Lead Game Designer

Caliberly; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Caliberly in the UAE seeks a Lead Game Designer to guide the design team in creating innovative mechanics for card and slot games. You will collaborate with product managers, artists, and developers to bring features from concept through launch.

You will establish clear game design documentation, balance progression, and monetization strategies, and mentor junior designers. A strong background in Unity or Unreal and agile working methods is required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years as Lead Game Designer in card/slot or casino-style games.
• Deep knowledge of game mechanics, systems design, and player engagement.
• Proven ability to lead a team of designers and collaborate cross-functionally.
• Solid experience with Unity or Unreal and other design tools.
• Experience with balance and monetization systems in free-to-play or casino-style games.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Passion for gaming and understanding of player behavior and trends.
• Ability to work in an agile development environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design team to deliver innovative game mechanics.
• Collaborate with product, art, and dev teams to implement features.
• Create and maintain comprehensive game design docs.
• Oversee the design process from concept to launch, iterating on feedback.
• Design progression systems, challenges, and monetization aligned with goals.
• Ensure visuals and audio align with gameplay design.
• Mentor junior designers and lead balance discussions.
• Stay updated on industry trends and competitor products.
• Work in an agile environment with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Team leadership

Game design

Systems design

Player engagement

Monetization

Unity

Unreal Engine

Agile methodologies

Communication

Mentoring

Tools

Unity

Unreal Engine

Design software

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.
• Experience with 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.