Lead Game Designer

Caliberly; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic gaming company in Dubai is seeking a Lead Game Designer to lead the design team in creating innovative game mechanics for card and slot games. The candidate should have at least 3 years of experience, a strong understanding of game systems design, and excellent leadership skills. Passion for gaming and industry trends is essential. This role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams and mentoring junior designers.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience as a Lead Game Designer or in a similar role.
• Strong understanding of game mechanics and systems design.
• Proven ability to lead a team and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Solid experience with game development tools and design software.
• Experience with game balance and monetization systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design team in creating innovative game mechanics.
• Collaborate with product managers and developers to design game features.
• Develop and communicate game design documentation.
• Oversee the game design process and adjust based on feedback.
• Design player progression systems and rewards.
• Ensure visual and audio elements align with gameplay.
• Mentor junior designers and provide feedback.
• Lead game balance discussions.
• Collaborate with UX/UI teams for intuitive design.
• Stay updated on industry trends and technologies.

Skills

Game mechanics

Player engagement strategies

Team leadership

Problem-solving

Critical thinking

Tools

Unity

Unreal Engine

Job description

• Lead the design team in creating innovative game mechanics, systems, and features for card and slot games.
• Collaborate with product managers, artists, and developers to design and implement game features that align with business and player goals.
• Develop and communicate clear game design documentation that outlines core gameplay mechanics, level design, user interfaces, and game balance.
• Oversee the game design process, ensuring the design vision is realized from concept to launch, and make necessary adjustments based on playtesting feedback.
• Design engaging player progression systems, challenges, and rewards to keep players invested in the game.
• Ensure the games visual and audio elements are aligned with the gameplay mechanics and overall design vision.
• Mentor and guide junior designers, providing feedback and support to help them grow their skills.
• Lead game balance discussions, ensuring that difficulty, progression, and monetization are aligned with user experience and business objectives.
• Collaborate with UX/UI teams to ensure the games design is intuitive and enhances player engagement.
• Stay updated on industry trends, new technologies, and competitor products to inspire fresh ideas and innovations in game design.

Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of experience as a Lead Game Designer or in a similar role within the gaming industry, particularly in card and slot games.
• Strong understanding of game mechanics, systems design, and player engagement strategies.
• Proven ability to lead a team of designers and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams (developers, artists, product managers).
• Solid experience with game development tools (such as Unity, Unreal Engine, or others) and design software.
game balance and monetization systems in free-to-play or casino-style games.
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills to design creative and engaging gameplay experiences.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to clearly articulate design ideas to both technical and non-technical teams.
• Passion for gaming and a deep understanding of player behavior, gaming trends, and the industry.
• Ability to work in an agile environment, balancing creative vision with practical constraints.