Senior Game Design Director

Electronic Arts; California, Redwood City (MO, CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in gaming seeks a Design Director to drive the creative vision for mobile games. This role involves leadership, team collaboration, and simplifying complex ideas into engaging player experiences. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in mobile game design and a passion for gaming.

Benefits

Paid time off

Sick leave

Holidays

Parental leave

Insurance

401(k)

Potential bonuses/equity

Qualifications

• Over 5 years in a design leadership role in live service games.
• Proven experience in mobile shooter prototyping.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the mobile prototyping team.
• Collaborate with the Game Director to define design vision.
• Oversee and nurture the design team focusing on development.

Skills

Leadership

Team Collaboration

Systems Design

Gunplay Mechanics

Data-focused Design

Tools

Unity

Job description

Description & Requirements

Electronic Arts creates next-level entertainment experiences that inspire players and fans around the world. Here, everyone is part of the story. Part of a community that connects across the globe. A place where creativity thrives, new perspectives are invited, and ideas matter. A team where everyone makes play happen.

Welcome to EA Mobile, home to developers working on iconic franchises such as Plants vs. Zombies, Design Home, Star Wars, Sim City, Golf Clash, Pogo, and more. At EA Mobile, we value creativity, continuous learning, data-driven decision-making, and strong product knowledge. We are looking for passionate individuals who thrive in a growth-oriented environment and are committed to collaborating in dynamic teams to deliver compelling experiences to millions of players worldwide.

About the Role:
As a Design Director, you'll be a pivotal leader, driving both the creative vision and the cultural tone of our project. Your mission is to create compelling player experiences while fostering a vibrant and innovative work environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Culture: Lead and direct the mobile prototyping team in developing playable prototypes. Drive a culture centered on player enjoyment and business success.
• Vision and Strategy: Collaborate with the Game Director to define and promote the design vision for our new mobile game, guiding it from concept to live operations.
• Team Collaboration: Partner with the game team to develop engaging and lasting play experiences.
• Design Team Management: Oversee and nurture the design team, focusing on recruitment, mentorship, and empowerment, with an emphasis on development and career growth.
• Cultural Direction: Shape the values and direction of the game design discipline.
• Feature Simplification: Convert complex ideas into streamlined features that enhance player experiences.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Proven experience in mobile shooter prototyping.
• Hands-on experience tuning and tweaking gameplay and features in-engine (Unity experience a plus).
• Strong growth mindset with a passion for deep, social games.
• Data-focused and iterative design approach.
• Ability to simplify complex visions into refined feature sets.
• Skilled in building consensus and motivating teams.
• Expertise in systems design, especially interactive game systems.
• Extensive in-engine design implementation experience.
• Passionate about gaming across genres.
• Over 5 years in a design leadership role in live service games.
• Experience leading prototype and mobile free-to-play live service teams.
• Knowledge of intellectual property processes.
• Skills in Gunplay Mechanics, Systems Design Economy, and Design Tools.

Compensation & Benefits

The listed pay ranges are what EA expects to pay applicants in these locations at the time of posting. If you reside elsewhere, a recruiter will advise on the applicable range and benefits. Pay will be determined based on factors like education, experience, skills, location, and business needs.

Pay Ranges:

• California (depending on location e.g., Los Angeles vs. Sacramento): $170,500 - $259,300 USD
• Washington (depending on location e.g., Seattle vs. Spokane): $167,300 - $238,500 USD

In the US, we offer benefits including paid time off (3 weeks/year to start), sick leave, holidays, parental leave, insurance, 401(k), and potential bonuses/equity.

About Electronic Arts

We have an extensive portfolio of games and experiences worldwide. We value adaptability, resilience, creativity, and curiosity. Our leadership supports your potential, fosters learning, and encourages growth. We offer holistic benefits covering health, financial, and community wellness to support a balanced life. EA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion, and provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities.