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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and prototyping of innovative simulation games that turn everyday work into fun.
- Company: Join a creative studio passionate about building engaging and replayable games.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holiday breaks, competitive salary, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in game design while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Experience in simulation games and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic, agile environment with opportunities for growth and creativity.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Principal/Lead Designer to work on a Simulation Game. This is a highly hands-on role, with more than ninety percent of your time spent directly in the build, leading prototyping, gameplay, and practical design work. You will contribute to and strengthen the ambition of our internally developed simulation games, focusing on systems that turn everyday work into rich, shareable play and eventually leading a small team of designers. You will work closely with a small, multidisciplinary team to build imaginative and replayable simulation games that connect with players, always balancing believability with fun.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Prototyping
You are responsible for driving prototyping in the studio, shaping how we explore ideas and discover what makes our sims fun. You will work with a build-first mentality, using quick, hands-on gameplay tests to steer the project’s direction and highlight what deserves to move forward. Strong gameplay instincts and a practical, solutions-first mindset are essential. - Lead Design
You are responsible for the design of our games, taking a high-level vision and our studio pillars and turning them into compelling gameplay, features, and content that feel intuitive and satisfying. You will work closely with the team to shape strong core loops, clear player experiences, and progression that supports 'instant joy, lasting engagement.' - Recruiting & Managing Design Team
As the game grows, you will be responsible for recruiting and managing a small but world-class design team. We anticipate this being 3-4 hires over the coming couple of years, supported by a network of contractors who increase our leverage. You will also help foster healthy collaboration across Tech, Art, and Production so ideas move smoothly from concept to in-build work, and the team can deliver cohesive, player-focused experiences.
Requirements
- Experience leading design on simulation, sandbox, or systems-driven games
- Ability to translate high-level ideas into practical, in-build gameplay work
- Ability to balance real-world authenticity with gamified fun
- Excellent communication skills that help make designs clear, concise, and inspiring
- Comfortable operating in lean, agile environments
- Comfortable with creative acceleration tools and staying hands-on
- A genuine love for sims and for turning everyday life into extraordinary play
- Located within a UK/EU timezone
Benefits
Our benefits include a 2-week company summer break and a 2-week winter break to rest and recharge in addition to your normal holiday allowance.
Principal/Lead Designer in London employer: Mythwright
Contact Detail:
Mythwright Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal/Lead Designer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio in shape! Showcase your best work that aligns with simulation games. Make sure it highlights your prototyping skills and gameplay design. We want to see how you turn ideas into fun experiences!
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with other designers and industry folks on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter. Join game design forums and attend events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising your pitch. Be ready to discuss your design philosophy and how you approach prototyping. We love candidates who can articulate their thought process and show passion for creating engaging gameplay.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talent that fits our studio culture. Don’t miss out on the chance to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal/Lead Designer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Simulation Games: When you're writing your application, let your love for simulation games shine through! Share specific examples of games that inspire you and how they influence your design philosophy. We want to see your enthusiasm and creativity in action!
Be Hands-On in Your Approach: Since this role is all about being hands-on, make sure to highlight your practical experience. Talk about projects where you've led prototyping or gameplay design, and how you’ve used rapid iteration to refine ideas. We appreciate a solutions-first mindset!
Communicate Clearly and Concisely: Your application should reflect the excellent communication skills we’re looking for. Keep your writing clear and concise, making it easy for us to understand your design vision and how you can contribute to our team. Remember, clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mythwright
✨Show Your Hands-On Approach
As a Principal/Lead Designer, it's crucial to demonstrate your hands-on mentality. Bring examples of past projects where you led prototyping and gameplay testing. Talk about how you iterated on designs based on player feedback and how that shaped the final product.
✨Highlight Your Team Leadership Skills
Since you'll be managing a small design team, share your experiences in recruiting and mentoring designers. Discuss how you've fostered collaboration across different disciplines, like tech and art, to create cohesive player experiences.
✨Balance Fun with Authenticity
In your interview, emphasise your ability to balance real-world authenticity with gamified fun. Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've successfully integrated these elements into your designs, showcasing your understanding of what makes simulation games engaging.
✨Be Ready for Rapid Prototyping Discussions
Expect questions about your approach to rapid prototyping and iteration. Be prepared to explain your process for quickly validating ideas and how you use tools to aid discovery. This will show your potential employer that you're aligned with their build-first mentality.
