What are the responsibilities and job description for the Video Game Designer (Progression & Systems, Gameplay Design) - Volunteer Role position at The Donovan's Venom 501c3?
The Donovan's Venom, INC. Is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization dedicated to taking music, art, and entertainment to those who need it the most. The Donovan's Venom, INC. Caters to no particular individual(s) yet pledges relief to impaired or deprived individuals who are in need of musical,visual, comedic, and-or any alternative forms of liberation-through fine art & entertainment. The Donovan's Venom INC. Gives its resources to individuals who don't have the means or access.
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Video Game Designer (Progression & Systems, Gameplay Design)
The Donovan’s Venom (501c3 Nonprofit)
Department Interactive Media Studio (Game Development)
Location Remote
Position Type Volunteer Role
Reports To Lead Video Game Designer / Director of Interactive Media Studio
Position Overview
The Video Game Designer (Progression & Systems) is responsible for designing and supporting the development of gameplay systems, progression mechanics, and player interactions within game projects.
This role focuses on building engaging systems that drive gameplay, retention, and player experience, while collaborating with developers and artists to bring designs to life.
Operating at the intersection of gameplay design, systems thinking, and implementation, this role is critical to ensuring the game is structured, balanced, and engaging.
Key Responsibilities
Systems & Gameplay Design
This is a volunteer position and does not constitute employment.
We are onboarding individuals who are ready to contribute immediately.
Please only apply if you are prepared to begin within the next 14 days.
,
Video Game Designer (Progression & Systems, Gameplay Design)
The Donovan’s Venom (501c3 Nonprofit)
Department Interactive Media Studio (Game Development)
Location Remote
Position Type Volunteer Role
Reports To Lead Video Game Designer / Director of Interactive Media Studio
Position Overview
The Video Game Designer (Progression & Systems) is responsible for designing and supporting the development of gameplay systems, progression mechanics, and player interactions within game projects.
This role focuses on building engaging systems that drive gameplay, retention, and player experience, while collaborating with developers and artists to bring designs to life.
Operating at the intersection of gameplay design, systems thinking, and implementation, this role is critical to ensuring the game is structured, balanced, and engaging.
Key Responsibilities
- Gameplay Systems Design
- Design gameplay systems, including
- Core mechanics
- Player interactions
- Rules and behaviors
- Ensure systems are intuitive and engaging
- Progression & Player Experience
- Develop progression systems such as
- Leveling
- Rewards
- Unlocks
- Support player retention and engagement
- Gameplay Balance & Tuning
- Adjust gameplay systems for
- Difficulty
- Pacing
- Fairness
- Iterate based on testing and feedback
- Prototyping & Iteration
- Support prototyping of gameplay systems
- Test and refine mechanics
- Iterate designs based on results
- Design Documentation
- Create and maintain
- System design documentation
- Gameplay descriptions
- Ensure clarity for developers and team members
- Collaboration with Development Teams
- Work with
- Developers (implementation)
- Artists (visual alignment)
- Ensure systems are feasible and implemented correctly
- Unity & Implementation Support
- Collaborate within Unity (or similar engines)
- Support implementation of gameplay systems
- Assist with testing and iteration
- Playtesting & Feedback Integration
- Participate in playtesting sessions
- Gather and apply feedback
- Improve gameplay experience
- Systems Thinking & Integration
- Ensure gameplay systems connect effectively
- Support cohesive gameplay loops
- Align systems with overall design goals
- Problem-Solving & Constraints
- Adapt designs based on
- Technical limitations
- Scope constraints
- Balance creativity with feasibility
- Continuous Improvement
- Improve systems based on feedback and testing
- Stay current with game design trends
- Enhance player experience
- Estimated Commitment 10-15 hours per week
- Flexible schedule
- Participation in game development meetings required
- Fully remote
- 1–3 years of experience in
- Game design
- Systems design
- Gameplay development
- Understanding of
- Game mechanics
- Progression systems
- Player experience
- Experience with
- Unity or similar game engines
- Experience working on game projects (academic, indie, or professional)
- Experience in collaborative or remote teams
Systems & Gameplay Design
- Designs functional gameplay systems
- Supports engaging player experiences
- Builds player progression loops
- Supports retention and engagement
- Adjusts systems based on feedback
- Resolves gameplay challenges
- Works with developers and artists
- Aligns systems with overall game design
- Ensures clarity and consistency in design
- Maintains structured documentation
- Iterates designs based on testing
- Adjusts to changing requirements
- Fully remote
- Collaborative game development environment
- Creative and iterative workflow
This is a volunteer position and does not constitute employment.
We are onboarding individuals who are ready to contribute immediately.
Please only apply if you are prepared to begin within the next 14 days.