Technical Gameplay Designer (Gamedev)

TL;DR

Technical Gameplay Designer (Unreal Engine): Designing and prototyping player-facing gameplay features, including weapon and armor abilities, with an accent on combat, traversal, and multiplayer dynamics. Focus on creating expressive, readable mechanics and balancing emergent player behavior in a shared 3D fantasy adventure.

Location: Remote (Must be based in the US or Canada and work within North American time zones)

Salary: $172.1k – $206.4k / year

Company

A fully distributed game studio founded by creators of Journey and Firewatch, currently developing a flagship 3D fantasy adventure.

What you will do

• Design, prototype, and iterate on player abilities, weapons, tools, and armor using Unreal Engine and Blueprints.
• Implement gameplay features from concept to polish in close collaboration with engineering and technical design partners.
• Tune and refine abilities to ensure engaging and readable multiplayer experiences.
• Balance gameplay features with a deep understanding of multiplayer dynamics and emergent player behavior.
• Collaborate with animation, audio, art, and VFX teams to align abilities with technical constraints and creative goals.

Requirements

• Legally authorized to work in the United States or Canada (no visa sponsorship available).
• Willingness to work within North American time zones.
• Senior-level experience designing gameplay mechanics, abilities, or progression in shipped games.
• Technical proficiency in Unreal Engine, specifically Blueprint scripting.
• Solid understanding of combat design fundamentals.
• Strong communication skills to articulate design intent and tradeoffs.

Nice to have

• Experience working on multiplayer or live-service games.
• Familiarity with layered gameplay mechanics such as buffs, passives, modifiers, or status effects.

Culture & Benefits

• Fully distributed remote studio with biannual company retreats.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage (100% for individuals).
• 401k contributions (USA) or RRSP plan and DPSP contributions (Canada).
• Flexible non-accrual paid time off and paid parental leave.
• Stock options and a continued education allowance.