Lead Systems Designer

At Wizards of the Coast, we connect people around the world through play and imagination. From our genre defining games like Magic: The Gathering® and Dungeons & Dragons® to our growing multiverse, we continue to innovate and build new ways to foster friendship and connection. That’s where you come in!

Skeleton Key is a new game development studio and division of Wizards of the Coast. We are a group of industry veterans who are guided by the belief that empowering our teams and providing the proper time, tools, and support we can foster a creative culture where everyone can do their best work.

Our studio is located in Austin, TX, and we are looking for a passionate and dedicated Lead Systems Designer to join us and bring our first AAA game to life. This role is expected to be hybrid with some WFH capacity, but onsite availability at our Austin, TX studio is required.

Reporting to the Game Design Director you will play a meaningful role as we prototype and kick off pre-production. You will be responsible for helping design and implement engaging player-facing systems, crafting mechanics, progression systems, game difficulty systems, and loot systems driving them from concept all the way to ship.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience building exciting player systems on other AAA titles, possess a solid understanding of Unreal Engine, and is deeply creative with a great sense of what makes systems fun, immersive and engaging. You have high standards in everything you do and are committed to crafting memorable gaming experiences. You put the player first.

What You'll Do:

Work with the design team and creative leadership to understand and align to the game's creative vision

Partner with design, engineering, UI, audio, UX, and other collaborators/partners to bring player systems in-game to life and keep everyone informed throughout development

Craft and build expansive and inter-connected player systems that help drive cohesion between gameplay, exploration, progression, the world, and story

Collaborate with UX Research to perform industry/competitive analysis and stay updated on the latest innovative trends and player expectations

Create approachable and accessible player systems to support the vision, while allowing as many players to enjoy our game as possible

Maintain comprehensive design documentation for the game's systems and mechanics

Build, manage, and lead a team of Systems Designers in a collaborative and empowering environment.

Regularly play the game and provide valuable feedback to teammates to help improve the game

What You'll Bring:

7+ years of experience in Systems Design

3+ years as a Lead or Manager of a Design team.

At least 1 shipped AAA titles with significant contributions on player systems (progression, crafting, loot, etc)

Experience working in Unreal or other modern game engines

Experience tuning complex systems (ex – difficulty tuning, accessibility, UX, progression, crafting, upgrade systems, inventory, loot systems, narrative journal systems.)

Enthusiastic, positive, team-oriented; must have the ability to interact and collaborate with all departments and teams.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Self-sufficient and self-motivated, able to push features forward but also know when to ask for guidance or help

Strong creativity with a great sense of fun and engagement.

Player empathy and a player first design approach.

Expert proficiency communicating, championing and memorializing designs.

Compensation Range, Currency USD:

Starting Pay Range: $148,400

Pay Range End: $222,600

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation range for this role. The range listed is just one component of Wizards of the Coast’s total compensation package for employees. Employees may also be eligible for annual and long-term incentives. In addition, Wizards of the Coast provides a variety of benefits to employees. Here’s a look at what your benefits package may include: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Paid Vacation Time & Holidays, Generous 401(k) match, Paid Parental Leave, Volunteer Program, Employee Giving & Matching Gifts Programs, Tuition Reimbursement, Product Discounts, and more.

We are an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

Wizards is committed to equality of opportunity in all aspects of employment. We are committed to making all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and the requirements for satisfactory performance in this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of the duties, responsibilities, or requirements of the position.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. If you are selected to move forward in our application process and need to request an accommodation, please let your recruiter or coordinator know.