Lead Game Designer
About Fun Waffle
Fun Waffle Game Studios aims to create story-driven, engaging games that resonate with players worldwide. Our recently announced Narrative Adventure project, Marked, draws inspiration from the classic point-and-click adventures of the past, reimagined with modern design sensibilities. We’re seeking a passionate and skilled Lead Game Designer to lead the design team and shape this exciting experience.
The Position
As the Lead Game Designer, you will define the gameplay vision and oversee the design team to craft immersive mechanics and systems that complement the narrative focus of the game. You’ll work closely with the Narrative Director, artists, and programmers to ensure gameplay and story are seamlessly intertwined, delivering an experience that captivates players from start to finish.
Key Responsibilities
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Define and communicate the gameplay vision, ensuring alignment with the overall narrative and artistic direction.
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Lead the design and implementation of gameplay systems, mechanics, and features, with a focus on player choice and interaction.
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Develop intuitive, engaging puzzles and scenarios that drive the narrative forward while challenging players.
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Collaborate with writers to ensure story beats are reflected in gameplay and player interactions.
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Work closely with the level design team to create environments that encourage exploration and discovery.
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Mentor and guide the design team, providing feedback and ensuring high-quality output across all design disciplines.
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Prototype and iterate on gameplay mechanics using Unreal Engine’s Blueprints system.
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Balance game systems to create a seamless, polished, and rewarding player experience.
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Conduct playtests and analyze player feedback to refine and improve gameplay.
Qualifications
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Proven experience as a Game Designer, with at least one shipped title in a lead or senior role.
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Deep understanding of gameplay design principles, including player engagement, pacing, and progression.
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Proficiency in Unreal Engine, particularly with Blueprints, for rapid prototyping and implementation.
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Experience designing mechanics for narrative-driven or adventure games.
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Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to manage and inspire a team.
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A keen eye for detail and a passion for creating player-centric experiences.
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Experience designing puzzles and branching narratives.
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Knowledge of cinematic design and how it intersects with gameplay.
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Familiarity with point-and-click adventure game design and storytelling.
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Technical knowledge of scripting and game development pipelines.
Equity-Based Project Opportunity
This role is part of an equity-based project. You’ll earn a percentage of the profits when the game ships within a 12-month rolling calendar.