Game Designer

About Nexon

Nexon America is a branch of Nexon Co., Ltd., a global video game publisher and leading developer of online virtual worlds for PCs, consoles, and mobile devices. Nexon proudly offers celebrated franchises like MapleStory and Mabinogi that have been enjoyed by millions of players for over two decades. When we founded our Nexon America branch in 2006, we made it our goal to bring those unique games to western players using a player-first approach. We achieve that goal by applying our team’s outstanding free-to-play expertise and live game support to every decision, every day.

But we’re committed to more than our games! Here at Nexon America, we’re all about open communication, diversity, mutual respect, and collaboration, so we can bring out the best in each other. Nexies find support, friendship, and career growth all in one place! And because we know a healthy work-life balance is the key to happiness, Nexies also enjoy flexible hours, a hybrid work model, and extra perks like food trucks, happy hours, and team events. It’s why we’ve earned the Great Place to Work certification for 5 years running!

We’re looking to expand our team with passionate individuals who want to learn, play, and grow with us. Ready for a new challenge?

Summary of Position

Nexon America is seeking a Game Designer to join our Western MapleStory Development team. In this role, you will work closely with the Lead Designer to create and implement new content for Global MapleStory Classic World. Your responsibilities will span gameplay feature design, data implementation, bug fixing, and supporting ongoing live development efforts.

We are currently working in the office 2-3x a week in a hybrid work model.

Job Responsibilities

• Design and maintain documentation for gameplay features and systems
• Implement and configure game data based on design specifications; validate in-game functionality
• Troubleshoot and fix data-related bugs during development and testing
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including art, engineering, and production
• Other duties as assigned

Work Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience as a Game Designer in the video game industry
• Bonus: one shipped title

Education, Professional Training, Technical Training or Certification

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Game Design, Computer Science, Art, or a related field

Knowledge/Skills

• Required
  • Solid understanding of MMORPG systems design, including progression, economy, and quest mechanics
  • Strong proficiency in creating detailed and well-structured game design documents
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills in cross-functional team settings
  • Working knowledge of in-game data tools and debugging processes
  • Passion for and experience playing Global MapleStory or earlier versions of the game
• Preferred
  • Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to design innovative gameplay solutions
  • Familiarity with game balancing, live service design considerations, and user experience
  • Working proficiency in Korean is preferred for effective collaboration with Korean engineers

Management has the right to add or change duties and job requirements at any time.

Nexon’s Benefits and Perks

We offer medical, dental and vision plans for you, your spouse or domestic partner and your children. Employees who enroll in the high deductible health plan receive an annual employer contribution to a health savings account and company paid hospital indemnity benefits. We also provide company paid life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability benefits as well as access to voluntary life and AD&D for yourself and your dependents, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) savings plan with a company match, and pet insurance. Nexies are encouraged to take advantage of our monthly wellness credit, participate in lunchtime yoga, and enroll in language classes. We host bi-monthly catered lunches, monthly happy hours, and maintain a well-stocked snack bar. To help you maintain a good work life balance, we offer paid time off, sick days, company holidays, and a year-end break.

Nexon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Compensation Description for Pay Transparency (annually)

The base salary range for this position in El Segundo, CA is $80,000 - $100,000 annually.

Our salary ranges are determined by market data based on position and level. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum salaries for that position. An individual’s pay is determined by factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s qualifications, skills, experiences, relevant education or training, and location.

Base pay is one part of the Total Rewards package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work. This role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, however the salary range listed in this job posting reflects the base salary only.

Beware of Recruitment Scams

We have been made aware of fraudulent recruitment activities by individuals falsely claiming to represent Nexon America. Our recruiters will only contact you from official company email addresses ending in @nexon.com and will follow a formal interview process. We will never request for payment or personal financial information such as photos of government-issued identification during the recruitment process or offer a job without a formal interview process. If you receive suspicious email, we advise you to mark the email as junk or spam, so your email provider will block future messages from the sender.