Lead Game Designer

Company Description Orbital Ignition Interactive creates immersive strategy games where every decision has meaningful impact. We offer a creative environment for team members who enjoy designing systems where strategy and storytelling intersect.

Role Description The Lead Game Designer is a part-time, remote role responsible for driving the overall vision and design of Orbital Ignition’s strategy tabletop mobile game. This role leads the creation and refinement of core gameplay systems, mechanics, and progression, ensuring they align with the studio’s creative and business goals. Day-to-day tasks include drafting and updating design documentation, collaborating with developers and artists to implement features, and iterating on gameplay through playtesting and data-informed feedback. The Lead Game Designer will define level structures, balance difficulty, and maintain consistency across content to deliver engaging tactical experiences. The role also involves mentoring other designers, contributing to product roadmaps, and actively participating in creative discussions about narrative integration and player experience.

Qualifications

• Strong experience with Game Design and Level Design, including systems design, pacing, and balance for strategy-focused titles.
• Hands-on background in Game Development, collaborating effectively with engineering and art teams to bring designs from concept to implementation.
• Practical understanding of Mobile Games design, including UX considerations, session length, and monetization-friendly yet player-first mechanics.
• Familiarity with Console or multi-platform design principles, with awareness of how mechanics and controls adapt across devices.
• Ability to create clear design documents, wireframes, and prototypes that communicate ideas to cross-functional teams.
• Experience designing tabletop or strategy games, with a strong grasp of systems, progression, and replayability.
• Comfort with playtesting, collecting feedback, and using qualitative and quantitative insights to refine gameplay.
• Effective remote collaboration skills, including strong written communication, time management, and responsiveness in distributed teams.
• Beneficial: familiarity with popular game engines (e.g., Unity or Unreal), basic scripting knowledge, and an understanding of free-to-play or premium mobile game economies.
• Beneficial: prior experience as a lead or senior designer, and a portfolio demonstrating shipped games or well-documented prototypes.