At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape player experiences through design documentation, prototyping, and collaboration.
- Company: Exciting video game studio with a focus on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, private healthcare, increasing holiday benefits, and team incentives.
- Other info: On-site role in Guildford with opportunities for international collaboration.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team to create AAA games and push creative boundaries.
- Qualifications: Strong portfolio, understanding of game development, and proficiency in level editors.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Studio
We are a video game development studio with offices in Guildford, UK and Utrecht, Netherlands. Sitting within the heart of thriving communities of game developers and publishers, we focus on quality and excellence, and our partners and players are always at the front of everything we do. Games are not just about gameplay. We believe in the importance of balancing every single aspect of a game that you, as a player will interact with; what you see, how you play and how it makes you feel. It couldn’t be a more exciting time to join us as we embark on a new unannounced project, pushing the boundaries of all aspects of the game to create a truly AAA experience.
The Role
Working under the direction of the Chief Creative Officer and Senior Designers, you will play a key role in shaping the player experience across all stages of development. Your responsibilities will span design documentation, game balancing, level prototyping in 3D engines, and the creation and management of game scripts and data. This is a highly collaborative role - you'll work closely with multi-disciplinary teams and adapt to evolving priorities as projects progress.
As an Associate Designer, you will:
- Produce clear, concise, and detailed design documentation for key game features
- Prototype and iterate on level layouts using white-box techniques in 3D game engines
- Contribute to game balancing, scripting, and data management
- Present ideas, concepts, and features confidently to cross-functional teams
- Collaborate closely with designers, artists, engineers, and producers across all stages of development
Requirements
What we’re looking to see on your CV:
- Solid understanding of the game development process from concept through ship
- A strong portfolio showcasing both personal and team projects, supported by clear documentation that demonstrates your design thinking and process from brief through to final execution
- Proficiency with level editors - Unreal Engine, Unity, or a proprietary engine preferred
- Comfortable working with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 2D art packages
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal and an ability to communicate ideas visually through sketches, diagrams, or mock-ups
- Broad and deep knowledge of games across genres and platforms
- Able to adapt quickly to shifts in design direction or development process
Tell us more about your hobbies and interests – great designers care about and seek inspiration for more than just games.
Bonus Points For
A degree in Game Design or equivalent practical experience
Some work experience in a commercial game studio
Experience shipping a title in Unreal Engine, Unity, a proprietary engine or equivalent is a strong plus
A keen interest in level design particularly
An interest or background in racing games
Some things to note before applying
We're not able to offer visa sponsorship or relocation assistance for this role, so you'll need to already be based in the UK with the right to work here. This is an on-site role at our Guildford studio, with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office.
Start date: July - September 2026, but we're flexible and happy to work with you.
Application deadline: Friday 5th June 2026. You will hear back on your application after this closing date, and if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close this role earlier.
Interview process
We want the process to be clear and transparent, so here's what you can expect from your interview process:
- A welcome call with Bethany, our Recruiter
- A brief task to be completed in your own time
- Meetings with our 2 Lead Designers
- An in-person interview with our Design Team at the Guildford studio
- A final stage with our Chief Creative Officer and CEO
Benefits
What you can expect from us:
- International AAA game projects
- Access to cutting-edge hardware
- Flexible/hybrid working (we work 3 days per week on site)
- Great increasing holiday benefits including Christmas Shutdown
- Discretionary bonus scheme
- Private Healthcare Plan including dental and optical support, mental health, online GP
- Pension Plan
- Life Assurance
- Flu Jab Vouchers
- Regular Team Incentives and Social Events
- Access to a well-stocked fridge and snack cupboard
- Opportunities to work with our Netherlands office
Associate Designer in Guildford employer: Stellar Entertainment Software
Join our dynamic video game development studio in Guildford, where creativity meets collaboration. As an Associate Designer, you'll be part of a passionate team working on exciting AAA projects, with access to cutting-edge technology and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and well-being. Enjoy flexible working arrangements, generous holiday benefits, and regular team events that foster a vibrant community of game developers.
Contact Details:
Stellar Entertainment Software Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Designer in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Get your portfolio in tip-top shape! Make sure it showcases your best work and clearly explains your design process. We want to see how you think, so include sketches, prototypes, and any game features you've worked on.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your presentation skills! You'll need to confidently share your ideas with cross-functional teams. Grab a friend or family member and pitch your concepts to them – the more you practice, the more comfortable you'll feel.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with other designers and developers in the industry, whether it's through social media or local meetups. We love seeing candidates who are engaged with the gaming community and can bring fresh perspectives to our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who are excited about pushing the boundaries of game design.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Designer in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio:Make sure to include a strong portfolio that highlights both your personal and team projects. We want to see your design thinking in action, so back it up with clear documentation from concept to execution.
Tailor Your CV:When applying, tailor your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that match our requirements. Highlight your understanding of the game development process and any relevant tools you've used, like Unreal Engine or Unity.
Be Clear and Concise:In your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language to describe your experiences and ideas. We appreciate concise communication, especially when it comes to design documentation.
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity with our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stellar Entertainment Software
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Make sure to bring a strong portfolio that highlights both your personal and team projects. Include clear documentation that illustrates your design thinking and process from the initial brief to the final execution. This will help demonstrate your understanding of the game development process.
✨Prepare for Collaboration
Since this role is highly collaborative, be ready to discuss how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Think of specific examples where you adapted to evolving priorities and contributed to a project’s success. This will show that you can thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Master the Tools
Brush up on your proficiency with level editors like Unreal Engine or Unity, as well as your skills in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Be prepared to discuss your experience with these tools and how they’ve helped you in previous projects. This will highlight your technical capabilities.
✨Communicate Confidently
Practice presenting your ideas and concepts clearly and confidently. Use sketches, diagrams, or mock-ups to visually communicate your thoughts during the interview. Strong communication skills are essential, so make sure you can articulate your design ideas effectively.
