Lead Game Designer - Game of Thrones Legends Austin, TX, Bay Area, CA, Carlsbad, CA, Chicago, I[...]

$114,400 - $169,300/Yr

Zynga - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Chicago, IL

Publishing Industries

About the position

The Lead Game Designer for Game of Thrones Legends at Zynga is responsible for leading the design and creative direction of game features and content. This role combines individual contributions with leadership responsibilities, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to create player-focused designs and innovate gameplay experiences.

Responsibilities

• Create or adapt leading game features to work with an existing game
• Pitch new ideas to the team and hold brainstorming sessions
• Tune and model complex systems using Excel
• Analyze real-time feedback and metrics, and adjust game designs accordingly
• Work with product managers, developers, and artists to lead all aspects of the implementation of new features and systems
• Describe user experience stories and create wireframe screens and flows
• Remain up-to-date with Game Design literature and standard methodologies
• Advocate for the player and optimal gameplay experience

Requirements

• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Expert with math, levels, and formulas in game environment
• Extensive knowledge of games and strategies
• Strong knowledge of game balancing and pacing
• Management experience, preferably with an experienced design team
• Translates direct consumer insights, market data, and analysis into creative design solutions
• Experience working on a live game
• 2+ shipped games
• Proficiency working in Unity and GitHub preferred, but familiarity with game engines and source control required
• Game programming background preferred
• Experience with RPGs (mobile specifically) preferred

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with mobile game development
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Bonus plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• 401K Company Match Contribution (US)
• RRSP/DPSP company match contribution (Canada)
• Health coverage, dental, disability, critical illness, EAP, and life insurance (Canada)
• Medical, dental, vision, EAP, life insurance, and disability benefits (US)
• Virtual mental health and neurodiversity support programs
• Global Fitness reimbursement program
• Financial wellness program with unlimited access to certified financial planners
• Discretionary Time Off policy
• Family planning support program
• Generous paid parental, pregnancy-related disability, caregiver, and compassionate leaves
• Flexible working hours
• Culture of diversity and inclusion