Lead Game Designer

Hardsuit Labs, located in Seattle, WA was founded in 2015 with the same goal as every other game development studio that has ever existed – to make great games. What sets us apart is the way we make that happen: it’s all about our people.

General overview of the role

Hardsuit Labs is looking for a proven design leader who will drive our systems design 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 COVID-19, all positions at Hardsuit Labs are subject to remote interviews and work.

Responsibilities

In this role you will collaborate closely with creative leadership and multi-disciplinary design teams to create immersive and rewarding gameplay systems that keep players engaged and motivated. You’ll be responsible for owning progression systems from concept through release and will work directly with all stakeholders to ensure that each game system aligns with the vision for the project.

The ideal candidate will bring 5+ years of professional game design experience and an interest in building, growing, and mentoring teams. Previous experience owning, prototyping, iterating on, and balancing player progression systems in RPG titles is preferred. Proven experience documenting, testing, and tuning player reward systems is a must.

Core Responsibilities:

Work closely with design leadership to create and implement engaging progression systems.
Work with product partners and vision holders to prioritize designs to improve the content and functionality of the game.
Interface regularly with multidisciplinary teams supporting implementation of systems and other gameplay features.
Own game economies, cash/loot, and player XP systems from concept to release.
Provide mentorship and guidance to other members of the team and design department.

Requirements

5+ years of game design experience with at least 2+ years of systems design experience on high profile/commercial title(s).
Excellent overall communication and documentation skills.
Proven experience designing and owning player progression systems including skill trees, quest rewards, power upgrades and collectibles.
Experience owning, iterating, and tuning game economies, cash/loot, XP, and similar resources.
Proven ability and willingness to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.

Skills considered as a good plus

Understanding of AAA and RPG game development pipelines.
Deep understanding of player psychology and game economics.
Strong knowledge of Blueprints ing and UE4 implementation.
Previous console development experience.