Nonprofit
Video Game Designer (Gameplay Design & Mechanics Development) - Volunteer Role
Details
Description
Video Game Designer (Gameplay Design & Mechanics Development)
The Donovan’s Venom (501c3 Nonprofit)
Department: Interactive Media Studio (Game Development)
Location: Remote
Position Type: Volunteer Role
Reports To: Lead Video Game Designer / Director of Interactive Media Studio
Position Overview
The Video Game Designer (Gameplay) is responsible for designing and refining core gameplay mechanics, player interactions, and moment-to-moment experiences within game projects.
This role focuses on how the game feels to play—ensuring mechanics are responsive, engaging, and aligned with the overall game design.
Operating at the intersection of gameplay design, interaction design, and implementation, this role is critical to delivering a fun, intuitive, and immersive player experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Core Gameplay Design
- Design gameplay mechanics such as:
- Movement
- Controls
- Combat (if applicable)
- Player interactions
- Ensure mechanics are intuitive and engaging
- Player Experience & Feel
- Focus on moment-to-moment gameplay feel
- Improve responsiveness and control
- Enhance player interaction quality
- Prototyping & Iteration
- Develop and test gameplay prototypes
- Experiment with mechanics and interactions
- Iterate based on feedback and testing
- Gameplay Balance & Tuning
- Adjust gameplay elements for:
- Difficulty
- Responsiveness
- Fairness
- Improve pacing and player experience
- Unity & Implementation Support
- Work within Unity (or similar engine) to:
- Implement mechanics
- Test gameplay interactions
- Collaborate with developers on functionality
- Design Documentation
- Create and maintain:
- Gameplay documentation
- Mechanics descriptions
- Ensure clarity for development teams
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work with:
- Developers (implementation)
- Artists (visual feedback and alignment)
- UX/UI teams (player interface and interaction)
- Ensure cohesive gameplay experience
- Playtesting & Feedback Integration
- Participate in playtesting sessions
- Analyze feedback
- Refine gameplay mechanics accordingly
- Problem-Solving & Constraints
- Adapt gameplay based on:
- Technical limitations
- Scope constraints
- Balance creativity with feasibility
- Continuous Improvement
- Improve gameplay quality over time
- Stay current with game design trends
- Enhance player engagement
Volunteer Commitment Expectations
- Estimated Commitment: 8–12 hours per week
- Flexible schedule
- Participation in game development meetings required
- Fully remote
Minimum Qualifications
- 1–3 years of experience in:
- Game design
- Gameplay design
- Interactive systems
- Understanding of:
- Core gameplay mechanics
- Player interaction design
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with:
- Unity or similar game engines
- Experience working on game projects (academic, indie, or professional)
- Experience in collaborative or remote teams
Core Competencies
Gameplay Design
- Designs engaging and responsive mechanics
- Focuses on player interaction
Player Experience
- Improves gameplay feel and usability
- Enhances engagement
Problem Solving
- Adjusts gameplay based on feedback
- Resolves design challenges
Collaboration
- Works with developers and artists
- Aligns gameplay with overall design
Attention to Detail
- Ensures precision in mechanics
- Maintains clarity in documentation
Adaptability
- Iterates designs based on testing
- Adjusts to evolving requirements
Work Environment
- Fully remote
- Collaborative game development environment
- 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.
