Company Description

Old Skull Games (OSG) is an independent studio of approximately 60 people working in parallel on 3 to 4 projects for mobile, console, and PC. Our games cover a wide range of genres – from platformers to roguelites, including narrative experiences – offering our teams great creative diversity.

We operate according to Agile principles: autonomous and multidisciplinary teams make their own decisions, are responsible for their results, and receive leadership support through a clear framework, coaching, and adapted tools.

Our main value is simple: create exceptional games that players love. We are proud of the good atmosphere within the studio, which fosters motivation, collaboration, and continuous learning.

We use OKRs to align our strategic objectives and measure our success. You will have the opportunity to contribute to the definition and achievement of our key objectives like everyone at OSG!

Apply now and get ready for an incredible adventure at Old Skull Games!

Job Description

We are looking for a passionate and visionary Game Director, capable of defining and carrying the creative identity of our game, while integrating a Product Owner dimension.

You will be responsible for the creative vision and player experience, but also for good alignment with the product vision, market expectations, and stakeholder needs.

Your main responsibilities will be:

Creative vision and game direction

• Establish a robust creative vision from the early stages and imagine the final game in its entirety.
• Define and maintain the consistency of the game experience: player motivations, narrative, aesthetics, mechanics, game loops, metagame, and UX.
• Actively integrate market trends and foster innovation to develop differentiating USPs.
• Make assertive creative decisions, in collaboration with leads (Art Director, Lead Game Designer, Tech), while remaining the guarantor of the global vision.
• Ensure regular reviews of prototypes, systems, and builds, guaranteeing the highest quality standards.

Leadership and team culture

• Inspire and unite the team around a strong, clear, and inspiring vision.
• Promote a human culture, based on constructive feedback, valuing mistakes as learning opportunities, and adaptability.
• Foster a collaborative environment, stimulating creativity and initiative.
• Demonstrate resilience and problem-solving ability in the face of development challenges.

Product alignment & Product Owner dimension

• Take on the role of Product Owner to align creative vision and product vision.
• Contribute to backlog management and prioritization, articulating the value of features.
• Participate in defining sprint objectives and validating User Stories.
• Lead product development by aligning milestone objectives, Epics, Sprint Goals, and user stories.
• Integrate feedback from stakeholders (publishers, marketing, end-users) into product development.
• Develop market and business constraint sensitivity to enrich the creative vision with a product perspective.

Department development

• Participate in department development and support the Design Manager and CCO in the studio's tactical decisions (team organization, technology adoption, process improvement).

Qualifications

Desired profile:

• Proven experience as Game Director or in a similar role in game development.
• Strong understanding of Game Design principles and creative processes.
• Solid experience with Agile/Scrum principles applied to game development, as well as a strong interest in these methodologies, with the willingness to embody and promote them within the team.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and team management skills.
• Ability to inspire and motivate a team to achieve high-quality results.
• Strong sensitivity to the market, user experience, and product value.
• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability.
• Desire to progressively integrate a Product Owner dimension (market vision, backlog, stakeholders): Openness to integrate this responsibility as an integral part of the role.
• High level of creativity and innovation.
• Fluent written and spoken French and English required.

Additional Information

• Permanent contract (CDI)
• Executive status
• Position to be filled in Villeurbanne, Lyon - as soon as possible
• Compensation according to profile and experience
• Profit-sharing
• Restaurant vouchers, health insurance, provident fund, 60% reimbursement of transport costs, sustainable mobility package, on-site parking, holiday bonus

OSG's little extras:

• Exceptional teams!
• Guaranteed warm atmosphere
• Flexible hours for a balanced life
• Hybrid format with on-site and remote work
• Paid sick leave for children, family priority!
• Our weekly team breakfasts
• Our essential annual Summer Camp
• Gourmet provisions: fruit baskets, drinks, and coffee available...
• Regular sports sessions organized for optimal health
• Paid leave: Ultra flexibility, take it when you need it
• Our premises: rooftop, concierge, shower, quiet with Parc Tête d'or nearby...
• Additional leave for RQTH individuals: more time to take care of one's health
• CSE offers (reduced cinema tickets, gift vouchers, Gymlib, goodies, etc.)

Old Skull Games is committed to inclusion and equal opportunities. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from people with disabilities. If you have specific needs to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know and we will do our best to meet your needs.