Jobs in Austin, South Africa

At Gardens Interactive, we know that the worlds we create are shaped by the care and craft of the people who tend them. As a Design Manager, you will lead a multispecialty team of game designers while partnering closely with our CCO / Creative Director to help bring the design vision to life through the efforts of the design team for our current unannounced project – an online multiplayer game focused on dynamic roleplay, player creativity, consequence, and connection between players. You will guide the design team in crafting expressive gameplay systems, social mechanics, and shared experiences.

• Support and guide designers through regular one-on-ones, design reviews, and feedback sessions.
• Collaborate daily with creative leadership, production, art, and engineering to ensure designers are on track with MS goals and roadmap next steps.
• Help define priorities, balance team workloads, and maintain sustainable production practices.
• Review and provide feedback on gameplay features, ensuring they deliver intuitive, rewarding, and emotionally resonant player experiences.
• Represent the design team in cross-disciplinary discussions, helping to communicate intent and advocate for player-centered solutions.

• Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team of designers across systems, level, and UI/UX design.
• Partner with the CCO and creative leads to uphold the game’s overall vision, tone, and player experience.
• Establish clear design goals, processes, and best practices for the design department.
• Provide mentorship, performance feedback, and career development opportunities to support each team member’s growth.
• Help oversee the design pipeline and ensure timely delivery of key design objectives.
• Collaborate with production to maintain balanced scope and sustainable schedules.
• Contribute to studio-wide initiatives, hiring efforts, and cross-disciplinary reviews.
• Advocate for a healthy, inclusive, and collaborative team culture that reflects Gardens’ values.
• Guide the team through ambiguity and ensure progress on high-value, complex initiatives.
• Regularly evaluate team health and take action with empathy and authenticity to improve engagement and effectiveness.

• Proven experience managing and mentoring a team of game designers.
• Deep understanding of game design principles, pipelines, and development processes.
• Expertise in at least one design discipline (systems, level, combat, etc.)
• Shipped games successfully (ideally on PC or console)
• Strong communication, facilitation, and leadership skills.

• Familiarity with Unreal Engine and modern design tools.
• Comfort working in a remote, asynchronous environment.

This role reports to the Chief of Staff.

(all interviews are 1 hour video calls on Google Meet unless otherwise noted)

• Step 1: Talent Lead - Introductory Call
• Step 2: Hiring Manager - Domain Interview
• Step 3: Two Gardeners of Same Discipline - Craft Interview
• Step 4: Two Gardeners of Other Discipline - Studio Values Interview

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States or Canada. Gardens cannot assist with work authorizations or work visas. The applicant must also be willing to work within North America time zones.

We're a game studio founded by the creators behind titles such as Journey, What Remains of Edith Finch, Blaseball, Dustforce, Ashen, Guild Wars 2, Firewatch, and more! Our name reflects our mission: to cultivate rich, immersive worlds that foster meaningful connections and lasting friendships. We believe in creating lush, living environments where players can engage in surprising multiplayer experiences and grow together with the support of their communities.

Our commitment to inclusivity and transparency drives us to create a work environment where every voice is heard and valued. We are a fully distributed and remote studio. We offer competitive pay, stock options, flexible non-accrual paid time off, and comprehensive benefits, including full medical, vision, dental, and 401k contributions.

We're excited to be developing our flagship title – a shared 3D fantasy adventure inspired by our favorite online gaming memories. This is the world we’re passionate about building and the world we want to experience every day.

• Competitive Salaries and Pay Transparency
• Stock Options
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage (100% for Individuals and 90% for Dependents)
• Life Insurance, Short Term & Long Term Disability, and numerous other benefits
• 401k contributions (USA) / RRSP plan + DPSP contributions (Canada)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Biannual Company Retreats
• Continued Education Allowance
• A fully-distributed studio across North American Timezones (US & Canada)

Benefits and perks listed may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Gardens and the country in which you work.

We believe that diverse perspectives make our team stronger and our games better. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. Studies show that marginalized groups, especially those of women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every criterion. At Gardens Interactive, we value potential, passion, and a willingness to grow. We hope you will join us in shaping the future of gaming.

Compensation Range: $170K - $205K