-leading experiences across multiple platforms. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of three distinct game IPs—including roguelike, action-stealth/RPG, and life simulation genres.

If you are a generalist game designer with expertise across PC and console platforms, and a proven ability to lead teams in delivering high-quality interactive experiences, we'd love to hear from you

This is an on-site position with global search efforts underway. Visa sponsorship and relocation support will be provided to the successful candidate.

Role Overview

As the Lead Game Designer / Design Director, you will play a key role in shaping the creative vision and gameplay systems of our projects. Reporting directly to the Creative Director, you will be responsible for leading a growing design team—starting with three designers and scaling up to nine as development progresses. You will be hands-on in both design and management, ensuring alignment with the creative vision while fostering innovation within your team.

Key Responsibilities Lead, mentor, and manage a team of designers, ensuring smooth collaboration across disciplines.Design, prototype, and iterate on core gameplay systems, mechanics, and features across multiple IPs.Maintain a generalist mindset, adapting to diverse genres.Collaborate closely with the Creative Director to align design goals with the broader vision for each title.Establish production pipelines, workflows, and documentation to support design efforts.Provide feedback and direction on game design, balancing creative ambition with technical feasibility.Work with cross-functional teams (engineering, art, and narrative) to develop engaging, cohesive experiences.Analyze player feedback and data to refine game systems and improve player engagement.Manage design schedules, resource allocation, and team growth as projects evolve. Qualifications 8+ years of game design experience, with multiple shipped titles across PC and console platforms.Strong knowledge of multiple game genres, ideally with experience in roguelike, action/RPG, or life simulation games.Proven leadership abilities with experience managing and mentoring designers.Deep understanding of core game mechanics, balancing, and player experience design.Experience collaborating with Creative Directors and other senior stakeholders.Familiarity with game engines (Unreal, Unity, or proprietary tools) and design documentation practices.Exceptional communication and organizational skills.Ability to work on-site full-time. Bonus Skills Experience working on AAA or world-renowned IPs.Familiarity with live-service games and player engagement strategies.Background in system design, narrative design, or UX/UI is a plus.
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