Senior Game Designer

Keywords Studios is one of the largest go-to technical and creative services providers to the global video games industry. We provide integrated art production, engineering, audio services, testing, localization, and player support services for PC, Playstation, Nintendo, Xbox video games. How big are we? 17,000 employees. 80+ Studios. 20+ Countries. EUR$650M+ Revenue. Best of all, we continue to grow in a sustainable way. 

Keywords Studios Australia, consists of Wicked Workshop (Vic), Tantalus Media (SA, Qld, Vic), and Mighty Games. In 2023 we added over 70 new, talented individuals surpassing 250 employees in Australia. We're anticipating similar growth for 2024. Whilst we're backed by a highly successful global parent company, we still enjoy the intimacy and independent studio feels. If you're a passionate, collaborative, can-do, delivery focused individual, we'd love to hear from you. 

Tantalus North is thrilled to announce we are expanding and on the lookout for leadership-level game designers (Senior and above) to join our dynamic team! This is an exciting opportunity to show your expression of interest and to be a part of our next exciting chapter.

In this role, you will be responsible for designing engaging game mechanics, developing compelling gameplay experiences, and shaping the overall player experience. Additionally, you'll play a key role in hiring and developing a future team of designers, guiding them to reach new heights of creativity and excellence.

A crucial aspect of this role is the ability to research, write, and present game pitches specifically tailored to client needs and expectations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in game design, excellent storytelling skills, and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively in a client-facing context.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design and implementation of gameplay mechanics, systems, and features.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including artists, programmers, and producers, to ensure cohesive and innovative game design.
• Create and maintain design documentation, including gameplay prototypes, design specifications, and balance adjustments.
• Research and craft detailed pitches tailored to specific client requirements and preferences.
• Prepare and present pitches to clients, showcasing how the proposed narratives meet their needs and expectations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, providing strategic input and ensuring clear communication throughout the pitch process.
• Mentor junior designers and provide guidance on best practices and design principles.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative design environment within the team.
• Lead design meetings and contribute to the creative direction of the project.
• Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and the competitive landscape.
• Conduct research to inform design decisions and client-specific narrative development.
• Analyse player feedback and game performance metrics to refine and improve design.

Requirements

DEMONSTRATED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of experience in game design leadership roles with a strong history demonstrating previous work and successful projects.
• Proven experience in writing and pitching, with an ability to craft compelling stories and dialogue that align with client visions.
• Proficiency with game design tools and software, such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or similar. Familiarity with game scripting languages is a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively in client-facing scenarios.
• Experience in developing and mentoring junior designers.
• Strong creative thinking and problem-solving skills, with a passion for storytelling and game design.
• Bachelor’s degree in Game Design, Computer Science, Interactive Media, or a related field; or equivalent practical experience.

Benefits

Additional Information

If you'd like to know more about Keywords Studios we recommend visiting our corporate site HERE

Our recruitment process typically consists of an initial review of your application and if suitable followed with a Teams or Phone interview. For those selected to progress further it may include an online assessment, and two interviews which can be conducted onsite or remote. 

All applications will be responded to within five to ten business days where possible. For those who make it to interview stage, feedback will also be provided.

As part of our ongoing efforts to improve our candidate experience, we do randomly select individuals to participate in a very short, anonymous, survey. Your feedback is important to us and we appreciate your time providing this. 

Should you wish to discuss Keywords Studios and our opportunities prior to making an application please feel free to call our Head of Talent Acquisition, Stan Rolfe on +61 416 048 976. Leave a message and he'll return your call as soon as possible. Please note Stan is based in Perth, Western Australia. 

PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION POLICY

Keywords Studios is strongly committed to protecting your personal information. By sending your CV/Resume, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and consent to your data being managed and retained in accordance with our data privacy and retention policy https://www.keywordsstudios.com/en/applicant-privacy-notice/.

Role Information: EN

Studio: Tantalus

Location: Brisbane, Australia

Area of Work: Game Development

Service: Create

Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent

Working Pattern: Hybrid