Director, Design

 The Job 
As the Director, Design for our Online Multiplayer RPG, you will lead and manage the design team including senior leads and designers of various levels to create engaging player-centric experiences. You will work closely with product managers, engineers, and artists to ensure the game’s vision is effectively translated into compelling multiplayer features. In conjunction with the Game Director, you are responsible for driving the overall game design, defining gameplay mechanics, system design, and ensuring the game provides a rewarding experience for players. Your role requires a strong understanding of multiplayer systems, player behavior, and a deep passion for innovative design in multiplayer online gaming.  

Your Role Accountabilities... 

Lead Design Vision: 

• Collaborate with the Game Director on the overall design vision for the multiplayer experience, ensuring a cohesive and innovative player journey. 

• Work with cross-functional teams to align design goals with technical capabilities and business objectives. 

Gameplay Systems Design: 

• Develop and oversee the design of core multiplayer gameplay mechanics, including minute to minute gameplay, activity models, social systems, account systems, progression systems, how you navigate the world, and player engagement features. 

• Ensure the multiplayer systems are scalable, fun, and encourage both competitive and cooperative gameplay where appropriate. 

Team Leadership & Collaboration: 

• Manage and mentor the design organization, fostering a collaborative and creative environment. 

• Provide feedback and guidance on design proposals, documentation, and implementation. 

• Work with other departments (engineering, art, audio, narrative, and production) to integrate the design vision into the final product. 

Player-Centric Design: 

• Analyze player behavior and feedback to refine gameplay systems, improving overall user experience. 

• Prioritize inclusivity and accessibility in multiplayer game design, catering to diverse player needs and preferences. 

Prototype & Playtest: 

• Lead the creation of prototypes to explore new gameplay ideas, iterate on them, and assess their viability. 

• Use playtesting, both private and public, to inform insights to optimize game features and balance. 

Feature Development: 

• Work closely with the game director, product managers, and engineering teams to prioritize and roadmap multiplayer features. 

• Ensure design documentation is comprehensive, clearly communicating the intent and functionality of game systems. 

Performance & Optimization: 

• Collaborate with engineering to ensure multiplayer systems are optimized for performance, scale, and can handle large-scale player populations. 

• Focus on balancing gameplay to maintain fairness and excitement for all players. 

Qualifications & Essentials... 

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in game design, with at least 3 years in a lead role in a large-scale multiplayer environment. 

• Proven track record of delivering successful online multiplayer from concept to launch. 

• Experience with live service models, content updates, and post-launch support for online multiplayer. 

• Experience with free-to-play or games-as-a-service models.  

Technical Skills: 

• Strong understanding of online multiplayer design principles, player psychology, and game balancing. 

• Familiarity with game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine) and trending technology within platform infrastructure. 

• Experience working with data analytics to inform design decisions. 

Leadership & Communication: 

• Strong leadership and team management skills. 

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate design vision and ideas to different teams. 

Passion for Games: 

• A deep understanding of online multiplayer gaming culture, trends, and player motivations. 

• Enthusiastic and passionate about creating innovative and memorable online multiplayer experiences. 

• A passion for online multiplayer RPGs 

• A passion for the source material and IP we are working in