Senior Design Director
About the role
About Believer
There are many things that make Believers who we are, but our defining characteristic is an unwavering dedication to the player experience. We believe that player-first development is critical for games, esports, and all forms of media that allow us to engage with our favorite worlds and heroes. We are not just a game company; we are a company for Gamers. We believe that collaboration and diverse thought drive innovation, and we foster a development culture around that principle.
About the Role
Game Designers at Believer craft the systems, mechanics, and content that create fun for our players. We put ourselves in the player’s shoes to understand their needs and design holistically across gameplay and systems. We work closely with other disciplines to turn creative pillars into engaging, playable experiences.
As a Senior Design Director, you will lead gameplay design in close partnership with the Game Director and studio leadership to deliver best-in-class gameplay experiences. This is a hands-on leadership role, where you will actively prototype, implement, and tune gameplay in-engine while building and mentoring a cohesive, high-performing design team. You will ensure that gameplay is interactive, intuitive, and deeply engaging, and that decisions are validated through disciplined playtesting and iteration. You will report to the Game Director.
What You'll Do
- Own and shape the core gameplay experience, implementing and tuning mechanics in-engine across combat, levels, encounters, characters, and progression
- Partner with studio leadership to translate creative pillars into clear, playable gameplay direction and design principles
- Lead and develop game designers from associate to principal level
- Design and own complex gameplay systems and content across early prototypes
- Drive rapid prototyping and playtest-driven iteration, turning player feedback into clear design decisions
- Work with artists, animators, writers, sound designers, producers, and engineers to bring our gameplay to life
- Champion a playtest-driven culture where gameplay decisions are validated through real player experience
You Are a Great Fit If
- 12+ years in game development, including shipping and/or maintaining at least two significant titles (AAA and/or live service experience preferred)
- 7+ years of experience leading and developing game designers, with demonstrated ownership of team performance and craft standards
- Deep expertise in moment-to-moment gameplay design, including combat, encounters, and systems-driven experiences
- Demonstrated hands-on experience prototyping and implementing gameplay in-engine
- Experience in early-stage development and rapid prototyping
- Experience scripting, modding, or other technical skills highly desired
What We Offer
- Annual salary range: $193,000 - $330,000
- Great compensation package and equity
- Medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance. Believer pays 100% of monthly costs for these plans
- 10 observed holidays + 10 days for Winter Break and "Take What You Need" PTO policy
- Remote-friendly team