NZ: Generalist Designer-Expression of Interest

Blind Squirrel Games; Auckland; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Blind Squirrel Games seeks a versatile Generalist Designer to help shape engaging player experiences across gameplay mechanics, levels, UI/UX, combat, and narrative design. The role supports a collaborative, multidisciplinary team, with ownership of design decisions and prototyping, depending on project needs and experience.

The candidate will translate ideas into practical designs, prototype them, and iterate through playtesting, balancing ambition with technical constraints and production

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years in the game industry; five+ for more senior responsibilities.
• Portfolio demonstrating strong design across interactive media and varied disciplines.
• Experience contributing across multiple design disciplines (gameplay, level design, UI/UX, combat, or narrative).
• Ability to develop, document, prototype, implement, and iterate on design concepts in a collaborative production environment.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Greater ownership of complex features and ability to guide other designers for senior roles.

Responsibilities

• Participate in feature planning meetings and contribute to design discussions.
• Design, prototype, and implement gameplay mechanics, levels, UI/UX elements, combat systems, and narrative components.
• Collaborate with artists, engineers, and other designers to create a cohesive player experience.
• Develop design solutions considering project goals, technical constraints, and timelines.
• Gather and evaluate feedback from playtesting to inform design decisions.
• Iterate on designs to improve usability, pacing, balance, and engagement.
• Design and balance gameplay systems to support a fun and fair experience.
• Create and maintain design documentation including specs and flowcharts.
• Communicate design ideas and rationale clearly to stakeholders.
• Take ownership of assigned work and report progress, dependencies, and risks to Lead Designer.
• Help resolve design and implementation challenges across disciplines.
• Contribute to feature direction and share knowledge with the team.
• Stay informed about industry trends and best practices.
• Perform other duties supporting company objectives.

Skills

Gameplay mechanics

Level design

UI/UX

Combat design

Narrative design

Prototyping

Collaboration

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Opportunity

Generalist Designers play a vital role in shaping engaging player experiences and bringing ambitious games to life. Our work spans ports, co-development, and full game development, each with their own challenges. If your experience aligns with this work, we welcome your interest in potential upcoming opportunities.

Supported by the Lead Designer and other talented developers, you will work within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team to deliver comprehensive design solutions. Your work may span gameplay mechanics, level design, UI/UX, combat, and narrative design, depending on project needs and your expertise.

The scope of feature ownership, design decision-making, and team guidance will reflect your experience and demonstrated capabilities. These opportunities are for full-time positions based in Auckland, New Zealand, with a fully onsite requirement at our studio.

Generalist Designers at BSG…

You understand the design pipeline and bring a versatile skillset developed through hands-on game development. You consider how mechanics, systems, environments, and content work together to create a cohesive and engaging player experience.

You can translate ideas into practical designs, communicate their purpose, and refine them through prototyping, implementation, and playtesting. You balance creative ambition with technical constraints and production priorities.

You are collaborative, open-minded, and receptive to direction and feedback. You ask thoughtful questions, work autonomously when appropriate, and take ownership of your contributions. As your experience allows, you also guide design decisions, support colleagues, and help resolve broader design challenges.

Responsibilities

• Participate in feature planning meetings and contribute to design discussions.

• Design, prototype, and implement gameplay mechanics, levels, UI/UX elements, combat systems, and narrative components.

• Collaborate with artists, engineers, and other designers to create a cohesive and engaging player experience.

• Develop design solutions that account for project goals, technical constraints, and production timelines.

• Gather and evaluate feedback from playtesting and other sources to inform design decisions.

• Iterate on designs to improve usability, pacing, balance, and player engagement.

• Design and balance gameplay systems to support a fun and fair player experience.

• Create and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including specifications, flowcharts, diagrams, and storyboards.

• Communicate design ideas and rationale clearly to stakeholders.

• Take ownership of assigned work and communicate progress, dependencies, and risks to the Lead Designer.

• Help resolve design and implementation challenges across disciplines.

• Contribute to feature direction, provide constructive feedback, and share knowledge as appropriate to your experience.

• Stay informed about industry trends and incorporate relevant best practices.

• Perform other relevant duties and responsibilities that support company, department, and project objectives.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• A minimum of three years of experience in the game industry or a related area; five or more years is expected for candidates considered for more senior-level responsibilities.

• A portfolio demonstrating strong design experience in interactive media, with the depth and complexity of work reflecting your experience.

• Experience contributing across multiple design disciplines, including gameplay mechanics, level design, UI/UX, combat, or narrative design.

• Ability to develop, document, prototype, implement, and iterate on design concepts within a collaborative production environment.

• Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

• Greater ownership of complex features, independent design judgment, and the ability to guide and support other designers are expected for more senior-level responsibilities.

Preferred Skills

• Strong understanding of how different design disciplines contribute to the overall player experience.

• Prototyping experience using Unreal Engine, Unity, or similar tools.

• Experience designing and balancing gameplay systems.

• Familiarity with scripting or programming languages such as C#, Python, or Lua.

• Ability to deliver clear, detailed, and practical design documentation.

• Proficiency with relevant design tools and software.

• Experience using player feedback and data to evaluate and improve designs.

• Demonstrated ability to deliver polished, cohesive designs across multiple disciplines.

• Experience developing content for triple AAA titles

Blind Squirrel Entertainment, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Eligibility for benefits and perks may vary based on position, employment status, and location.

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