Design - (Various Disciplines) - Talent Pool (MEA)

Side; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A global video game development company is seeking candidates for co-development roles. Responsibilities include designing game mechanics and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates will have over 3 years of game design experience and proficiency in Unreal Engine or Unity. Apply to be considered for future opportunities.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience in game design.
• Experience with at least one shipped title.
• Proficiency in game engines and scripting tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and iterate on game mechanics and narratives.
• Collaborate with team members for gameplay integration.
• Analyze player feedback to inform design improvements.

Skills

Game design experience

Team collaboration

Game mechanics understanding

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

Overview

Side is a global video game development and services provider, offering technical and creative solutions to many of the largest developers and studios worldwide. Founded in Japan in 1994, Side has grown to become a global force in the video game industry with over 40 studios in 15 countries and offices across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. Our industry‑leading services include codevelopment, art production, localization, audio production, quality assurance, player support, community management, and datasets. Help us bring stories to the world.

Opportunity Type

This listing is for our Talent Pool for Co‑Development Roles. By applying, you express interest in being considered for future project‑based opportunities that align with your skills and experience. These opportunities are contingent on client needs and project availability. As projects are initiated, we will review candidates from this pool and contact those who most closely align with the specific requirements of the co‑development opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and iterate on game mechanics, systems, levels, encounters, or narratives, depending on your specialization.
• Collaborate with programmers, artists, and producers to ensure seamless gameplay integration.
• Develop and maintain design documentation, prototypes, and iterative improvements based on internal testing and player feedback.
• Balance and refine gameplay mechanics to achieve engaging and rewarding player experiences.
• Analyze player behavior, feedback, and data to inform design decisions and enhance engagement.
• Participate in design reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback to refine design implementations.
• Ensure consistency and alignment with the game’s creative vision and project objectives.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience in game design (level design, combat design, worldbuilding, narrative design, technical design, or encounter design).
• Demonstrated contribution to at least one shipped title on PC, console, mobile, or VR/AR.
• Proficiency with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Familiarity with scripting languages, visual scripting tools, or proprietary game design tools.
• Strong understanding of player psychology, game mechanics, pacing, and balance.
• Ability to work effectively within a cross‑functional team and integrate feedback into iterative design.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to convey complex design ideas clearly.
• Deep knowledge of game design principles, industry trends, and player expectations.
• Passion for problem‑solving and pushing the boundaries of interactive experiences.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working on AAA titles.
• Knowledge of procedural design, emergent gameplay systems, or AI‑driven gameplay mechanics.
• Background in narrative design, interactive storytelling, or dialogue systems.
• Experience with multiplayer, live‑service, or co‑op game design.

Next Steps

We encourage you to apply to this listing. While there may not be an immediate opening, your application will keep you in our ongoing talent review for upcoming roles. Only resumes submitted in English will be considered.