Business Development Manager (AI & Game Tech)

LightSpeed Studios; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 124,000 - 234,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on payment

Relocation package

Restricted stock units

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) plan

Vacation days 15-25

Job summary

LightSpeed Studios in Palo Alto, CA, seeks a Business Development Manager focused on AI and game tech to anchor NA growth for Generative AI and UGC platforms.

You will transform technical trends into strategic business opportunities and bridge world-class talent with internal product teams, leveraging a Bay Area network and bilingual communication in Mandarin and English.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in game-related AI tools and platforms.
• Proven track record in tech BD and strategy.
• Sourcing elite talent and stealth-mode projects in NA.
• Fluent English and Mandarin with clear business case communication.

Responsibilities

• Identify and evaluate Generative AI and UGC technologies and partners.
• Monitor NA gaming market shifts and tech trends for leadership.
• Source and engage top game industry talent and high-potential projects.
• Develop a network of experts and outsourcing partners to accelerate timelines.

Skills

AI applications

UGC ecosystems

Strategic BD

Hunter sourcing

Negotiation

Mandarin

English

Job description

Business Development Manager (AI & Game Tech)

Business Unit LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS is made up of passionate players who advance the art & science of game development through great stories, great gameplay, and advanced technology. We are focused on bringing next generation experiences to gamers who want to enjoy them anywhere, anytime, across multiple genres and devices.

What the Role Entails

As a Business Development Manager, your primary mission is to anchor our organization at the intersection of AI innovation and the gaming ecosystem. You will be the "eyes and ears" in North America, focusing heavily on Generative AI and UGC platforms to drive our next generation of growth. You will transform technical trends into strategic intelligence and bridge the gap between world-class talent and our internal product teams.

Key Responsibilities

• AI & UGC Insight: Lead the identification and evaluation of emerging Generative AI and UGC technologies and partners, while assessing their potential impact on game production and player experience
• Market Intelligence: Monitor and analyze the North American gaming market shifts and technology trends. Deliver time-sensitive intelligence to senior leadership and studio heads to support strategic decision-making.
• Project & Talent Scouting: Proactively source and engage with top-tier video-game industry talent and high-potential startups/projects in North America. In addition, build a pipeline of "game-changing" innovation for potential investment or collaboration.
• Expert Network & Development Capability Sourcing: Develop and maintain a solid network of contacts related to subject matter experts, and high-quality con=0development/outsourcing partners to accelerate our internal project timelines.

Who We Look For

• Technical Acumen: A deep, demonstratable interest in game-related technology. High proficiency in AI applications is mandatory. Experience with or a strong understanding of UGC ecosystems (e.g., Roblox, Minecraft, UEFN) is a top-tier advantage.
• Strategic Vision: 3-5 years of experience in tech BD, strategy with a proven track record of identifying industry-shifting trends before they go mainstream.
• Sourcing Capabilities: Strong "hunter" instincts with the ability to navigate the NA tech landscape to find elite talent and stealth-mode projects.
• Local Professional Network: Currently based in the California Bay Area with an active network among local developers, AI researchers and startup founders.
• Language & Communication: Exceptional analytical output and negotiation skills in both Mandarin and English. Ability to synthesize complex technical concepts into clear business cases for cross-border stakeholders.

Location State(s) US-California-Palo Alto

The expected base pay range for this position in the location(s) listed above is $124,000.00 to $233,600.00 per year. Actual pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

• Employees hired for this position may be eligible for a sign on payment, relocation package, and restricted stock units, which will be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis.
• Subject to the terms and conditions of the plans in effect, hired applicants are also eligible for medical, dental, vision, life and disability benefits, and participation in the Company’s 401(k) plan.
• The Employee is also eligible for up to 15 to 25 days of vacation per year (depending on the employee’s tenure), up to 13 days of holidays throughout the calendar year, and up to 10 days of paid sick leave per year.
• Your benefits may be adjusted to reflect your location, employment status, duration of employment with the company, and position level.
• Benefits may also be pro‑rated for those who start working during the calendar year.

Equal Employment Opportunity at Tencent As an equal opportunity employer, we firmly believe that diverse voices fuel our innovation and allow us to better serve our users and the community. We foster an environment where every employee of Tencent feels supported and inspired to achieve individual and common goals.

LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS is a leading global game developer, with teams across China, United States, Singapore, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and United Arab Emirates. LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS has created over 50 games across multiple platforms and genres for more than 4 billion registered users. It is the co-developer of worldwide hit PUBG MOBILE(co-developed with KRAFTON, Inc.). LIGHTSPEED STUDIOS is made up of passionate players who advance the art & science of game development through great stories, great gameplay, and advanced technology. We are focused on bringing next generation experiences to gamers who want to enjoy them anywhere, anytime, across multiple genres and devices.