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Lead Designer

Overview

Hardsuit Labs is looking for a proven design leader who will drive the gameplay team forward. We’re looking for a communicative, thoughtful, and detail-oriented gameplay designer who will champion the start to finish player experience across our titles.

This is a full-time, benefits eligible position based in Seattle, WA. Due to conditions surrounding COVID-19, all positions at Hardsuit Labs are subject to remote interviews and work.

You

In this role you will collaborate closely with design and creative leadership and multi-disciplinary teams to create immersive and rewarding gameplay systems that keep players engaged and motivated. You will be part of a multi-studio team overseeing the design efforts from the Hardsuit side while working closely and building rapport with external partners. You’ll be responsible for owning gameplay experiences from concept through release and will work directly with all stakeholders to ensure that the systems, designs and experience aligns with the creative and design vision for the project. You will also manage a team of designers to achieve the goals of the product.

ideal candidate will bring 5+ years of professional game design experience with strong fundamentals in math and logic as well as an interest in building, growing, and mentoring teams. Previous experience owning, prototyping, iterating on, and implementing and balancing gameplay systems is preferred. Proven experience documenting, testing, and tuning player rewards is a must. Previous knowledge of and experience with UE4/Blueprints is desirable but not required.

What You Will Be Doing (Responsibilities)

• Collaborate with all design disciplines to create and implement engaging gameplay and progression systems.
• Work with product partners and vision holders to prioritize designs to improve the content and functionality of the game.
• Able to drive and follow-up on prototyping (digital or otherwise) with other designers and programmers.
• Own and oversee game systems from gameplay to progression.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to other members of the team and design department.
• Communicate design vision effectively with different disciplines such as art, programming, design and production.
• Manage day-to-day functions of the design team including scheduling, performance, and quality output.
• Assess the workload vs production capacity, plan the work, and set priorities for the game design team.
• Work with management to provide feedback and assist in career development for relevant parts of the team.

What You Will Bring (Qualifications & Experience)

• 5+ years of systems design experience.
• 2+ years as a team lead.
• Understanding of AAA and game development pipelines.
• Excellent overall communication and documentation skills.
• Strong sense of what makes compelling experiences for gameplay systems.
• Ideally someone who a creatively owned complete implementations from concept to delivery.
• Proven ability and willingness to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• UE4 Experience including blueprints, data tables and in engine work.

Nice to Haves

• Deep understanding of player psychology and game economics.
• Strong knowledge of Blueprints scripting and UE4 implementation.
• Previous console development experience.
• Understanding of programming and algorithmic basics is a plus

Employment Eligibility Requirement

• Must be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident and not require Visa sponsorship to be eligible.
• Resume
• Willing to participate in a design assessment as requested