Lead Game Designer (Relocating to Melbourne)

This role will require relocating to Melbourne, Australia.

Who is PlaySide?

PlaySide Studios is a dynamic and innovative company that employs individuals across Australia, New Zealand and the UK. As Australia's largest publicly listed independent video game developer, PlaySide is committed to delivering cutting-edge interactive experiences across mobile, VR, AR, and PC platforms. With a diverse portfolio of more than 60 titles and collaborations with industry giants like Netflix and Activision Blizzard, working at PlaySide is not just a job but an opportunity to be part of innovating the gaming industry.

Overview:

As our Lead Game Designer, you'll be integral in the process of making our games. Not only will you manage, but also inspire a motivated team of designers to create the highest quality experiences for players. You will own the design process, working with multi-disciplinary teams to create world class gameplay, as well as making strategic decisions by leveraging data and player feedback. If you are a passionate, creative lead designer, come join us!

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and lead a design team to drive the implementation of game features and systems.
• Own the high level design and ensure the game vision is implemented across all feature levels of the game.
• Ensure cross-functional alignment and actionable designs by owning the design process and writing design briefs.
• Partner with engineering to develop content creation tools and frameworks for content creation and gameplay flow.
• Identify opportunities to utilize data for game tuning and inform design decisions, making recommendations based on risk, scope, and value.
• Oversee prototyping, ensure regular feedback, and support the pitching of new ideas within the studio's framework.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, growth, and multidisciplinary partnership within the design team.

Required Skills and/or Qualifications:

• A passion for leading the designs of ambitious projects! (Yes, incredibly important!)
• Proven experience in shipping successful game titles in a Lead capacity.
• Proven excellent understanding of game design principles with multiple years of experience as a game designer.
• Strong desire to create exceptional experiences for players.
• Well-rounded understanding of the game development process and ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

Bonus Points!

• A passion for bringing to life large-scale, ambitious projects across PC / Console.
• Sound knowledge in data and product management.

What we offer here at PlaySide:

• Playdays - an additional 5 paid days off per year to do something you love.
• Incredible studios based in gorgeous Port Melbourne, right next to the city and many public transport options.
• Industry-leading Parental Leave benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program to support mental well-being.
• Mentoring opportunities to help you grow in your role.
• Half price state-of-the-art Gym access! (right next door) - you can wear your free PlaySide Swag!
• Social events including Games night, karaoke nights, Movie Nights (We hire out the cinema!), group activities, and food trucks! Just as some examples!
• Relocation Assistance