Lead Game Designer
The Lead Game Designer is responsible for driving the implementation of the game’s vision which includes concept, game play, story, usability and functionality. He/She leads a team of designers to develop detailed designs for game characters, rules, story, gameplay, interfaces, levels and modes. He displays practical and theoretical expertise to create a product that is both entertaining and technically sound. He guides the team to develop prototypes for gameplay and game level designs including system design and features that lead to increased user experience, engagement and retention. He manages communication with key departments for managing schedules for the design team. The work involves leading and guiding the design team in ideating and executing game design ideas as well as collaborating with multiple internal stakeholders for approval of design. He also takes the lead in aligning the creative and technical aspects of the game by engaging with technical and creative leads to align expectations and objectives. He is a visionary with an artistic flair and an expert in game design. He should be effective at problem-solving, communication and presentation to be able to influence key stakeholders in supporting the overall game direction. He is an able project manager who delivers effectively within available resources and constraints.
Skills and Competencies
Technical Skills & Competencies
Generic Skills & Competencies
Critical Work Functions and Key Tasks
• Lead the overall game concept design discussions
• Review research ideas to support ideation of the game concept
• Conceive the overarching idea to be developed into the game concept
• Collate all ideas and concepts into clear and structured concept documents for presentation to the leadership
• Present game concept to internal leadership for review and approval
• Develop project schedules and budgets
• Assign design responsibilities to senior designers
• Guide the team in conceptualisation and creation of game design
• Refine game balance by analysing and modifying overarching mechanics, level progression and mission objectives as required
• Review game designs to provide regular feedback to the design team
• Resolve challenging game design problems that hinder the progress of the project
• Communicate production problems and risks to ensure production deadline is met
• Liaise with technical development teams to validate the feasibility of the game designs being produced
• Refine game design for feasibility of implementation and to meet technical objectives by collaborating with technical development
leads
• Drive and follow up on prototyping core gameplay systems and elements
• Provide detailed feedback on direction and ideas on how to improve game development
• Approve adjustments to the original specifications to account for technical constraints and new programming or artistic developments
from the team
• Conduct critical review of games in production
• Approve design changes based on game feedback, to be implemented with updates and expansion packs
• Recommend solutions for resolving risks pertaining to design challenges for development
• Manage project to meet schedules, budget, manpower and technical quality targets
• Manage the design, art and technical teams to define requirements and iteratively build solutions
• Collaborate with users, technical staff and management to determine and resolve issues associated with project implementation
• Conduct regular project reviews to recommend schedule changes, cost or resource adjustments
• Communicate common goals, direction and accountability among staff
• Develop staff by coaching, mentoring and engaging in career discussions
• Exhibit effective performance management practices within department in accordance with organisational policies and procedures
• Monitor budgets, forecasting, work allocations and staffing of the various departments