Lead Video Game Designer (Progression & Systems, Gameplay, Unity) - Volunteer Leadership Role
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.
Key Responsibilities
Gameplay Systems Design
Design core gameplay systems, including Mechanics, Rules, Player interactions
Ensure systems are engaging, intuitive, and scalable
Progression & Player Experience
Design progression systems, including Leveling, Rewards, Unlocks
Create meaningful player progression and retention loops
Game Balance & Tuning
Balance gameplay systems to ensure fairness and engagement
Adjust difficulty, pacing, and rewards
Iterate based on testing and feedback
Unity Implementation & Integration
Work within Unity to Implement gameplay systems
Test mechanics
Support prototyping
Collaborate with developers on system integration
Prototyping & Iteration
Build and test gameplay prototypes
Validate concepts through iteration
Refine systems based on results
Design Documentation
Create and maintain Game design documents (GDDs), System specifications, Mechanics documentation
Ensure clarity for development teams
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work with Developers (implementation), Artists (visual alignment), UX/UI teams (player experience)
Ensure cohesive gameplay experience
Team Leadership & Direction
Guide and support other designers
Provide feedback and direction
Ensure consistency in design approach
Systems Thinking & Architecture
Design interconnected systems that Scale
Support gameplay loops
Enhance player engagement
Testing & Feedback Integration
Participate in playtesting
Analyze player feedback
Adjust systems based on insights
Problem-Solving & Constraints
Adapt designs based on Technical limitations
Scope constraints
Balanced creativity with feasibility
Continuous Improvement
Improve gameplay systems over time
Stay current with game design trends
Enhance overall player experience
Volunteer Commitment Expectations
Estimated Commitment: 15-20 hours per week
Flexible schedule
Participation in game development meetings required
Fully remote
Minimum Qualifications
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
Preferred Qualifications
Experience leading or mentoring designers
Experience working on shipped or completed game projects
Experience in collaborative or remote development teams
Core Competencies
Systems & Gameplay Design
Designs engaging and scalable gameplay systems
Creates meaningful player experiences
Progression & Balance
Builds effective progression loops
Balances gameplay and difficulty
Unity & Implementation
Translates design into playable systems
Works effectively within game engines
Leadership & Direction
Guides design efforts
Ensures consistency and quality
Collaboration
Works across design, development, and art
Aligns systems with overall vision
Problem Solving
Adapts designs to constraints
Iterates effectively
Work Environment
Full-time remote
Collaborative game development environment
Fast-paced, creative, and iterative workflow
Important Disclaimer
This is a volunteer position and does not constitute employment. We are onboarding individuals who are ready to contribute immediately. Please only apply if you are prepared to begin within the next 14 days.