The posting
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Game Director, SPIN based in Canada.
In this role, you will lead the creative and mechanical design vision across a diverse portfolio of innovative game projects, guiding experiences from early-stage prototypes to polished, market-ready releases. You will oversee design quality across multiple projects simultaneously, balancing strategic direction with hands-on gameplay implementation when needed. Working closely with creative and technical leaders, you will shape engaging player experiences across action-adventure, open-world, narrative-driven, and other game genres. You will lead, mentor, and inspire designers, establishing high standards for creative excellence, gameplay systems, and attention to detail. Using Unreal Engine 5, you will remain directly involved in prototyping and refining gameplay mechanics while helping teams adapt to evolving ideas and project requirements. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced game leader who thrives in a fast-paced, experimentation-driven environment and is passionate about pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment.
Accountabilities
- Own design quality across the full portfolio of projects, serving as the final point of accountability and escalation for design-related challenges.
- Develop, communicate, and continuously refine the creative and mechanical design vision for each project in collaboration with executive production and project leadership.
- Balance high-level creative direction with hands-on implementation, directly using Unreal Engine 5 to prototype, adjust, and refine gameplay features and systems as project needs require.
- Guide design across multiple genres and audiences, applying deep expertise in action-adventure, character controls, camera systems, combat and movement mechanics, systemic gameplay, and open or semi-open world design.
- Support narrative-focused design and world realization while remaining adaptable to projects spanning a broad range of genres, including sports and other gameplay experiences.
- Help shape intuitive touch-based user experiences for mobile and controller-based game interactions, including experiences designed for a touch-enabled gaming controller.
- Oversee projects at different stages of development, from early experimentation and pre-production through final-quality implementation and release readiness.
- Establish and maintain consistent design standards, documentation practices, review processes, and quality benchmarks across the project portfolio.
- Lead, manage, and mentor designers across multiple teams, providing clear creative direction, constructive feedback, and ongoing professional development.
- Collaborate closely with discipline directors, engineers, artists, producers, and other stakeholders to align creative vision, technical feasibility, scope, and production priorities.
- Allocate design resources effectively across concurrent projects, ensuring teams remain focused on the highest-impact priorities while maintaining consistently high standards.
- Foster a prototype-first culture that encourages experimentation, rapid learning, creative problem-solving, and thoughtful iteration as project scope and direction evolve.
- Stay actively engaged with games across platforms, evaluate new releases, and monitor emerging gameplay trends to inform design decisions and strengthen creative direction.
- Communicate complex design concepts clearly to multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders, ensuring alignment on gameplay goals and intended player experiences.
- At least 15 years of professional experience in the games industry, including a minimum of 5 years in a Game Director role.
- Demonstrated experience shipping at least one game title as Game Director, with accountability for its design vision and overall gameplay quality.
- Deep expertise in action-adventure game design, including strong knowledge of gameplay mechanics, character controls, camera systems, systemic interactions, and open or semi-open world experiences.
- Proven ability to lead design across multiple genres beyond action-adventure, adapting creative approaches to different audiences, gameplay models, and project objectives.
- Hands-on proficiency with Unreal Engine 5, including the ability to prototype, implement, tune, and refine gameplay features and systems directly when necessary.
- Extensive experience overseeing multiple projects and leading design teams in parallel, maintaining consistent creative quality across different development stages.
- Strong creative leadership and people-management skills, including the ability to mentor designers, establish clear expectations, and provide actionable feedback that elevates team performance.
- Ability to move comfortably between high-level creative strategy and detailed implementation, adapting involvement according to project needs and development priorities.
- Experience working in agile, prototype-driven environments where concepts, scope, and direction may change quickly in response to experimentation and feedback.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to explain complex design decisions to engineers, artists, producers, executives, and other stakeholders.
- Excellent judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of gameplay craft across a diverse portfolio.
- A genuine passion for gaming, with broad familiarity across platforms, genres, new releases, and emerging industry trends.
- Willingness to travel internationally for work-related events and collaboration.
- Application materials: A current resume is required. Portfolio examples demonstrating relevant projects and design leadership are welcomed.
- Annual compensation range: $210,000–$390,000. The original posting does not specify the currency; candidates should confirm the applicable currency and compensation details during the hiring process.
- Flexible compensation structure: Annual compensation is generally salary-based, without bonuses. Employees can choose each year how to allocate their compensation between salary and stock options, subject to the applicable program terms.
- Remote work: Remote position based in Toronto or Montréal, Canada.
- Comprehensive health coverage: Supplemental health and dental plans.
- Mental health support: Resources designed to support employee well-being.
- Retirement savings: Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) with employer matching.
- Equity opportunities: Stock option program.
- Protection and security: Disability programs, life insurance, and serious injury benefits.
- Family support: Family-forming benefits.
- Flexible time off: Full-time salaried employees are immediately eligible for flexible time off. The posting also describes an annual accrual of 35 days for full-time hourly employees, covering vacation, holidays, and paid sick time.
- Creative ownership and impact: The opportunity to shape the design direction of multiple original game experiences and influence quality across an ambitious portfolio.
- Leadership and development: Opportunities to mentor talented designers, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to a culture of experimentation and creative excellence.
- Inclusive workplace: A commitment to equal opportunity, diversity, and an accessible recruitment experience, with accommodations available during the hiring process.
How Jobgether works:
We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.
We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!
Why Apply Through Jobgether?
Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.
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