Game Designer

Blue Shift Games is an independent studio building Speed Switch, an original transmedia IP set in a cyberpunk world of combat racing, corporate power, and rebellion.

The universe spans a game, a self‑published comic series, and animation development.

The founding team brings AAA production pedigree (LEGO Star

Wars: The Skywalker Saga, LEGO Fortnite Odyssey, Dm C: Devil May Cry) together with award‑winning comics talent.

We are currently building a vertical slice of Speed Switch to support a funded, structured investment pitch.

This is a rare chance to shape the core gameplay identity of a new IP from the ground up, working directly with the founder and a small, senior, highly capable team.

This role is scoped specifically for the vertical slice phase, with the opportunity to grow into a permanent design lead role as the project moves into full production, contingent on funding.

The Role

We’re looking for a Game Designer to own gameplay design for the vertical slice: a tight, high‑quality proof of concept that demonstrates Speed Switch’s combat racing loop, RPG progression hooks, and world identity within a focused scope.

You will work closely with the Creative Director, artist, and developers to translate established worldbuilding into playable, feel‑first mechanics.

• What You’ll Do
• Design and document the core combat racing loop: character handling, combat systems, and how the two interact moment to moment.
• Define RPG progression systems (upgrades, character abilities, loadouts) at a scope appropriate for a vertical slice.
• Build and iterate on level/track design for the slice’s demo environment.
• Balance and tune mechanics through playtesting, using rapid iteration rather than heavy documentation.
• Translate the setting’s narrative and worldbuilding into design decisions, working closely with the writer to keep gameplay and story aligned.
• Collaborate directly with engineering and art to keep design ambitions grounded in what’s achievable within the slice’s scope and timeline.
• Contribute to pitch materials where design clarity is needed: mechanic breakdowns, systems diagrams, or short design pillars a non‑technical investor can follow.
• What We’re Looking For
• 3+ years of professional game design experience, with at least one shipped title (any platform).
• Hands‑on experience with either combat systems or racing/vehicle systems; experience with both is a strong plus.
• Comfort designing in a small team environment where you’ll prototype, document, and playtest largely on your own initiative.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain design decisions to non‑designers.
• Experience working in Unreal Engine (preferred) or a comparable engine used for rapid prototyping.
• A genuine interest in cyberpunk, combat racing, or RPG genres, and enthusiasm for building something new rather than iterating on an established franchise.
• Nice to Have
• Experience designing for a vertical slice or investor‑facing demo specifically.
• Familiarity with transmedia IP development (game plus comics/animation continuity).
• Prior experience at a AAA studio or a successful indie launch.
• Interest in or knowledge of tabletop, comics, or animation storytelling.

What We Offer

• Senior, direct collaboration with the founder and creative leads, not a large studio hierarchy.
• Creative ownership over core systems in a brand‑new IP.
• The opportunity to grow with the project into full production if the vertical slice secures funding.
• Flexible working arrangements suited to a lean, focused team.
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