SUMMARY Overview of the position

With overall direction from the Sr Director of Game Development, the Associate Game Designer conceptualizes, creates, refines, and optimizes the player experience for Upper Deck TCG initiatives, focusing on gameplay, card design, and overall game health. They create unique and innovative content in line with Upper Deck’s overall product strategy. The Associate Game Designer works with a tight product development team, including Game Developers, Brand Managers, and Project Managers to ensure the game is engaging, balanced, and enjoyable for players.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an individual assigned to this job. Other duties may be assigned.

• Game Design: 
  1. Conceptualization and Prototyping - Develop new game ideas, rules, and mechanics for new and existing games.
  2. Card Design – Create new cards with unique effects, interactions, and playstyles.
  3. Gameplay Balancing - Ensure the game is fair and balanced, avoiding overpowered or underpowered strategies.
  4. Playtesting - Test the game with players, gather feedback, and refine the design based on player experiences.
  5. Data Analysis - Use data to identify areas for improvement and ensure the game remains healthy.
  6. Industry Trends - Understands value drivers within the TCG community and monitors appropriate channels to uphold product integrity.
  7. Innovation – Ready to explore new ways to engage a growing player base.
  8. Game Development - Must be able to provide feedback on the components, card layout, and art design.
• Additionally: 
  1. Travel Availability - Traveling to conventions and events locally, nationally, or globally to promote products and educate the player base.
  2. Collaboration - Works with a tight product development team, including Game Developers, Brand Managers, and Project Managers to ensure the product vision is being fully realized across all relevant parties.

INTERACTION

This position will interact closely with Upper Deck’s Sr Director of Game Development as well as the Game Development and Brand Management teams. Additionally, interaction with Project Management, Finance, Purchasing, Operations, Graphic Design and Sales departments will be required on a case-by-case basis. 

EDUCATION/YEARS EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree with an emphasis in Product Development and/or Design or a closely related field or equivalent experience.
  1. Mathematic experience is also a plus.
• 5 years of experience with TCG/CCG style games.
• 5 years of experience with tabletop gaming.
• Professional experience in the tabletop gaming industry a plus

REQUIREMENTS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Passion for tabletop gaming with an extensive TCG background.
• Knowledge of game design principles.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple, high priority projects with keen attention to detail.
• Team Collaboration skills to be able to work in a professional, team-based environment.
• Ability to playtest and gather feedback.
• Understanding of market trends and the competitive TCG landscape.
• Superior analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in the Microsoft 365 suite (advanced expertise with Excel)
• General Pop Culture knowledge and interest is preferred.
• Ability to perform duties under minimal supervision while exercising discretion and independent judgment when needed.
• Hands-on, energetic and motivated initiative-taker.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally on behalf of Upper Deck