Unreal Engine Senior Game Designer

[REVSHARE] Disclaimer this is a revenue share position with NO SALARY initially, although additional funding may be available if we can secure it. Almost half of our team has AAA experience so we are optimistic about our chances to receive funding. We plan to provide salary to our team once we secure funding. We have been in talks with publishers and look to finalize funding once we complete our vertical slice in the upcoming months.

Your Role

As a Game Designer, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the creative foundation of Shadows of the Lost. From designing and documenting gameplay mechanics to collaborating on systems like combat, companion AI, and environmental storytelling, you’ll ensure that the player experience is engaging, seamless, and memorable.

You will assist in maintaining and updating the Game Design Document (GDD), ensuring it reflects the latest vision of the game and serves as a clear guide for the team. Working closely with designers, artists, and programmers, you’ll help refine the intricate elements that bring our dark fantasy world to life.

About the game

Shadows of the Lost is a dark fantasy soulslike that takes the genre to haunting new depths, blending momentum-based combat, a gripping story, and a unique companion system. Set in a fractured world corrupted by an otherworldly shadow, the ruins of once-great civilizations echo with the lingering power of demigods who forged deadly pacts with mortal rulers.

As an adventurer, traverse desolate landscapes shaped by twisted myths. From a dark fantasy style frostbitten ruins of Norse sagas to the cursed tombs of Egyptian kings. Unearth relics tied to ancient powers, forge bonds with companions, and confront the creeping influence of the Shadows of The Lost.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3107020/Shadows_of_The_Lost/

Responsibilities

• Design engaging gameplay systems, including combat mechanics, player progression, enemy encounters, and interactive environments.
• Prototype and iterate game mechanics using Unreal Engine tools.
• Balance and refine gameplay features to enhance player experience and challenge.
• Collaborate with animators and developers to ensure seamless integration of gameplay and visual elements.
• Clearly document design concepts, mechanics, and balancing strategies.
• Contribute creative ideas to enhance gameplay immersion and narrative coherence.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience with creating and maintaining Game Design Documents (GDDs).
• Strong understanding of gameplay mechanics and player engagement.
• Familiarity with Unreal Engine 5 or similar tools.
• A portfolio or examples of work demonstrating game design expertise.
• Proactive problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to feedback.
• Passion for the Soulslike genre and/or action RPGs.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, especially for collaborative environments.
• Experience with Unreal Engine,
• History of shipped game.

Not Required but Nice to Have

• Experience with Level Design
• Familiarity with state manager systems for character actions (e.g., combat, dodging).
• Knowledge of Unreal Engine Blueprint scripting or basic programming skills.
• Experience working on high-fidelity or action RPG projects.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a passionate and growing team dedicated to creating a high-quality, genre-defining game.
• Gain valuable experience and exposure working on a professional Unreal Engine project.
• Share in the success of the game through a revenue-sharing agreement.
• Flexibility to work remotely and manage your own schedule.
• Build friendships with peers.