Game Designer II (Remote)

About the Company

The hiring company is developing a custom PC game for a client with a specific creative vision. The project follows a development approach that combines elements of first-party and second-party game development, requiring close collaboration and the ability to work within defined creative direction.

About the Role

The company is seeking a mid-to-senior-level Game Designer for an upcoming turn-based tactics PC game. The role involves designing gameplay systems, creating design documentation, and implementing combat levels, characters, and abilities in Unity.

The successful candidate will need to balance detailed direction from the client in areas with clearly defined expectations while using independent judgment to develop solutions in areas where the requirements are less established. The position begins as a remote contract lasting three to six months. Subject to a successful review, it is expected to transition into a full-time, fully onsite role at the company's office in Bellevue, Washington.

Key Responsibilities

• Author game design documents covering in-game systems, including combat, equipment, base building, unit upgrades, and other gameplay features.
• Design and build combat levels for the upcoming turn-based tactics PC game.
• Create and implement characters and abilities in Unity.
• Translate detailed client direction into clear and consistent game design decisions.
• Develop solutions for design areas where the client's expectations are less defined.
• Use relevant game design experience to support the development of gameplay systems and mechanics.

Required Qualifications

• Mid-to-senior-level experience in game design.
• Ability to work with detailed creative direction while exercising independent judgment in less-defined design areas.
• Practical experience with Unity for game design implementation, particularly levels, abilities, and characters.

Preferred Qualifications / Requirements

• Experience working as a combat designer, level designer, or systems designer on a published turn-based tactics game.
• Knowledge of and openness to using AI tools to support the game development process.
• Extensive experience playing turn-based tactics games, including titles such as Baldur's Gate 3, XCOM 2, Fire Emblem, Final Fantasy Tactics, and Wasteland 3.
• A portfolio demonstrating experience implementing levels, abilities, and characters in Unity.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range is $90,000 to $110,000, plus benefits. The role begins as a three-to-six-month remote contract. Following a successful review, the position is expected to transition to full-time, fully onsite employment at the company's office in Bellevue, Washington.

Location & Work Arrangement

The initial contract is fully remote. Candidates should be prepared to work onsite in Bellevue, Washington, if the role transitions to full-time employment.