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Studio Design Director

1 week ago
Canada
Full-time
Lead
Design Lead
Product Management
Confluence Game Design JIRA Mobile Development Prototyping Unity Unreal Engine
Apply Now
Smoking Gun Interactive

Smoking Gun Interactive

Smoking Gun Interactive is an award-winning game development studio creating high-quality titles with renowned brands, ranging from original IP to mobile applications.

Internet Software & Services
51-250
Founded 2007
View All Jobs 4

Description

  • Develop, communicate, and champion the design vision across new and existing projects.
  • Collaborate with studio leadership to deliver a cohesive product vision that fits project constraints.
  • Generate and pitch new game ideas to external clients, publishers, and development partners.
  • Represent the design perspective in studio planning, product pitches, and partner meetings.
  • Provide high-level oversight of core mechanics, systems, level design, balance, and UX.
  • Manage senior and lead designers while supporting professional development and ownership.
  • Establish design principles and best practices that improve gameplay, progression, narrative, and engagement.
  • Lead concepting, prototyping, and playtesting for new features and mechanics.
  • Evaluate and iterate on designs using player feedback, telemetry, and design KPIs.
  • Guide major design milestones from pre-production through post-launch live service.

Requirements

  • 10+ years of experience in a design leadership role on mobile, PC, or console products.
  • Shipped at least three AAA-quality titles in a design leadership role.
  • Experience taking games from initial concept through live operations.
  • Deep understanding of game systems, level design, progression, and player psychology.
  • Expertise in premium and freemium game mechanics, KPIs, and monetization strategies.
  • Proven experience pitching, landing, and developing game ideas from conception to market.
  • Strong ability to drive vision and communicate it across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Experience managing and mentoring diverse design teams at multiple levels.
  • Proficiency with modern game engines such as Unreal Engine, Unity, or proprietary engines and tools like Jira and Confluence.
  • Experience with Word, Excel, and Photoshop.
  • Strong presentation, storytelling, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work under pressure, handle multiple tasks, work independently, and accept and provide direction.
  • Willingness to innovate within game parameters and a positive, team-oriented attitude.
  • Must be currently located in or willing to relocate to the Greater Vancouver Area, with the ability to work onsite as needed.
  • Must be eligible to work in Canada.
  • Multi-platform development experience across mobile, PC, and console is preferred.
  • Familiarity with user research, player data analysis, and telemetry tools is preferred.
  • Passion for innovation in gameplay, narrative systems, or player expression is preferred.

Benefits

  • Salary range of $150,000 - $170,000 CAD.
  • 15 days of vacation leave.
  • 5 paid personal leave days.
  • 7 paid sick days.
  • 5 paid parental leave days.
  • Life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment, and dependent life insurance coverage.
  • Long-term disability coverage.
  • Extended healthcare and dental benefits.
  • RRSP matching.
  • Training and development support.
  • Remote and hybrid working pattern available.

Interested in this position?

Apply directly on the company website

Apply Now

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