Lead Game Designer

Lead Game Designer (with Programming Experience)

Company: Alternate Games

Location: Remote-friendly

Type: Contract or Full-Time (flexible)

Alternate Games is a game studio by disabled people, for disabled people. We create experimental, narrative-driven games that center lived experience, accessibility, and emotional honesty. Our projects often explore mental health, identity, trauma, and survival through unconventional mechanics and design.

We believe disability is not a limitation—it’s a creative lens.

Our website:

We’re looking for a Lead Game Designer with programming experience to help shape the vision, systems, and moment-to-moment play of our games. This role is both creative and technical: you’ll design core mechanics, prototype systems in code, and collaborate closely with writers, artists, and other designers.

You’ll have real creative authority and help guide projects from early concept through implementation.

• Lead overall game design vision and ensure cohesion across systems, mechanics, and player experience
• Design and document core gameplay systems, progression, and player interaction
• Prototype and implement gameplay features using code (engine-level or scripting)
• Collaborate with narrative designers to integrate story and mechanics seamlessly
• Work closely with artists and programmers to ensure designs are feasible and accessible
• Iterate on gameplay through testing, feedback, and accessibility considerations
• Help mentor or guide other designers as the team grows

• Strong experience in game design (professional, indie, or shipped projects)
• Programming or scripting experience (Unity/C#, Godot/GDScript, Unreal/Blueprints or C++, etc.)
• Ability to prototype gameplay ideas independently
• Strong understanding of systems design, player psychology, and iteration
• Comfortable working on small, collaborative teams
• Passion for accessible, inclusive, and narrative-focused games

• Narrative design or writing experience
• Experience with experimental or autobiographical games
• Leadership or mentorship experience
• Lived experience with disability (not required, but deeply valued)

• Flexible hours and async-friendly communication
• Remote-first, low-pressure work environment
• Access needs are respected and accommodated without justification
• Clear communication, transparency, and mutual care are core values

Send us:

• A brief introduction
• Your portfolio (games, prototypes, or playable builds encouraged)
• A short note on why Alternate Games resonates with you

Alternate Games is an equal-opportunity studio. We strongly encourage disabled, neurodivergent, chronically ill, and marginalized creators to apply.

E-mail me at rhysnunn