Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Designer to join our dynamic team. As Lead Designer, you will be the driving force behind the game's design vision, gameplay mechanics, and player experience. You will lead a team of talented designers, collaborating with artists, programmers, and other stakeholders to create innovative and captivating game content that engages and delights players. This is a unique opportunity to shape the creative direction of our games and contribute to the success of our projects.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of designers, providing mentorship, guidance, and support to ensure the successful execution of design tasks and projects.
• Collaborate closely with the game director, art director, and other key stakeholders to define and maintain the creative vision, gameplay mechanics, and design goals of the game.
• Oversee the development of game systems, mechanics, and features, ensuring they align with the overall design vision and provide an engaging and immersive player experience.
• Create and maintain design documentation, including game design documents, mechanics specifications, and level design layouts.
• Collaborate with artists, programmers, and other team members to integrate gameplay mechanics and systems seamlessly into the game engine.
• Conduct regular design reviews and playtesting sessions to gather feedback, identify areas for improvement, and refine the gameplay experience.
• Collaborate with the narrative team to ensure a cohesive integration of story and gameplay elements, creating compelling and immersive game worlds.
• Provide clear and concise direction to the design team, ensuring that design tasks are assigned, executed efficiently, and meet quality standards and deadlines.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, advancements in game design principles, and emerging technologies, and integrate relevant innovations into the design process.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive environment within the design team, encouraging creativity, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with the QA team to identify and address design-related issues, ensuring a polished and bug-free gameplay experience.
• Manage the balance between creative vision, technical limitations, and project constraints, making informed design decisions that drive the success of the game.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience as a game designer, with at least 3 years in a leadership or senior role on a released product
• Strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional design skills and a deep understanding of game mechanics and systems
• Proficiency in game design tools and software, such as Unreal Engine, Unity, or equivalent
• Proven experience leading and managing a team of designers, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment
• In-depth knowledge of game design principles, including player psychology, engagement, and progression systems
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to find creative solutions to design challenges
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with artists, programmers, and other team members
• A solid understanding of game development pipelines and processes, from concept to release
• Familiarity with various genres of games and the ability to analyze and learn from their design strengths and weaknesses
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet project deadlines
• Proven ability to consistently and positively contribute to a high-paced, dynamic work environment
• Proven ability to take initiative and build strong, productive relationships with people at all levels
• Ability to adhere to an expectation of complete confidentiality on all business matters
• A passion for video games and a deep understanding of the gaming industry

Description 

• Full time job with benefits 
• Role is on-site in Santa Monica, CA
• Office is located near downtown Santa Monica – near metro and freeways

This is a rare and unique opportunity to join our brand new studio and team at the ground level. Join and play a crucial role in shaping the creative direction of our games, creating memorable and immersive player experiences. Together, we will redefine the boundaries of interactive entertainment and create extraordinary gaming experiences that captivate players. Apply now and lead the way as a Lead Designer with Absurd Ventures.

The base pay range for this position is $140,000 to $184,000 per year. Actual compensation is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. We also offer a competitive package of benefits including paid time off, sick time, company holidays, parental leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and equity.

About Absurd Ventures

Absurd Ventures is a media company creating new IP across all platforms and for all formats. Absurd Ventures is building narrative worlds, creating characters, and writing stories for a variety of genres, without regard to medium, to be produced for live-action and animation; video games and other interactive content; books, graphic novels, and scripted podcasts.