Lead Game Designer – Merge 2, Live Ops & Monetization

Zynga; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical care

Company bonus scheme

Relocation assistance to the UK

Onsite chef and meals

Life insurance & pension plan

Healthcare cash plan (dental/optical)

Top-tier technology and consoles

Job summary

Zynga is seeking a Lead Game Designer to spearhead the 0-to-1 development of a new Merge 2 title. You will own the creative vision, core loop, progression, and meta-game, then transition to soft launch and live ops, balancing economy and monetization.

You will mentor a design team, collaborate with product, engineering, and art, and push for design excellence through data-driven iteration and strong execution.

Qualifications

• Effective communicator with outstanding verbal, written, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Highly proficient with mathematical concepts and formula creation in a game environment.
• Proven history of designing systems that influence player behaviors and achieve key product performance indicators.
• Expert in crafting features, systems, core game loops, economies, and meta-designs to foster and enhance positive player behaviors.
• Excels in a live service game environment, adept at making adjustments based on feedback from an active community.
• Solid experience in the gaming industry in a design role, contributing meaningfully to multiple released titles.
• Extensive experience leading a diverse and skilled design team.
• Proven track record of successfully shipping games.

Responsibilities

• Own and drive the game's vision, aligning it with product goals and communicating it clearly to the team and stakeholders to build shared commitment.
• Lead ideation and brainstorming, and translate player motivations and behavior into user experience stories, wireframes, and optimal feature design.
• Mentor and grow a team of designers, fostering a collaborative, creative environment with clear goals and strong execution standards.
• Partner with product, engineering, and art to guide features from concept through implementation, reviewing and approving final designs.
• Improve design tools and processes to streamline the pipeline and boost team efficiency and productivity.
• Use live feedback and analytics to refine systems, maintain a balanced game economy, and champion design best practices across the studio.

Skills

Communication

Math modeling

Game design systems

Live service games

Team leadership

Job description

Zynga is seeking a Lead Game Designer to spearhead the 0-to-1 development of a new Merge 2 title. You will own the creative vision, core loop, progression, and meta-game, then transition to soft launch and live ops, balancing economy and monetization.

You will mentor a design team, collaborate with product, engineering, and art, and push for design excellence through data-driven iteration and strong execution.