Principal Game Designer

About Playground Games

Playground Games is a first-party Xbox Game Studio committed to crafting genre-defining games that emphasize accessibility, stunning visuals, and engaging gameplay. Currently, we are revitalizing the beloved Fable series and expanding our diverse team to deliver a standout action RPG experience.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Principal Game Designer for our permanent team based in Royal Leamington Spa. This role involves leading significant design areas, developing design processes and pipelines, and consistently advocating for high quality throughout the game. The ideal candidate is an experienced Senior or Lead Designer passionate about game design, skilled across disciplines, hands-on, and capable of working independently. Our hybrid work model requires being onsite at least three days per week, with relocation assistance offered.

Key Responsibilities

• Utilize proprietary engine and tools to create systems and features that align with the project vision and meet high standards.
• Develop and sustain comprehensive feature and system design documentation.
• Collaborate effectively within a talented, cross-disciplinary team.
• Mentor and guide junior team members.

Candidate Qualifications

• Extensive industry experience covering full development cycles in game design roles, preferably on well-known AAA titles.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proven ability to design game systems and mechanics, effectively aligning cross-discipline teams to the design goals.
• Hands-on experience implementing designs using scripting tools or equivalent technologies.
• Problem-solving aptitude across all development stages.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm for collaborative work within diverse teams.
• Highly reliable and autonomous work ethic.
• Documented history of delivering quality work.
• Experience in RPGs, open world, or large-scale single player projects is strongly preferred.
• Passion for gaming and game development.
• Preferential experience with text-based scripting in C++, C#, or similar languages, though not mandatory.

Benefits and Culture

• Competitive pay with performance-driven bonuses.
• Comprehensive private and dental healthcare plans.
• Flexible hybrid working arrangement with minimum three days onsite per week.
• Annual leave of 25 days plus additional closure days during Christmas.
• Employer-contributed pension scheme.
• Support with relocation for new employees when necessary.
• Continual opportunities for training, career growth, and development.
• Access to cutting-edge studio resources and technology.
• Frequent team activities, social game nights, and celebrations.

Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

Playground Games is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity as a source of creativity and innovation. We are dedicated to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all employees, supporting equitable practices across all dimensions including age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. We encourage applicants who require accommodations during the application process to contact us directly for assistance.