This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Senior Technical Game Designer, Game Prototypes based in Canada.
This is a senior, hands-on game design role focused on shaping the gameplay identity of an ambitious portfolio of game prototypes.
You will work across multiple genres and audiences, translating creative concepts into compelling, playable experiences.
The role combines high-level systems design with direct implementation in Unreal Engine 5, particularly through Blueprints.
You will move rapidly from ideas and design documentation to functional prototypes that test gameplay hypotheses and uncover what makes an experience engaging.
Working alongside engineers, artists, and producers, you will help turn evolving concepts into cohesive player experiences.
The environment is agile, experimental, and prototype-driven, giving you significant influence over design direction and execution.
This is an opportunity to contribute to innovative gaming experiences while helping establish new approaches to interactive entertainment.
Accountabilities
- Design gameplay systems and mechanics across a rotating portfolio of projects, adapting design decisions to different genres, audiences, platforms, and creative goals.
- Create clear and structured game design documentation, including Game Design Documents, mechanics specifications, system diagrams, encounter designs, and technical design materials.
- Translate design concepts and documentation into functional, playable prototypes using Unreal Engine 5 and Blueprints.
- Rapidly test gameplay hypotheses through hands-on prototyping, iterating on mechanics and systems to identify engaging player experiences.
- Work closely with engineers, artists, producers, and other cross-functional partners to align implementation with design intent and continuously improve features.
- Contribute throughout the development process, from early concepts and vision-setting through prototype creation, iteration, and refinement.
- Adapt quickly as project scope, priorities, and creative direction evolve within a fast-paced experimentation environment.
- Communicate design rationale and complex gameplay concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Bring informed perspectives on gameplay, player experience, genre conventions, and the design elements that make games successful.
Requirements
- Proven professional experience in technical game design or senior/lead game design roles, ideally across a diverse range of game genres.
- Expert-level proficiency with Unreal Engine 5 and strong hands-on experience using Blueprints to build gameplay systems and mechanics.
- Demonstrated ability to move seamlessly between conceptual game design, detailed documentation, and direct technical implementation.
- Strong understanding of game design fundamentals across multiple genres, with the ability to identify and articulate the mechanics and systems that drive player engagement.
- Experience creating detailed and actionable GDDs, system specifications, technical design documentation, and other materials that enable effective cross-functional implementation.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to explain complex design ideas to engineers, artists, producers, and other stakeholders.
- Comfort working in prototype-first, fast-moving environments where priorities, scope, and direction can change rapidly.
- A highly hands-on, curious, and experimental mindset, with a strong focus on learning quickly and finding effective gameplay solutions.
- Broad and active knowledge of games, with well-developed opinions and perspectives on exceptional player experiences.
- Ability to work remotely from Canada and align with a development schedule oriented toward Eastern Standard Time (EST).
- Willingness to travel periodically for work-related events.
- A resume is required; portfolio examples are welcomed.
Benefits
- Annual compensation: $120,000–$170,000 CAD, with compensation determined based on role, experience, skills, and relevant market factors.
- Flexible compensation structure: Employees can determine the balance between annual salary and stock options each year.
- Stock options as part of the overall compensation offering.
- Supplemental health and dental coverage to support physical well-being.
- Mental health support and access to employee well-being resources.
- RRSP retirement plan with employer matching.
- Disability and life insurance programs, including serious injury benefits.
- Family-forming benefits and support for employees and their families.
- Paid leave programs and flexible time off for eligible full-time salaried employees.
- Remote work from Canada, with opportunities to collaborate with a distributed development team.
- Professional growth and exposure within an innovative, highly collaborative game development environment.
- Inclusive workplace culture focused on diversity, collaboration, excellence, and meaningful employee experiences.
How Jobgether works:
We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.
We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!
Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.
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