Lead Game Designer (Contract), PRELOADED

2K; London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading game studio seeks a Lead Game Designer to drive the design of engaging F2P games. The ideal candidate will oversee game development, ensuring prime player experiences while collaborating closely with teams. This role demands expertise in game mechanics and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Lead Designer shipping F2P games, particularly mobile.
• Broad generalist game design skills across various genres.
• Technical capability to work directly in-engine.

Responsibilities

• Own and document all aspects of game design (core loops, mechanics, UX).
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (art, engineering, production).
• Utilise qualitative and quantitative insights to inform design decisions.

Skills

Game Design

Communication

Collaboration

Creativity

Analytical Skills

Job description

Contract (On-site/Hybrid/Remote)

Overview

PRELOADED is seeking a Lead Game Designer to own the design detail and champion the player experience for compelling F2P games in virtual worlds. You'll join the projects from the start, developing the high-level concept through to full design spec, and oversee its execution to launch and beyond.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and document all aspects of game design (core loops, mechanics, progression, systems, monetisation, UX, narrative, level design).
• Ensure creative intent is realised throughout development.
• Work directly in-engine to implement, balance, and iterate.
• Utilise qualitative and quantitative insights (testing, analytics) to inform design decisions.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (art, engineering, production).
• Clearly communicate design vision and documentation to internal and external stakeholders.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a Lead Designer shipping F2P games, particularly mobile.
• Experience designing social/multiplayer games
• Someone who is focused on designing for the target audience.
• Broad generalist game design skills across various genres and design aspects.
• Deep understanding of F2P mechanics, core loops, retention and monetisation.
• Experience designing across the full product lifecycle, including LiveOps.
• Technical capability to work directly in-engine.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills.

Nice to Have

• A strong understanding of virtual worlds (e.g. Fortnite, Roblox, Meta
  Horizon Worlds).
• Understanding of how to translate established IP to games.
• Knowledge of healthy play patterns and responsible design practices.

ABOUT PRELOADED

We are a BAFTA-winning games studio inventing new ways to play for everyone. We harness the power of play to create the experiences of tomorrow.

Founded in 2000, PRELOADED believes that play, in all contexts and for all audiences, has the potential to impact our world positively. As a cross-disciplinary team of artists, designers, play specialists, and creative technologists, we are united by this shared mission - what we call Play with Purpose.

Together, we craft a diverse range of playful experiences. We help organisations, brands, and institutions engage next-generation audiences and collaborate with technology platforms to imagine the future of play.

Learn more about the studio here: https://preloaded.com/the-studio/