Game Design Director – New 4X Strategy Title

Goodgame Studios; Hamburg; Hybrid; EUR 80.000 - 100.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A prominent game development company in Hamburg is seeking a Game Design Director to shape the core player experience of a new 4X strategy title. In this high-impact role, you will create engaging gameplay mechanics, work collaboratively across disciplines, and ensure the final product meets market demands without team management responsibilities. Enjoy the flexibility of remote or hybrid work while leading game design from concept to launch.

Leistungen

Remote/hybrid work options

Strategic visibility

Executive support

Qualifikationen

• Proven success as a Lead Game Designer or Game Design Director.
• Strong expertise in 4X strategy or metagame-heavy systems.
• Fluent in AI-supported workflows.

Aufgaben

• Define and own core gameplay loops and progression systems.
• Build cinematic and intuitive FTUE.
• Collaborate with Marketing and UA teams.

Kenntnisse

Game design expertise

AI-powered tools usage

Cross-platform game design

Collaboration with marketing

Tools

Unity

Confluence

Miro

Excel

Jobbeschreibung

Overview

Join to apply for the Game Design Director – New 4X Strategy Title role at Goodgame Studios. Goodgame Studios is currently developing a new cross-platform 4X strategy game. We are looking for a Game Design Director to define and shape the core player experience of this title – from gameplay loops to emotional onboarding moments.

You will be the creative architect behind progression systems, core loops, economy balancing, and metagame structures – always aligned with monetization and user lifecycle strategy. Especially in the early game and first-time user experience (FTUE), you will play a decisive role in delivering a product that engages players emotionally and performs in the market.

This is not a people management role. It is a high-impact, hands-on position, designed for an expert who moves fast, thinks clearly, and delivers design solutions with focus and ownership – in close collaboration with Monetization, Product, Tech, and especially Marketing.

YOUR MISSION

• Use AI-powered tools and workflows (e.g. GPT, prototyping, system ideation) from day one to increase speed, structure, and creative output
• Define and own core gameplay loops, progression systems, and metagame mechanics – with a focus on retention, engagement, and monetization
• Build a cinematic and intuitive FTUE that blends gameplay, narrative, and brand identity seamlessly
• Create a compelling tutorial experience that onboards efficiently and emotionally
• Translate product goals into systemic game design, aligned with monetization and user lifecycle stages
• Work pragmatically and delivery-focused – you’re a builder, not a theorist
• Use tools like Unity, Confluence, Miro, and Excel fluently – and treat AI as a natural part of your design toolbox
• Collaborate closely with Marketing and UA teams to align FTUE and content flow with campaign messaging and conversion goals
• Set benchmarks for design documentation, system clarity, and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Ensure that the game performs at the level of genre leaders – in both emotional impact and gameplay structure

YOUR BACKSTORY

• Proven success as a Lead Game Designer or Game Design Director in F2P mobile or cross-platform titles
• Strong expertise in 4X, strategy, or metagame-heavy systems with LiveOps integration
• Ability to bridge gameplay mechanics and business objectives with clarity
• A hands-on conceptual designer – analytically strong, creatively structured, and fast in execution
• You are fluent in AI-supported workflows and treat them as an essential part of your design process
• Skilled at collaborating with Monetization, Product, and Marketing functions
• No interest in managing people – but high interest in setting standards, building systems, and delivering value
• Deep understanding of FTUE design, branded storytelling, tutorial mechanics, and progression funnels

WHY JOIN US?

• Take the lead in building a new high-potential 4X title backed by one of Europe’s strongest gaming IPs
• Own the core gameplay experience – from concept to launch – without team management responsibilities
• Work in a setup that enables clarity, speed, and creative authority
• Enjoy remote or hybrid work options, direct strategic visibility, and strong executive support
• Shape not just a game – but the long-term experience for a global audience of strategy players

Stillfront Group is one of Europe’s leading game publishers with a strong focus on long-term IP growth. Goodgame Studios is known for successful strategy titles and data-driven game development. In this role, you’ll define the next chapter of a major franchise – from the ground up, with full creative impact.

Details

• Seniority level: Director
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Art/Creative
• Industries: Computer Games and Entertainment Providers