Design Director (Game Design)

TL;DR

Design Director (Game Design): Building and shaping the systemic gameplay architecture for a AAA multiplayer live-service title at Haven with an accent on gameplay pillars, moment-to-moment loops, and long-term progression. Focus on designing scalable systems, aligning gameplay with narrative and creative direction, and leading a multidisciplinary design team toward a polished AAA experience.

Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Company

hirify.global is the entertainment brand of Sony Interactive Entertainment, a technology and gaming company developing hardware, network services, and interactive experiences for a global audience.

What you will do

• Translate creative themes and project pillars into clear gameplay systems, meta-structures, and cohesive mechanical experiences.
• Own the structural blueprint of the game, including moment-to-moment gameplay, short-term loops, and long-term progression systems.
• Define creative direction, design standards, and structural boundaries while reviewing and validating the team’s design work.
• Lead, organize, mentor, and develop a team of game designers from junior to senior levels.
• Represent design across Engineering, UI/UX, Audio, and Live Operations to maintain cross-functional alignment.
• Prototype and validate gameplay concepts during pre-production and prepare complex systems for live-service stability.

Requirements

• At least 6 years of professional game design experience, including a commercially shipped major AAA multiplayer title in a senior, lead, principal, or direction role.
• Experience defining core gameplay loops during early conception and supporting the full product lifecycle.
• At least 2 years of direct experience managing, mentoring, and developing game designers.
• Strong understanding of multiplayer and live-service systems, including matchmaking, playlist structures, anti-cheat considerations, and progression balancing.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present and defend design concepts to development teams and studio leadership.
• Ability to use a game editor for early prototyping and rapid gameplay validation.

Nice to have

• Working knowledge of Unreal Engine.
• Passion for gameplay innovation and knowledge of emerging trends in the global gaming market.

Culture & Benefits

• Work within the hirify.global organization and the Haven game development team.
• Collaborate in a structured, multidisciplinary studio environment focused on clear communication and constructive feedback.
• Inclusive workplace with equal-opportunity and fair-chance employment practices.
• Employment is subject to background checks at the offer stage.