Lead Game Designer

Come and join the Futur!

FuturLab is looking for a Lead Game Designer to join the team on a permanent basis.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

As a member of the game leadership team, you will;

• Define game vision and player experience in collaboration with the game director
• Collaborate with the lead artist, lead programmer, producer and game director to plan production schedules
• Collaborate with the game director and producer to flesh out ideas into concept documents, delegating to the design team where appropriate
• Pitch original ideas toward studio goals and client briefs
• Collaborate with the game director and producer on pitch documents
• Represent the design discipline as well as sentiments of the design team during planning meetings
• Spot fundamental design problems for discussion with the game director and producer 
• Identify pivotal decisions which impact other disciplines, seeking consensus from the game director and producer before taking action

As lead designer, you will;

• Supervise the creation and maintenance of design documentation
• Define and allocate tasks to the design team, including accurately assessing the time required to complete each task
• Oversee the creation and implementation of game systems
• Specify tools, ensuring finished tools are fit for purpose within economic constraints
• Review and feedback on all aspects of design and implementation with the design team
• Play the game daily, troubleshooting design issues and reprioritising tasks with the producer 
• Respond to and implement feedback from data, mock reviews and playtests
• Ensure clear communication between the design team and the rest of the studio
• Identify training opportunities for yourself and your design team, negotiating for self improvement time during project scheduling
• Be hands on where necessary
• Report to the game director

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND EXPERIENCE

• More than five years of industry experience and at least one shipped title in a lead design role
• Experience owning responsibility for design over several projects, understanding the complexities of creating games as a small studio. Perhaps you have previously run your own small studio and would like the opportunity to flex your design and management skills without running a business at the same time
• Proven skills in product prioritisation and rapid design decisions
• Able to concisely articulate game concepts and analyse game mechanics
• Demonstrable experience in leading a team of designers
• Experience working with external stakeholders
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills (your application will be checked for typos)
• A grasp of current game trends

SOFT SKILLS

In this leadership role, where FuturLab’s cultural values must be upheld, you will; 

• Be friendly, approachable and kind
• Set a cultural example through the pursuit of professional improvement
• Find excitement and passion for any genre and any scope of game
• Inspire and motivate colleagues through insightful feedback and constructive criticism
• Be keen to explore and champion the best ideas of those around you 
• Dispassionately communicate rationale for contentious design decisions
• Easily drop an idea or feature if it doesn’t fit a bigger picture
• Be able to hold opposing ideas in mind at once, maintaining a curiosity for both ideas until an objective rational choice emerges
• Dutifully manage your own focus for the benefit of the team and project 
• Expertly balance philosophical player enjoyment within the economic constraints of working in a small studio

FuturLab fosters an inclusive and welcoming culture, we actively encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Check out the Life at FuturLab page (www.futurlab.co.uk/life-at-futurlab) for reasons why you’d love working here!

If you have the skills, experience and passion for the role then please click here to apply:

Apply here: https://apply.workable.com/j/D19509B0CC

We typically receive a high number of applicants and therefore favour candidates who have taken the time to include a cover letter. We love to hear about what makes you tick and how you meet the requirements of the role.

Sadly, candidates without a valid UK work Visa cannot be considered – FuturLab do not have a licence to sponsor candidates outside of the EU. Candidates must be willing to relocate / commute to our studio in Hove once deemed safe following Covid-19. We offer UK and EU nationals a relocation package to help move to the area.

Perks!

• Competitive salary dependent on experience + performance related bonus
• Generous pension scheme
• Private healthcare
• Relocation package
• Staff referral bonus
• 28 days holiday + 2 duvet days
• Friday Fun drinks
• Regular social activities
• Two weeks of studio closure over the Christmas period
• Free fresh fruit
• Free iced treats in the summer
• Free locally roasted, Small Batch coffee and specialty teas
• Free eye tests + standard glasses for display work
• Birthday cake