Gameplay Designer

The Molasses Flood is a CD PROJEKT game development studio located in the greater Boston area. We were founded by industry veterans in 2014, and since then have created The Flame in the Flood and Drake Hollow. We’re currently working on an ambitious and exciting new project set in The Witcher universe. We value every voice on the team, open communication and transparency, and run a studio based on mutual respect and kindness between all members and levels of the team. If this sounds like the type of team you’d like to be a part of, we encourage you to apply.

The Molasses Flood is looking for a mid-level Gameplay Designer to design, implement, and iterate on features, mechanics, and core gameplay systems that fulfill the game’s high-level design vision. The Gameplay Designer will ideate and write-up, or adapt, initial design proposals/specs and then work to get those designs in-game through hands-on prototyping, testing/iteration, and eventual full implementation in tandem with other designers and engineers.

The ideal candidate for this role is someone who understands the ins-and-outs of the core gameplay loop (second-to-second, minute-to-minute) and is capable of jumping in and adding new mechanic/feature prototypes that can expand the possibility space for what players can do. The Gameplay Designer is also someone who frequently evaluates how their gameplay features fit within the core loop, and reinforces the game’s design pillars and overall vision.

The person in this role will report to the Lead Gameplay Designer. For US hires, this role may be performed per our hybrid work model in the greater Boston area (Tues/Thurs in our office and Mon/Wed/Fri work from home), with relocation assistance available. OR For hires in the US or Canada, this role could also be performed remotely within the continental US and Canada, and according to US East coast core hours. Benefits and salary available varies by country. 

Responsibilities:

• Design and prototype a variety of systems that adhere to best practices established by engineering and design leads.

• Implement open-ended game systems and features that interact naturally with other areas of the game.

• Continually push the boundaries of the core gameplay loop wherever possible to create a variety of emergent gameplay scenarios and player stories.

• Communicate out updates in best practices and tool status to the team and be on the look-out for opportunities to get feedback for iterative improvements.

• Demonstrate understanding of game design and development principles and the processes used to achieve them.

• A strong background in scripting (visual or otherwise).

• The ability to communicate with engineering, art, and production fluently and frequently.

• Broad interest in all aspects of game design from the moment-to-moment and mid-level gameplay loop to metagame and economy.

• Curiosity, kindness, initiative, and a positive and professional can-do attitude.

• Candidates must have a US or Canadian work permit or citizenship.

Nice to Haves:

• Previous experience as a Gameplay, Combat, or Systems Designer in the game industry.

• Multiplayer game design experience.

• Strong Unreal Engine 5 experience.

• Design experience with systems-driven action/adventure games.

• Ability to read and understand C++ or C#.

The expected salary range for this position is $100,000.00 to $125,000.00 USD, negotiable; or if hired in Canada, $75,900.00 to $124,000.00 CND. Salary offered will be based upon a number of factors, including but not limited to: skill set, years and quality of experience, and suitability for the role.

What we offer (US hires):

• 100% company paid medical, dental, and vision plans available - for employees and dependents
• 401K with matching
• Company paid long & short term disability plans, and life insurance
• Profit sharing plan
• Unlimited PTO and flexible schedule
• Environmental company paid offset of employees’ carbon footprint via Wren.co
• Positions worked in office are hybrid: M/W/F work from home & T/Th work in office, with lunch provided on the in office days
• Dog friendly office
• Many opportunities for advancement as our team grows and takes on new challenges 
• Canadian benefits would be provided via CD PROJEKT RED, Vancouver.

The Molasses Flood is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embracing and celebrating diverse thoughts and backgrounds throughout our organization. Employment at The Molasses Flood is based on ability  – not an individual’s race, creed, color, religion, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, status as a victim of domestic violence or sex offenses, reproductive health decisions, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

California Candidates: TMF abides by all policies set forth in the CCPA/CPRA.  For more information, please contact HR or visit the California Privacy Protection Agency website: https://cppa.ca.gov/

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.