Senior Game Designer Job
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 an innovating the gaming industry.
Position Overview:
We are looking for a passionate and creative Senior Game Designer to join our talented team. In this role, you'll be given the autonomy to define and own significant areas of the game, from core mechanics to unforgettable moments.
Working alongside other senior creatives, you will be a key voice in translating high-level vision into tangible, engaging, and fun experiences for our players. If you live for design and are ready to leave your mark on a project, we want to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
* Champion the high-level project vision, ensuring all design decisions, features, and content align with the game's strategic goals and core player fantasy.
* Own and drive the design for significant project areas, such as core gameplay loops, systems, or live-ops features, from initial concept through to final in-engine implementation and tuning.
* Act as a key hands-on contributor by directly implementing, scripting, and iterating on gameplay features using the game engine (e.g., Unity, Unreal).
* Manage multiple design workstreams simultaneously, prioritizing MVP components and strategically planning for scope adjustments based on development complexity and team feedback.
* Define the documentation structure and standards for major game features, creating clear and concise design documents that effectively communicate intent to all disciplines.
* Guide the integration of narrative elements by collaborating with writers, ensuring that story, lore, and world-building effectively support the gameplay experience.
* Facilitate collaborative design activities and workshops, aligning team discussions with design strategy and resolving ambiguity by defining clear acceptance criteria.
* Orchestrate the full cycle of player feedback, from organizing playtests and interpreting qualitative data to advocating for changes that enhance the player experience.
* Critically deconstruct reference titles and market trends to inform design choices and confidently defend proposals to stakeholders through a lens of development cost and outcome value.
* Provide significant and constructive feedback during sprint reviews, dynamically iterating on designs in response to technical hurdles and creative opportunities.
What You Bring to the Table:
* Extensive experience in game design, with a portfolio showcasing ownership of major systems or content areas (e.g., narrative, level design, systems) on shipped AA/AAA titles.
* Proven ability to lead a significant design domain, such as narrative or live-ops, including managing external partners and taking accountability for the final quality.
* Expert proficiency with modern game engines (Unity, Unreal) and a demonstrated ability to be "hands-on on keyboard," with strong in-engine scripting and implementation skills.
* A strategic, "big picture" mindset with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities and ensure all workstreams align with the core project vision.
* Deep understanding of the entire development pipeline, from concept to post-launch, with experience creating robust design documentation and defining clear acceptance criteria.
* Demonstrated ability to use player feedback and data to make informed design decisions that serve a well-researched and understood target audience.
* Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with experience leading design discussions and fostering a creative and productive team environment.
* A player-first mentality, with a passion for advocating for an exciting and engaging player experience while balancing creative ambitions with production realities.
What We Offer:
* Five extra paid days off per year to pursue a personal interest.
* Access to studios located in Melbourne's city centre, offering easy transport links.
* Industry-leading parental benefits.
* Relocation assistance available.
* Mental wellbeing resources for employees.
* The opportunity to mentor colleagues and grow within your role.
* Premium membership discounts for state-of-the-art gym facilities, right next door to our offices.
* Regular social events, such as games nights, karaoke evenings, movie screenings, group activities, and food truck visits.