Senior / Lead Game Designer

Tantalus North (Fortitude Valley, Queensland)  is thrilled to announce we are expanding and on the lookout for leadership-level game designers (Senior and above) to join our dynamic team! This is an exciting opportunity to show your expression of interest and to be a part of our next exciting chapter.

In this role, you will be responsible for designing engaging game mechanics, developing compelling gameplay experiences, and shaping the overall player experience. Additionally, you'll play a key role in hiring and developing a future team of designers, guiding them to reach new heights of creativity and excellence.

A crucial aspect of this role is the ability to research, write, and present game pitches specifically tailored to client needs and expectations. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in game design, excellent storytelling skills, and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively in a client-facing context.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design and implementation of gameplay mechanics, systems, and features.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including artists, programmers, and producers, to ensure cohesive and innovative game design.
• Create and maintain design documentation, including gameplay prototypes, design specifications, and balance adjustments.
• Research and craft detailed pitches tailored to specific client requirements and preferences.
• Prepare and present pitches to clients, showcasing how the proposed narratives meet their needs and expectations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, providing strategic input and ensuring clear communication throughout the pitch process.
• Mentor junior designers and provide guidance on best practices and design principles.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative design environment within the team.
• Lead design meetings and contribute to the creative direction of the project.
• Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and the competitive landscape.
• Conduct research to inform design decisions and client-specific narrative development.
• Analyse player feedback and game performance metrics to refine and improve design.

DEMONSTRATED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of experience in game design leadership roles with a strong history demonstrating previous work and successful projects.
• Proven experience in writing and pitching, with an ability to craft compelling stories and dialogue that align with client visions.
• Proficiency with game design tools and software, such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or similar. Familiarity with game scripting languages is a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively in client-facing scenarios.
• Experience in developing and mentoring junior designers.
• Strong creative thinking and problem-solving skills, with a passion for storytelling and game design.
• Bachelor’s degree in Game Design, Computer Science, Interactive Media, or a related field; or equivalent practical experience.