Lead Video Game Designer Systems, Gameplay, Unity - Volunteer Leadership
Redan, DeKalb County, Georgia, 30074, USA
Listed on 2026-07-30
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Entertainment & Gaming
Game & 3D/XR Development
Lead Video Game Designer (Progression & Systems, Gameplay, Unity) The Donovan's Venom (501c3 Nonprofit) Department:
Interactive Media Studio (Game Development)
Location:
Remote Position Type:
Volunteer Leadership Role
Reports To:
Director of Interactive Media Studio / Game Development Position Overview
The Lead Video Game Designer is responsible for designing and leading the development of core gameplay systems, progression mechanics, and player experience across game projects.
This role owns how the game functions - from mechanics and systems to progression loops - ensuring gameplay is engaging, balanced, and aligned with the overall vision.
Operating at the intersection of game design, systems thinking, and implementation within Unity
, this role is critical to transforming concepts into structured, playable experiences.
- Design core gameplay systems, including:
- Mechanics
- Rules
- Player interactions
- Ensure systems are engaging, intuitive, and scalable
- Design progression systems, including:
- Leveling
- Rewards
- Unlocks
- Create meaningful player progression and retention loops
- Balance gameplay systems to ensure fairness and engagement
- Adjust difficulty, pacing, and rewards
- Iterate based on testing and feedback
- Work within Unity to:
- Implement gameplay systems
- Test mechanics
- Support prototyping
- Collaborate with developers on system integration
- Build and test gameplay prototypes
- Validate concepts through iteration
- Refine systems based on results
- Create and maintain:
- Game design documents (GDDs)
- System specifications
- Mechanics documentation
- Ensure clarity for development teams
- Work with:
- Developers (implementation)
- Artists (visual alignment)
- UX/UI teams (player experience)
- Ensure cohesive gameplay experience
- Guide and support other designers
- Provide feedback and direction
- Ensure consistency in design approach
- Design interconnected systems that:
- Scale
- Support gameplay loops
- Enhance player engagement
- Participate in play testing
- Analyze player feedback
- Adjust systems based on insights
- Adapt designs based on:
- Technical limitations
- Scope constraints
Balance creativity with feasibility
- Improve gameplay systems over time
- Stay current with game design trends
- Enhance overall player experience
- Estimated Commitment: 15-20 hours per week
- Flexible schedule
- Participation in game development meetings required
- Fully remote
- 3-5 years of experience in:
- Game design
- Systems design
- Gameplay development
- Experience with:
- Unity (or similar game engine)
- Strong understanding of:
- Game mechanics
- Progression systems
- Player experience
- Experience leading or mentoring designers
- Experience working on shipped or completed game projects
- Experience in collaborative or remote development teams
- Designs engaging and scalable gameplay systems
- Creates meaningful player experiences
- Builds effective progression loops
- Balances gameplay and difficulty
- Translates design into playable systems
- Works effectively within game engines
- Guides design efforts
- Ensures consistency and quality
- Works across design, development, and art
- Aligns systems with overall vision
- Adapts designs to constraints
- Iterates effectively
- Fully remote
- Collaborative game development environment
- Fast-paced, creative, and iterative workflow
This is a volunteer position and does not constitute employment.
We are onboarding individuals who are ready to contribute immediately.
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