Lead Game Designer

1 Month ago • All levels • Game Design

Job Summary

Job Description

Vertigo Games, a developer and publisher of top-end VR titles, is seeking a Lead Game Designer for their Amsterdam studio to contribute to their next VR game, following Metro Awakening. The role involves collaborating with creative leadership to define and champion the project vision, translating it into a design strategy. Key responsibilities include creating design briefs, overseeing their execution, leading and planning the design team's work, providing feedback, managing dependencies, mentoring the team, and contributing hands-on design work to set best practice standards. The ideal candidate will have led a design team through the full development cycle of at least one high-quality console/PC title, possess excellent English communication skills, a proven track record with high-profile IPs, strong design discipline skills (UX, AI, core mechanics, systems, level design, narrative), and hands-on game engine proficiency. Problem-solving skills and a passion for innovative gameplay are essential.
Must have:
  • Led design team through full development cycle of console/PC title
  • Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
  • Proven leadership experience with high-profile IPs
  • Skilled in UX, AI, core mechanics, systems, level design, narrative
  • Hands-on game engine proficiency and direct implementation
  • Decisive problem-solver passionate about innovative gameplay
Good to have:
  • Experience in leadership role developing high-quality VR games
  • Track record of fostering innovation and inclusion within a team
Perks:
  • Healthy work-life balance
  • Hybrid working model (three office days per week)
  • 26 standard vacation days (option to buy 5 more)
  • Free public transport commuting
  • Free pension plan
  • Healthy lunch provided
  • Group activities and Thursday afternoon drinks
  • Borrow VR hardware and titles to take home
  • Home office hardware, desk and chair budget, energy cost contribution

Job Details

Your mission
We are Vertigo Games, developers and publishers of top-end VR titles like Metro Awakening, Arizona Sunshine, After the Fall and The 7th Guest. Our Amsterdam studio has started development of our next VR game, following Metro Awakening, and we are looking to recruit a Lead Game Designer who can aid us in our mission.

Are you looking for a studio that celebrates creativity and sets the bar in immersive entertainment? Then we should meet!

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Collaborate with the project's creative leadership to define and champion the project vision, translating it into a comprehensive design strategy.
  • Create inspiring design briefs and oversee their execution to ensure alignment with the project vision and requirements.
  • Lead, manage, and plan the design team's work, including setting clear goals, developing roadmaps, and proactively managing design resource allocation.
  • Review and provide constructive feedback on the design team’s work to ensure high quality and adherence to project vision and requirements.
  • Collaborate effectively across disciplines to proactively identify, manage, and mitigate design-related dependencies and development risks.
  • Mentor and coach the design team and facilitate personal growth.
  • Actively contribute with hands-on design work, setting best practice standards and inspiring the team to achieve exceptional results.
Your profile
  • You have successfully led a design team through the full development cycle of at least one (ideally multiple) high-quality console/PC title.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, in English.
  • You can demonstrate a proven track record of effective leadership working with high-profile IPs.
  • You are highly skilled in a broad range of design disciplines, including UX, AI, core mechanics, systems, level design, and narrative, with demonstrable experience.
  • You possess strong hands-on game engine proficiency and are adept at direct implementation and prototyping when needed.
  • You are a decisive problem-solver with a passion for driving innovative gameplay experiences.
Bonus points for
  • You have experience in a leadership role developing high quality VR games or experiences.
  • You have a track record of fostering a team culture that promotes innovation and inclusion.
We offer
  • A company culture that values a healthy work-life balance.
  • A hybrid working model with three office days per week.
  • 26 standard vacation days with an option to buy 5 more.
  • Free commuting with public transport to and from the office.
  • Free pension plan.
  • A healthy lunch in our canteen.
  • Group activities and Thursday afternoon drinks.
  • The latest VR hardware and titles which you can borrow and take home.
  • Whilst working from home we provide all the relevant hardware, budget for a desk and chair and a contribution toward your energy costs.

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About The Company

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands (Hybrid)

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands (Hybrid)

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands (Hybrid)

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands (Hybrid)

Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands (On-Site)

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands (Hybrid)

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands (Hybrid)

Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands (Hybrid)

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