Lead Puzzle Architect - Casual Mobile Games

Xbox Media Solutions (Formerly Activision Blizzard Media); Barcelona; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

King is seeking a Principal Game Designer (Puzzle Core) to shape the feel and progression of a new casual puzzle title. You will define core puzzle gameplay, level mechanics, blockers, and the moment-to-moment interaction that drives engagement across thousands of levels.

You will partner with designers, artists, engineers, and product teams to align with the creative vision and broader game strategy, balancing accessibility with depth.

Qualifications

• Experience creating mobile, free-to-play puzzle games.
• Ability to define pacing, readability and player feedback.
• Proven track record of designing long-term engagement systems.
• Strong collaboration with designers, engineers, product and data teams.
• Excellent communication of complex design concepts.

Responsibilities

• Design and iterate core puzzle gameplay to ensure satisfying interactions.
• Create and evolve blockers and level mechanics for challenge and depth.
• Define overall gameplay feel, pacing, readability.
• Collaborate with design leadership to integrate into wider progression.
• Partner with Product Managers and Data Scientists to analyse player behaviour.
• Prototype and develop new gameplay mechanics.
• Ensure systems align with broader meta and economy.
• Maintain high design quality within technical and production constraints.
• Document gameplay designs for cross-disciplinary teams.
• Identify design risks early with producers and engineers.
• Stay connected to market trends in puzzle and casual games.
• Contribute to King's design craft community.

Skills

Mobile game design

Casual puzzle design

Meta systems design

Progression design

Player motivation analysis

Data-informed iteration

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Strong communication

Level mechanics

Fast-paced development

Job description

King is seeking a Principal Game Designer (Puzzle Core) to shape the feel and progression of a new casual puzzle title. You will define core puzzle gameplay, level mechanics, blockers, and the moment-to-moment interaction that drives engagement across thousands of levels.

You will partner with designers, artists, engineers, and product teams to align with the creative vision and broader game strategy, balancing accessibility with depth.