Lead Game Designer
This role offers the opportunity to work on current and future game projects, designing new gameplay systems and systemic content from concept through iteration. You’ll collaborate closely with creative, technical and art teams to build meaningful mechanics, balanced economies and compelling progression systems that deliver a high‑quality player experience.
About the role You will contribute to the design and evolution of core gameplay systems, focusing on clarity, balance and long‑term engagement. This position suits a designer who combines creative thinking with analytical rigour and enjoys working within technical constraints while continuously iterating based on feedback and playtesting.
What you’ll do
Design, document and iterate on core gameplay systems including gameplay loops, progression and economies
Identify gameplay, content and workflow challenges and propose player‑focused solutions
Balance units, items, resources and systems to support a clear and enjoyable player experience
Create and maintain clear game design documentation in collaboration with creative leadership
Communicate design intent effectively with developers and artists
Use iterative design methods incorporating player feedback and playtest data
Test and validate gameplay to ensure systems are implemented correctly and balanced appropriately
Maintain high quality standards while respecting technical and design constraints
What we’re looking for
Experience3+ years of professional experience as a game designer on at least one shipped title
Proven experience in systems design and content creation
Hands‑on involvement in gameplay balancing and iteration
Skills
Strong analytical and structured thinking
Ability to design meaningful, interconnected gameplay systems
Clear communication and documentation skills
Team‑oriented mindset with a proactive attitude
Understanding of how usability and functionality support player experience
Nice to have
Strong analytical mindset with experience using Excel or Google Sheets for modelling systems
Experience working autonomously in mid‑sized studio environments
Familiarity with scripting
Experience with Early Access development and community feedback management
Working style / behaviours
Curious, methodical and player‑focused
Comfortable iterating quickly based on feedback and data
Collaborative and communicative across disciplines
Able to balance creative ambition with practical constraints
Why join
Open and collaborative working environment with flexible organisation
Supportive studio culture with opportunities for team activities and knowledge sharing
Comprehensive benefits package including health coverage and meal support
Annual bonuses and long‑term incentive opportunities
Relocation support for suitable candidates
Salary
Up to 55,000 (EUR) per annum
If you’re a systems‑driven game designer who thrives in a collaborative, creative environment, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now, or email Joe Mc
Kernan - of experience and salary levels are shown purely as a guide. We will only consider applications from candidates that can demonstrate the skills or experience required for the role.
Please be aware that while we would love to respond to every application we receive, due to high numbers we cannot guarantee this. We do however appreciate any time you invest into the application and will make sure to get in touch should anything in future more closely fit your skillset.