Senior Gameplay Designer in NEW ZEALAND

Blind Squirrel Games (BSG) is a proud, independent studio that joins forces with developers and publishers seeking an innovative partner in creating quality games. At BSG, people are our purpose, so we prioritize an inquisitive, proactive, and collaborative work environment for all our squirrels. We operate as a hybrid-remote studio, allowing our developers the flexibility to crush milestone goals at the studio or within the comfort of their own home. We currently have studio locations in Irvine, California; Austin, Texas; and Auckland, New Zealand.

Skills and experience are highly valued at BSG, but we recognize that talent is a product of hard-work, resilience, and a growth-mindset. We champion individuals who have demonstrated they have the grit necessary to overcome challenges and subscribe to the notion that inclusion breeds synergy and innovation. To us, diversity isn't a metric—it's a must!

Senior Gameplay Designers at BSG…

You have a deep understanding of the game design pipeline, complemented by a refined skillset, honed through experience on numerous AAA titles. You're recognized as a dependable developer with the insight to know when to seek feedback. You welcome challenges, setting high standards for yourself and delivering high-quality work consistently.

While your influence is vital to the department's success and you provide mentorship to junior developers, designing gameplay and player package mechanics remains your core focus. You excel in independent work but also value collaboration through teamwork.

Role and Responsibilities

Blind Squirrel Games (BSG) is looking for a Senior Gameplay Designer to join our Auckland team!

Supported by Senior and Lead Designers, the Senior Gameplay Designer will work alongside other talented developers to create and implement a suite of different game design content with respect to characters, camera, movement, user experience, and other common systems.

As a Senior Gameplay Designer at BSG, you will contribute to the project by building and maintaining high-quality design tools, features, and systems and by pivoting into a leadership role to guide more junior designers towards success.

The ideal candidate for this role has a lot of experience in the 3’cs of character, camera and controls for action or platform games, and can translate a thorough understanding of the Unreal editor into hands-on gameplay experiences that meets project expectations and deadlines.

This is a full-time position available to work based out of our Auckland, NZ studio with the flexibility to work at home occasionally as needed. Qualified permanent residents of New Zealand and Australia who are willing and able to relocate to Auckland, NZ are also encouraged to apply. Temporary relocation assistance for qualified non-residents will also be considered for this opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Setup and implement player characters from the ground up
• Work closely with engineering to identify and design the required technical features required to deliver a flexible and highly executed player package.
• Comfortable implementing and tweaking camera, controls, and character abilities
• Work with and take guidance from Directors to drive design-centric features from concept to completion
• Abide by policies and design documents, always advocating for high-quality design fundamentals and continuously improving the workflow process as it relates to the game's interactive elements such as game systems, controls, and interfaces
• Contribute to cross-functional discussions related to the development and implementation of tools and required game systems adjustments
• Assist in mentoring junior members of the design team
• Other relevant duties and responsibilities as assigned to help complete company or department objectives

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• 6+ years of experience in the game industry or related area
• Shipped at least one AAA titles
• Bachelor’s degree in game design or relevant field
• A portfolio demonstrating exemplary design experience working in interactive media

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity performing blockout, scripting and encounter design tasks
• Familiar with contemporary engines and platforms
• Expert knowledge and understanding of the game production pipeline
• Broad taste in video games and passion for game development
• Excellent organization, communication, and interpersonal skills

Pluses

• Action or live service experience
• Unreal Engine 5 experience