[Hiring] Game Designer @Xsolla

Role Description

We are working on a hardcore medieval sandbox MMORPG built around player-driven gameplay, crafting, resource management, territorial warfare, and complex economic and progression systems. The project features a mature and highly interconnected gameplay ecosystem and is currently undergoing an active transition to a new game engine. We are looking for a Game Designer who will help us improve existing gameplay systems, develop new mechanics, and shape the future of the project. This role requires a strong understanding of complex game systems, player behavior, and the challenges of evolving an established live MMORPG while adapting to new technology.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and improve gameplay mechanics and interconnected game systems.
• Analyze and balance existing mechanics, including character progression, crafting, combat, resource gathering, and in-game economy.
• Design new features and improve existing systems based on player feedback, gameplay data, and project priorities.
• Prepare clear and detailed game design documentation, including feature specifications, balance tables, gameplay flows, and acceptance criteria.
• Work closely with developers, QA, and production to ensure features are technically feasible and delivered as intended.
• Identify gameplay issues, design inconsistencies, exploits, and opportunities for improvement.
• Contribute to player retention, onboarding, and long-term engagement improvements.
• Support the design and balancing of seasonal gameplay, PvP and PvE activities, and progression systems.
• Evaluate implemented features through playtesting, feedback analysis, and available gameplay metrics.
• Support gameplay design improvements and adaptations during the ongoing engine transition.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience in game design, preferably with multiplayer, RPG, survival, or MMO projects.
• Strong understanding of systems design, progression mechanics, balancing, and game economies.
• Experience working with complex, interconnected gameplay systems and understanding how changes in one system affect others.
• Experience designing, maintaining, and documenting gameplay systems in established game projects.
• Ability to analyze existing game mechanics and propose practical improvements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including confidence working with spreadsheets and balance calculations.
• Understanding of player motivation, retention, and long-term progression.
• Ability to translate high-level design ideas into actionable requirements for development and QA.
• Experience working with cross-functional game development teams.
• Good written and spoken English.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of features, and prioritize solutions within technical and resource constraints.

Nice to Have

• Experience with MMORPGs, open-world survival games, or sandbox PvP games.
• Practical experience balancing player-driven economies, crafting systems, and PvP/PvE progression.
• Familiarity with hardcore sandbox games and their player communities.
• Experience with live-service games, seasonal content, or long-term progression systems.
• Hands-on experience with Unreal Engine 5 (UE5).
• Experience contributing to game engine migrations or major technical transitions.
• Knowledge of UI/UX design principles and experience designing or improving game interfaces and player experiences.
• Experience collaborating with UI/UX designers to improve gameplay usability, navigation, and accessibility.
• Experience with gameplay analytics or telemetry.
• Experience with Jira, Confluence, and collaborative design workflows.
• Experience working with legacy systems or technically constrained projects.

Benefits

• Unlimited Flexible Time Off.
• A personalized career roadmap for each employee.
• Investment in professional development through training and educational opportunities.
• A supportive environment prioritizing physical, mental, and emotional well-being.