Contract Game Designer

Exploding Kittens, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 41,328 - 52,348; Full time

Job summary

Exploding Kittens, Inc. is seeking a talented Game Designer for a contract position based in Los Angeles, CA. Responsibilities include developing engaging gameplay and pitching original ideas, with a focus on party games.

The ideal candidate will possess over 3 years of experience in game design and a deep passion for mass market party games. You will work closely with a collaborative team, craft compelling game experiences, and participate in playtesting.

Compensation ranges from $30 to $38 per hour, dependent on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of tabletop game design/development experience.
• Strong knowledge of successful mass market retail party games.
• Understanding of fundamental game design principles and player motivations.
• Experience writing and editing game rules and video scripts.
• Basic understanding of graphic design and UX principles.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop projects responding to stakeholder feedback.
• Pitch original game ideas individually and collaboratively.
• Provide feedback for external inventor pitches.
• Facilitate in-person and remote playtesting sessions.
• Write instructions and 'How to Play' scripts.

Skills

Tabletop game design/development experience

Knowledge of mass market retail party games

Game design principles and player motivations

Writing and editing game rules

Graphic design, UX principles, tools

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

InDesign

Photoshop

Google Docs

Google Sheets

Google Slides

Job description

This is a contract position for the role of Game Designer, anticipated to run for approximately three months with the possibility of extension based on business needs. The Game Designer plays a key role in the game and product development process from start to finish. In this role you'll be responsible for pitching original concepts, developing pitches from team members and external inventors, and researching ongoing industry trends.

The ideal candidate will have a deep love for mass market party games, both as a designer and a player. We want team members with strong perspectives, collaborative mindsets, and clear communication skills. You'll be expected to support multiple projects simultaneously, with opportunities to learn from experienced designers and support up-and-coming talent.

If you're someone who thinks about games constantly (in a good way), obsesses over what makes people laugh, connect, and come back for more, and loves turning great ideas into unforgettable experiences, you'll fit right in.

What You’ll Do

• Design and develop several projects, responding to feedback from key stakeholders to craft gameplay that is fun, marketable, and innovative
• Pitch original game ideas, researching and developing concepts on your own and with other designers
• Provide feedback for and develop pitches from external inventors
• Facilitate or participate in in-person and remote playtesting sessions
• Write instructions & "How to Play" video scripts with accessibility and clarity in mind
• Partner with internal stakeholders to support development/publication, collaborating cross-functionally with Creative Operations, Production & Sourcing

What We Need

• 3+ years of tabletop game design/development experience
• A love for, and strong knowledge of, successful mass market retail party games
• An understanding of fundamental game design principles and player motivations
• Experience writing and editing game rules and "how to play" video scripts
• A basic understanding of graphic design, UX principles, and tools including Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop
• A basic understanding of organization/presentation tools, including Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides

$30 - $38 an hour

This salary represents a range for the position and will ultimately depend on the individual's qualifications and years of experience, location, and is subject to change.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity employer we are committed to complying with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunity to applicants and employees regardless of sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), race (including protected hairstyles such as dreadlocks, braids and twists), religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, gender (including gender identity and gender expression and/or the fact that an individual is transgender, transitioning or transitioned), color, ancestry, national origin, possession of a driver’s license, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information/trait/condition, marital or familial status, family care or medical leave status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, membership in military reserves, political affiliation, or any other basis protected by federal, state and local law or ordinance or regulation We consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable local, state and federal “ban the box” and “fair chance” laws.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.