Unknown Worlds is looking for an experienced Lead Designer to help us incubate and develop new game ideas from conception to release. The ideal candidate is a leader, consummate communicator, and collaborator. They are a student of game design, with the toolset to understand and explain game design theory and pitfalls, and the vision and enthusiasm to voice the promise in ideas at a very early phase. They coach and encourage their team, are self-directed and highly motivated, and enjoy working with multidisciplinary collaborative teams.
This is a remote position on a fully distributed team looking for a candidate with the flexibility to collaborate with a team located primarily in the East and West Coast USA.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Establish a stable, inclusive creative process for the game’s development.
Help teams navigate the early discovery phase by assisting with hands-on prototyping, evaluating and refining pitches, setting creative goals, and directing concepts as they develop.
Ensure team-wide alignment around game vision, designs, intentions and reasoning.
Collaborate with leaders in other disciplines, adapt to constraints and produce creative solutions and alternatives.
Design and drive key features from conception to shipping.
Identify design needs and help staff a new project team. Lead design interviews, candidate feedback, and onboarding processes.
Advocate for the player’s perspective by assisting with the facilitation of playtests, addressing concerns and driving solutions on design challenges.
Develop, document and maintain the design systems, pipelines, and workflows for the game.
Work with the entire development team to ensure best design practices are followed.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience leading one or more multi-platform games in a lead design role through all phases of development.
Deep knowledge of design best practices and experience in a design discipline: systems, gameplay, 3Cs, World, or other.
Demonstrated ability to support the implementation of features and ideas in-engine.
Excellent situational awareness and judgement, with the ability to demonstrate both qualities in high-pressure situations.
Experience managing, mentoring, and coaching designers.
Excellent written and verbal communication.
Experience with project management software such as JIRA, Favro, Notion and/or equivalents.
Deep understanding of the foundational elements and player expectations of multiple genres.
Preferences
Experience creating and refining game pitches and successfully leading game discovery efforts.
Experience working as an individual contributor in Unity and/or Unreal 5.
Experience with open development or Early Access models engaging with large and active communities.
Scripting experience (in code, proprietary tools, and/or visual scripting languages).
Reasonable Accommodation
KRAFTON Americas is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the Company will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to apply for an open position, perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact the HR Talent team at KRAFTON Americas, to begin the interactive process.
EEOC statement
KRAFTON Americas provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type.
Due to recent scams, our recruiters will only reach out to you via @sds.com, @krafton.com, @unknownworlds.com or @pubg.com. If you received an email and are unsure you can always email recruiting_ka@krafton.com.
We make games that are accessible and engaging for players all over the world. We believe in hiring and supporting the most talented and creative people of diverse backgrounds. That support includes annual professional development and home office stipends, as well as paid time off for volunteer/non-profit work. Join us and be a part of our growing and innovative studio.
Unknown Worlds Entertainment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.
Unknown Worlds is an independent globally distributed game studio. Our goal is simple, but not easy - to unite the world through play.
We're currently working on two brand new unannounced projects. Previous games include Natural Selection 1 & 2 and the award-winning Subnautica and Subnautica: Below Zero.
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