Lead Game Designer

HyperHug is an international game development company that brings the joy of pure gameplay to the next level. Our games are being played by more than 50 million people all over the world. Our people work worldwide from Cyprus, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Indonesia. We are always looking for talented individuals to join our team and help us create even better games.

Job Overview

We are seeking a Lead Game Designer to join our team and help shape the future of Oxide: Survival Island, an immersive survival shooter for mobile platforms. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to design, develop, and optimize core gameplay systems, progression mechanics, and monetization strategies that captivate and retain players.

You will be responsible for leading the design team, driving innovation, and ensuring the overall game experience aligns with our vision. Your focus will be on creating engaging game loops, balancing mechanics, and contributing to the long-term success of the game.

Responsibilities

• Design and refine core gameplay loops (crafting, combat, exploration) that enhance player engagement and retention.

• Develop and balance game progression systems, survival mechanics, and monetization strategies.

• Collaborate with artists, developers, and product teams to ensure seamless integration of game features.

• Analyze player data and feedback to optimize the gameplay experience and increase key metrics like retention and ARPU.

• Lead the ideation, design, and implementation of new features and seasonal updates.

• Conduct regular playtesting to validate design decisions and iterate based on player feedback.

• Mentor and guide junior designers, ensuring consistent quality and innovation in design processes.

• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices in game design, especially within the survival and shooter genres.

• Contribute to the creative and strategic vision of the game, ensuring alignment with business goals and player expectations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field.

• At least 5 years of experience in game design, with a focus on mobile games and survival shooter genres.

• Proven track record in designing progression systems, crafting mechanics, PvE/PvP interactions, and monetization strategies.

• Strong understanding of player psychology, retention strategies, and mobile gaming KPIs.

• Experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams, including artists, developers, and marketing teams.

• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.

• Passion for survival shooters and in-depth knowledge of games like Rust, DayZ, or ARK.

• Experience with data analytics and interpreting player behavior metrics.

Bonus Qualifications

• Knowledge of game balancing methodologies for competitive and survival-based experiences.

• Familiarity with Unity engine and mobile performance constraints.

• Experience working on LiveOps and seasonal content updates.

• Understanding of in-game economy design and monetization strategies.

Why Join Us?

If you're passionate about crafting immersive, challenging, and engaging survival experiences, this is your chance to shape a game that will impact millions of players worldwide. Join a creative and ambitious team and play a key role in the development of Oxide: Survival Island.

Apply now and help us craft the next big hit in mobile survival gaming!