Nonprofit
Lead Video Game Designer (Progression & Systems, Gameplay, Unity) - Volunteer Leadership Role
Details
Description
Lead Video Game Designer (Progression & Systems, Gameplay, Unity)
The Donovan’s Venom (501c3 Nonprofit)
Department: Interactive Media Studio (Game Development)
Location: Remote
Position Type: Volunteer Leadership Role
Reports To: Director of Interactive Media Studio / Game Development
Position Overview
The Lead Video Game Designer is responsible for designing and leading the development of core gameplay systems, progression mechanics, and player experience across game projects.
This role owns how the game functions—from mechanics and systems to progression loops—ensuring gameplay is engaging, balanced, and aligned with the overall vision.
Operating at the intersection of game design, systems thinking, and implementation within Unity, this role is critical to transforming concepts into structured, playable experiences.
Key Responsibilities
- Gameplay Systems Design
- Design core gameplay systems, including:
- Mechanics
- Rules
- Player interactions
- Ensure systems are engaging, intuitive, and scalable
- Progression & Player Experience
- Design progression systems, including:
- Leveling
- Rewards
- Unlocks
- Create meaningful player progression and retention loops
- Game Balance & Tuning
- Balance gameplay systems to ensure fairness and engagement
- Adjust difficulty, pacing, and rewards
- Iterate based on testing and feedback
- Unity Implementation & Integration
- Work within Unity to:
- Implement gameplay systems
- Test mechanics
- Support prototyping
- Collaborate with developers on system integration
- Prototyping & Iteration
- Build and test gameplay prototypes
- Validate concepts through iteration
- Refine systems based on results
- Design Documentation
- Create and maintain:
- Game design documents (GDDs)
- System specifications
- Mechanics documentation
- Ensure clarity for development teams
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work with:
- Developers (implementation)
- Artists (visual alignment)
- UX/UI teams (player experience)
- Ensure cohesive gameplay experience
- Team Leadership & Direction
- Guide and support other designers
- Provide feedback and direction
- Ensure consistency in design approach
- Systems Thinking & Architecture
- Design interconnected systems that:
- Scale
- Support gameplay loops
- Enhance player engagement
- Testing & Feedback Integration
- Participate in playtesting
- Analyze player feedback
- Adjust systems based on insights
- Problem-Solving & Constraints
- Adapt designs based on:
- Technical limitations
- Scope constraints
- Balance creativity with feasibility
- Continuous Improvement
- Improve gameplay systems over time
- Stay current with game design trends
- Enhance overall player experience
Volunteer Commitment Expectations
- Estimated Commitment: 15-20 hours per week
- Flexible schedule
- Participation in game development meetings required
- Fully remote
Minimum Qualifications
- 3–5 years of experience in:
- Game design
- Systems design
- Gameplay development
- Experience with:
- Unity (or similar game engine)
- Strong understanding of:
- Game mechanics
- Progression systems
- Player experience
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading or mentoring designers
- Experience working on shipped or completed game projects
- Experience in collaborative or remote development teams
Core Competencies
Systems & Gameplay Design
- Designs engaging and scalable gameplay systems
- Creates meaningful player experiences
Progression & Balance
- Builds effective progression loops
- Balances gameplay and difficulty
Unity & Implementation
- Translates design into playable systems
- Works effectively within game engines
Leadership & Direction
- Guides design efforts
- Ensures consistency and quality
Collaboration
- Works across design, development, and art
- Aligns systems with overall vision
Problem Solving
- Adapts designs to constraints
- Iterates effectively
Work Environment
- Fully remote
- Collaborative game development environment
- Fast-paced, creative, and iterative workflow
Important Disclaimer
This is a volunteer position and does not constitute employment.
We are onboarding individuals who are ready to contribute immediately.
Please only apply if you are prepared to begin within the next 14 days.
Location
Associated Location
Please fill out this form
Thank you for your interest in joining The Donovan’s Venom.
To be considered for this role, please ensure your application includes:
- A current resume
- Responses to all application questions (thoughtful and complete)
- A brief overview of your strategic experience and areas of impact
We encourage applicants to be intentional and specific in their responses, as this role requires a high level of strategic thinking and active contribution.
Important Considerations:
- This is a volunteer executive leadership role requiring consistent engagement
- Applicants must be able to begin within 14 days
- Incomplete or low-effort applications will not be considered
We are seeking individuals who are ready to contribute, build, and lead in real time.
