Senior Game Designer (Player Journey)

YOU dreamt about creating your own game. Maybe since you sweated the game controllers as a kid... or since that idea first crossed your mind between long sessions of wearing-down WASD buttons on your keyboard.

But the dream is still there. It's embroidered in your mind. You believe you can design gameplay experiences so captivating that players will stay in them for hours. You desire to create mechanics that drive them to play until they complete the level. And then the next one. And the next one.

We are unconventional creators of action games for PC and consoles - extremely fun to work with and definitely not for the faint-hearted. For over a decade, we pioneered the local game dev scene, driven by the ambition to become the regional game dev leader.

On that quest, we pave our way with exciting games developed in Unreal Engine. Our latest released title, Scars Above, is a challenging and immersive 3rd-person sci-fi shooter set in a mysterious alien world. Currently, we’re developing Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival - a first-person action horror survival game based on the beloved franchise. Alongside that, we’re working on an unannounced AAA title set in a famous and beloved IP that fans are sure to anticipate. While we can't reveal too much just yet, we can promise these titles will push the boundaries of regional game development and generate some serious hype.

We are on the lookout for someone like you to join us in our office in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Sarajevo or remote. If everything said above ticks all your boxes so far, read on! We might be a match made in heaven!

So...We feel like our dreams are two perspectives of the same heroic journey... Do you?

What will you be doing as a Mad Head?

• Work directly with the Game Director and Game design team to ensure that the overall game vision and all aspects of gameplay are being properly executed and communicated
• Guide development and prototyping of core gameplay systems and mechanics inspiring the creation of incredible player experiences
• Shape gameplay experiences to deliver the desired player journey by employing narrative, adventure, and other non-combat mechanics.
• Define, guide, and implement NPC behaviors in collaboration with gameplay scripters.
• Collaborate closely with level designers to ensure a high-quality gameplay experience.
• Understanding of what makes a gameplay experience compelling and fun, balance the large scale of interconnected game systems and gameplay mechanics against one another to ensure a sense of clarity, purpose, and meaning behind every player decision
• Create and maintain detailed game design documentation
• Participate in the development of tools required to implement and adjust game systems in collaboration with developers
• Perform build reviews, analyze the gameplay and provide clear, actionable, and respectful feedback
• Collaborate with gameplay programmers and animators on the rapid iteration of player interactions and encounters
• Collaborate with cross game teams on documenting, reviewing, and playtesting your designs
• Work with programming team to design and implement tools for game designers to use in engine to setup gameplay elements

What do we expect from our ideal candidate?

• At least 5 years of game design experience
• Broad design expertise, able to shift between systems, mechanics, content, and more to deliver holistic gameplay experiences
• Experience working on designs from initial creation through to implementation
• Curiosity to always learn and raise standards
• Ability of good presentation and visualization to convey the idea
• Understanding of the design process including workflows, level design, and game mode design
• Experience with the Unreal 5 Engine
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills

It would be a plus if you have:

• Extreme attention to detail and a passion for AA/ AAA execution
• Experience in any other production or development aspect (art, programming, qa etc)
• Experience in mentoring other game designers
• Experience as a game designer on one or more AA/ AAA title released
• Understanding of level design and basic cinematography principles

In return, here is what we can give:

The base game:

• Competitive industry standard salary, because we all know that it matters
• We prefer to work in a hybrid mode, but we also offer options for regular office-goers and remote work
• Referral program - we want to support team strengthening and hire quality people you want to work with

For your health and stamina bars:

• Flexible working hours: sleep in or start early - we trust you with your time
• More time to rest: 25 days of vacation, plus: company-wide annual leave in January, short-term sick leaves, additional remote days, and additional days for significant life events like childbirths, wedding leaves, and bereavement
• A month of 4-hour workdays for all Mad Heads returning from maternity leave for a gentle return to the workflow

Leveling up your XP:

• Ongoing education and training: self-improvement is a priority, so conferences, classes, workshops, and courses (external and internal) are all a part of the package
• Work with top talents, senior professionals, and teams from your field of work

Back story and environment:

• An extremely upbeat workplace like you have never seen before
• Join a team working from 3 offices - and over 16+ countries around the world
• Working shoulder to shoulder with Space Marine, Warhammer, and WWZ developers from Saber (our mother company)

On-site based benefits and perks:

• Premium private medical insurance
• Awesome team-building events and personalized team-bonding events tailored to your preferences
• Community events: we are heavily involved in developing startup, tech, and gaming ecosystems - and will include you in it
• Fitness support - allowances for gym/pool/sport activities
• Coffee, fruits, and snacks in the office
• Merch and gifts

*Benefits may vary depending on location and contract type. Do not hesitate to ask us for more details on our benefits offer.