Game Designer

Please note that this is a hybrid position with a mixture of in-office and home-based working. 

Part of the Rocket Science Group, Atomic Theory comprises a multinational team of seasoned AAA veterans with roots extending from Blizzard, PUBG, Epic, and Unity. We have a track record of delivering player-centric, AAA-quality experiences, and we're unwavering in our commitment to performance, accessibility, and the meticulous attention to the engineering tools and frameworks that underpin exceptional gameplay.

But Atomic Theory is also more than just a studio; for us, it's a sanctuary, a place where our diverse experiences can intersect and combine to carry our solutions to the next level. We're dedicated to aiding studios and publishers in navigating the toughest challenges across today's game development landscape -- and with offices in Albany, NY; Austin, TX; and Cardiff, UK, we thrive at the opportunity to Get Sh!t Done on a global scale. 

About the Role:

Engaging players through thoughtful, well-crafted game systems is at the heart of our design philosophy. As a Mid-Level or Senior Game Designer, you’ll play a key role in shaping compelling gameplay experiences that resonate with players. From system balancing to feature development, you’ll work in collaborative co-development environments alongside designers, engineers, and artists to bring innovative game mechanics to life.

This role is ideal for experienced game designers who thrive on iteration, feedback, and teamwork—whether designing combat systems, game economies, level progression, or live-service content.

What You'll Do:

• Design and iterate on game mechanics, systems, and features that align with project goals and player experience objectives.

• Develop clear and detailed design documentation, ensuring effective communication across teams.

• Prototype gameplay elements and test mechanics in-engine (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity, Godot), iterating based on player feedback and internal testing.

• Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure features are both engaging and technically feasible.

• Balance game systems, progression, and economies, ensuring an engaging player experience across different playstyles.

• Contribute to the co-development workflow, working seamlessly with partner studios.

• Analyse player behaviour and feedback, using data to refine game balance and engagement strategies.

• Advocate for accessibility and usability, ensuring designs are intuitive and inclusive for all types of players.

• Manage and maintain high-quality standards in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

What We Value:

• Experience designing gameplay systems and features for AAA or independent game titles.

• Deep understanding of game design fundamentals, including player psychology, game loops, and progression mechanics.

• Proficiency in game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity, with experience implementing and testing game mechanics.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a commitment to data-driven design decisions.

• Ability to document and present design ideas effectively, fostering collaboration across disciplines.

• Experience working in fast-paced, iterative development environments, with an understanding of agile methodologies.

• Passion for gaming and a strong understanding of player motivations across different genres.

You May Also Have:

• Experience designing multiplayer, live-service, or systemic games.

• Background in game economy design, balance, or monetisation strategies.

• Experience with scripting in Blueprint, Lua, or other game development languages.

• Familiarity with AI behaviour, mission design, or player progression systems.

• Experience working in co-development environments, collaborating with external studios.

What We Can Offer: 

• Hybrid Working Arrangement: Our office in Cardiff is located right in City Centre, just a couple minutes away from the Cardiff Central Train Station! As a member of our team, you’ll have the flexibility to work at home and collaborate with your fellow crew mates in person.

• Competitive Salary and Benefits Package: Your health and wellbeing is important to us, so we offer a variety of benefits including: 

  • Private Pension via Salary Sacrifice

  • Optional Private Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

  • Annual Leave, Plus Bank Holidays and Winter Break Office Closure

• Annual Research Credit: We always encourage personal growth, so we provide all of our team members with an annual credit to further enhance your skills! 

• Professional Development: We offer biannual reviews, as well as opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, internal tech talks, and the chance to learn from specialists with backgrounds from across the games and software development industries. 

• Work-Life Balance: We really believe that home life comes first and we promote a flexible working environment. And as an added bonus: We don’t crunch! 

• Family Friendly: We understand the importance of family, which is why we offer 6 weeks full of Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption Leave to support you during this exciting time!

• Office Perks: In addition to everything above, we also provide: 

  • Weekly Team Lunches

  • Snacks, Including the Good (Yorkshire) Tea

  • Fully Equipped Team Lounge, Including our Favourite Consoles and Games

  • And, most importantly, a supportive and creative working environment made up of talented and friendly people, as well as the opportunity to work on some pretty cool games and projects – if we do say so ourselves!

A Friendly Note from the Recruitment Team:

Even if your profile isn't an exact match for all of the qualifications listed above, we still want you to apply. Our team members come from a variety of different industries, not all of which are immediately relevant to game or software development, and we welcome all candidates of similarly varied backgrounds, communities, and identities.

Rocket Science is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a worry-free workplace void of discrimination or harassment. Rocket Scientists are expected to foster and champion an environment in which everyone has the opportunity to feel included and is afforded the respect and dignity they deserve.

#li-hybrid