Lead Game Designer

- Employer
- FuturLab
- Location
- Hove
- Starts
- Closes
- Sector
- Design / Creative, Games
- Level
- Mid-Level
- Attendance
- Full-Time
- Contract Type
- Permanent
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
Similar searches: East Sussex, Design / Creative, Games