Associate Generalist Designer

At Blind Squirrel Games, making great games is only the beginning. Blind Squirrel Games is a proud, independent studio that joins forces with developers and publishers seeking an innovative partner in creating quality games. At BSG, our people are our purpose, so we prioritize an inquisitive, proactive, and collaborative work environment for all our Squirrels. Depending on the needs of the project, we operate as a hybrid-remote studio, allowing our developers the flexibility to crush milestone goals at the studio or within the comfort of their own home. We currently have studio locations in Irvine, California; Austin, Texas; and Auckland, New Zealand.

Skills and experience are highly valued at BSG, but we recognize that talent is a product of hard-work, resilience, and a growth-mindset. We champion individuals who have demonstrated they have the grit necessary to overcome challenges and subscribe to the notion that inclusion breeds synergy and innovation. To us, diversity isn't a metric—it's a must!

This is a full-time hybrid position based in Austin, TX, with an onsite requirement of three days per week. The salary range being considered for this role is $52,250 - $61,750, actual amounts may differ based on experience, performance, and location. These salary ranges do not apply to locations outside the United States.

Associate Generalist Designers at BSG…

You bring a blend of theoretical knowledge and budding practical experience to the table. You're starting to grasp the Design pipeline and understand how individual contributions integrate into a full-fledged game. Beyond your school projects, your portfolio showcases your ability to create game-ready designs components using a variety of contemporary tools.

You are ready to hone your skills alongside seasoned developers, and you understand that growth comes from persistence and continuous learning.

Role and Responsibilities

Blind Squirrel Games (BSG) is looking for an Associate Generalist Designer to join us for an upcoming project!

Supported by the Lead Designer and other talented developers, the Associate Generalist Designer will work within a collaborative, cross-disciplined team to help deliver comprehensive design solutions across various subdisciplines in the video game industry.

As an Associate Generalist Designer at BSG, you will contribute to the project by assisting in the design and refinement of multiple game design elements, ensuring a cohesive and engaging player experience. You will work on various aspects of game design, from gameplay mechanics and level design to UI/UX and narrative design.

The ideal candidate for this role is eager to learn, has a foundational understanding of game design principles, and can work closely with other team members to implement data-informed design elements.

Responsibilities

• Participate in feature planning meetings and discussions.
• Assist in designing, prototyping, and implementing various gameplay mechanics, levels, UI/UX elements, and narrative components.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including artists, engineers, and other designers, to support the creation of a cohesive and engaging player experience.
• Support the iteration on design elements based on feedback from playtesting and other sources.
• Help balance gameplay elements to ensure a fun and fair player experience.
• Assist in delivering design documentation (design specs, flowcharts, diagrams, storyboards) for each stage of the development process.
• Communicate design ideas and rationale clearly to stakeholders.
• Stay informed about industry trends and best practices.
• Other relevant duties and responsibilities as assigned to help complete company or department objectives.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• 1+ years of industry or independent experience as a designer
• A portfolio demonstrating exemplary design experience working in interactive media

Preferred Skills

• Basic understanding of various game design subdisciplines, including gameplay mechanics, level design, UI/UX, and narrative design.
• Prototyping skills, using tools like Unreal Engine, Unity, or similar.
• Exposure to designing and balancing gameplay systems.
• Familiarity with scripting or programming languages (e.g., C#, Python, Lua).
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Ability to deliver clear and detailed design documentation.
• Proficient in using design tools and software.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver cohesive designs across multiple disciplines.

Blind Squirrel Entertainment, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Eligibility to participate in benefits and perks may vary depending on position term and location.

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