Senior Game Designer -Economy and Monetization

Snowed in Studios is a game development studio based in Ottawa, Canada. As part of Keywords Studios’ Create service line, we provide support to some of the most exciting games being made today. You’ll have the chance to make a global impact, working in a studio known for shipping some of the most prestigious household names in gaming.

Employee satisfaction is at the top of our priority list. We understand that you work your best when you’re in an environment conducive with collaboration, challenge and fun along with job stability. We value being transparent and providing visibility on expectations and career progression. We’re proud our efforts have been recognized by being one of the Top 5 Places to Work in Ottawa and one of the Best Places to Work in Canada by gamesindustry.biz!

We are currently looking to add an experienced Senior Game Designer to our already amazing team. As a “Snowmie” designer, you will use your advanced design skills to help our client studios bring their games to realization.

Game Design is a wide category that covers many disciplines: system design, level design, narrative design, technical document writing, prototyping, playtesting/balancing and more. All these responsibilities are encompassed in the role of Game Designer.

Are you up for the challenge?

Some of the cool stuff you’ll be doing:

• Working closely with client studios to bring their games and features to realization
• Working with other game designers and directors to supplement mechanic, quest and narrative designs to specification
• Developing and refining monetization features within existing games
• Adding to and balancing existing in-game economies to increase both player satisfaction and retention
• Collaborating with stakeholders to realize and iterate on designs
• Creating thoughtful and engaging mechanical and dialogue choices with a strong understanding of the project’s IP and development constraints
• Creating both high and low level design documentation to inform stakeholders, developers and artists on the design’s vision
• Format, optimize and export data for integration
• Work with artists and developers in-engine to implement data, and components accurately
• Promoting project design practices
• Facilitating communication internally and externally
• Ensuring tasks are well broken down and estimates are reasonable

What you’ll bring to the table:

• 6+ years professional experience in video game design and development with focus on economy, monetization and player retention features
• Shipped game title(s) on mobile, console and/or PC
• Expert knowledge of monetization trends, free to play games and best practices as well as their benefits and draw backs
• Experience overseeing or owning the analysis of game KPI's, user testing and iteration
• Very strong communication skills and the ability to clearly communicate design vision and ideas
• Experience working directly with external clients and stakeholders
• Experience with game engines such as Unity, Unreal Engine and/or proprietary game engines
• Ability to match and work within design pillars or existing IP
• Understanding of how to analyze and refine game mechanics
• Understanding of edge cases, knock-on effects and development cost of design ideas

Bonus points!

• Experience leading design teams
• Experience generating and pitching new game ideas to external clients
• Strong UX design skills
• Product owner or analytics background

What’s in it for you?

• Opportunities work in triple-A, in a no-crunch modern studio with a relaxed atmosphere and a variety of work
• Comprehensive benefits package that covers Dental Care, Health Care (including out of country coverage), Vision Care, Long Term Disability, Physio, Massage etc.
• Generous leave policies include 4 weeks paid vacation (plus 1 week over the Holiday Season), unlimited sick leave and 2 paid personal days. We also provide parental leave top-up and an Employee and Family Assistance Plan that offer 24/7 free and confidential help with your physical and mental health.
• RRSP Matching
• Financial assistance with relocation to Ottawa, ON as needed
• A dynamic and supportive team environment with a range of experience and an amazing culture – we have board game nights, movie nights, arcade tournaments, and more to help blow off steam and hang out together.
• The opportunity to build or expand your career the way you want to, in a smaller studio connected to a global studio family
• A sweet hoodie!

Additional Information:

Primary Working Language: English

Salary Range: $85,000 to $100,000 depending on experience level

This is a remote or hybrid position; however, candidates must reside in Ontario/Quebec

Role Information: EN

Studio: Snowed In

Location: Americas, Canada, Ontario

Area of Work: Game Development

Service: Create

Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent

Working Pattern: Hybrid/Remote