Principal Game Designer - Hybrid-Casual Games

This is a Principal Game Designer role for our new Hybrid-Casual Games Team.

At Playnetic, we're redefining hybrid-casual gaming, crafting experiences that are both fun and market-responsive. As a Principal Game Designer, you'll play a critical role in shaping our games from concept to launch. If you're passionate about building engaging game loops, optimising player experiences, and leveraging data to drive design decisions, this role is for you.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

As one of the first hires in this team, you'll work closely with the Head of Product to define concepts and turn them into hits. You'll take ownership of the design of our games and their features, mechanics, and systems, ensuring they captivate players and perform well in the market.

• Architect of Fun – Define the game's core systems, features, and mechanics. You'll create detailed documentation and wireframes, crafting experiences that engage players while aligning with the game's vision.
• Player Advocate – Gather and interpret player feedback to refine mechanics, ensuring games are fun, rewarding, and free from friction points.
• Data-Driven Problem Solver – Use performance data and analytics to improve retention, engagement, and monetisation. Your decisions will be informed by numbers, not just intuition.
• Creative Collaborator – Work with cross-functional teams, brainstorming and refining ideas into clear, actionable game design proposals.
• Market Observer – Keep an eye on trends in casual and hybrid-casual gaming, ensuring that our designs stay fresh, competitive, and aligned with current monetisation models and player behaviors.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Proven experience in Concept-to-LiveOps – You've worked through the product discovery phase, from concept creation to prototyping and early testing.
• Casual & Hybrid-Casual Expertise – Deep understanding of F2P games, core/meta loops, game economies, KPIs, and live operations.
• Strong market knowledge – Experience with monetisation models and staying ahead of industry trends.
• Analytical mindset – Ability to interpret player data and analytics to make informed design choices.
• Collaborative and self-sufficient – Thrive in a remote, highly autonomous environment, working seamlessly with cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication skills – Fluent in English, with strong written and verbal skills to articulate design decisions clearly.

WHY JOIN PLAYNETIC?

• A startup within an established company—move fast, innovate, and make an impact.
• Fully remote & flexible—work when and where you work best.
• Flat hierarchy & high autonomy—own your work without bureaucracy.
• Growth opportunities—this role could evolve into a leadership position as we scale.

INTERVIEW PROCESS

1. Recruiter intro call – A conversation to get to know you and discuss the role.
2. Design Task – Showcase your game design skills with a practical exercise.
3. Technical Interview – Meet with our Game Designers to discuss your approach to game design.
4. Cultural Interview – A final chat with our Head of Product.

HOW WE WORK & OUR BENEFITS

• Flexible working hours – Flexible working at Playnetic is actually flexible! No core working hours; work how you work best. We operate a common sense and goal-driven approach that helps you and us track success.
• Unlimited holidays – We respect the importance of work-life balance, which is why we believe in unlimited holidays. The only thing we ask is you take at least 25 days!

WHAT DOES PLAYNETIC DO?

Established in 2023, Playnetic is a new player in the world of gaming entertainment. 

Our innovative gaming content is centred around our core values: quality gaming, dedicated customer service, and reliable delivery to our partners. We're currently in a phase of growth and will scale considerably over the next 12 months.

As a fully remote studio, we understand the importance of staying connected and maintaining team collaboration. We are continually mindful of this as we grow and have the tools and support in place to help us all flourish.