Lead Game Designer (Relocating to Melbourne)

This role will require relocating to Melbourne, Australia. Who is PlaySide? PlaySide Studios is a dynamic and innovative company that employs individuals across Australia, New Zealand and the UK. As Australia’s largest publicly listed independent video game developer, PlaySide is committed to delivering cutting-edge interactive experiences across mobile, VR, AR, and PC platforms. With a diverse portfolio of more than 60 titles and collaborations with industry giants like Netflix and Activision Blizzard, working at PlaySide is not just a job but an opportunity to be part of innovating the gaming industry. Overview: As our Lead Game Designer, you’ll be integral in the process of making our games. Not only will you manage, but also inspire a motivated team of designers to create the highest quality experiences for players. You will own the design process, working with multi-disciplinary teams to create world class gameplay, as well as making strategic decisions by leveraging data and player feedback. If you are a passionate, creative lead designer, come join us! Key Responsibilities: Manage and lead a design team to drive the implementation of game features and systems. Own the high level design and ensure the game vision is implemented across all feature levels of the game. Ensure cross-functional alignment and actionable designs by owning the design process and writing design briefs. Partner with engineering to develop content creation tools and frameworks for content creation and gameplay flow. Identify opportunities to utilize data for game tuning and inform design decisions, making recommendations based on risk, scope, and value. Oversee prototyping, ensure regular feedback, and support the pitching of new ideas within the studio’s framework. Foster a culture of collaboration, growth, and multidisciplinary partnership within the design team. Required Skills and/or Qualifications: A passion for leading the designs of ambitious projects! (Yes, incredibly important!) Proven experience in shipping successful game titles in a Lead capacity. Proven excellent understanding of game design principles with multiple years of experience as a game designer. Strong desire to create exceptional experiences for players. Well-rounded understanding of the game development process and ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines. Bonus Points! A passion for bringing to life large-scale, ambitious projects across PC / Console. Sound knowledge in data and product management. What we offer here at PlaySide: Playdays – an additional 5 paid days off per year to do something you love. Incredible studios based in gorgeous Port Melbourne, right next to the city and many public transport options. Industry-leading Parental Leave benefits. Employee Assistance Program to support mental well-being. Mentoring opportunities to help you grow in your role. Half price state-of-the-art Gym access! (right next door) – you can wear your free PlaySide Swag! Social events including Games night, karaoke nights, Movie Nights (We hire out the cinema!), group activities, and food trucks! Just as some examples! Relocation Assistance