Lead Video Game Designer (Progression & Systems, Gameplay, Unity) - Volunteer Role

About Us

The Donovan’s Venom is a 501c3 nonprofit organization focused on curating universal accessibility to fine arts and music education for all. We are passionately dedicated to ensuring that everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, has access to high-quality music education, performance opportunities, and fine art. We aim to inspire, empower, and uplift communities by fostering a love for music and the arts through our commitment to education, inclusivity, diversity, and social impact, which drives us to expand our reach continually and enrich the lives of those we serve.

Lead Video Game Designer (Progression & Systems, Gameplay, Unity)

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

1. Gameplay Systems Design
   • Design core gameplay systems, including:
   • Mechanics
   • Rules
   • Player interactions
   • Ensure systems are engaging, intuitive, and scalable
2. Progression & Player Experience
   • Design progression systems, including:
   • Leveling
   • Rewards
   • Unlocks
   • Create meaningful player progression and retention loops
3. Game Balance & Tuning
   • Balance gameplay systems to ensure fairness and engagement
   • Adjust difficulty, pacing, and rewards
   • Iterate based on testing and feedback
4. Unity Implementation & Integration
   • Work within Unity to:
   • Implement gameplay systems
   • Test mechanics
   • Support prototyping
   • Collaborate with developers on system integration
5. Prototyping & Iteration
   • Build and test gameplay prototypes
   • Validate concepts through iteration
   • Refine systems based on results
6. Design Documentation
   • Create and maintain:
   • Game design documents (GDDs)
   • System specifications
   • Mechanics documentation
   • Ensure clarity for development teams
7. Cross-Functional Collaboration
   • Work with:
   • Developers (implementation)
   • Artists (visual alignment)
   • UX/UI teams (player experience)
   • Ensure cohesive gameplay experience
8. Team Leadership & Direction
   • Guide and support other designers
   • Provide feedback and direction
   • Ensure consistency in design approach
9. Systems Thinking & Architecture
   • Design interconnected systems that:
   • Scale
   • Support gameplay loops
   • Enhance player engagement
10. Testing & Feedback Integration
    • Participate in playtesting
    • Analyze player feedback
    • Adjust systems based on insights
11. Problem-Solving & Constraints
    • Adapt designs based on:
    • Technical limitations
    • Scope constraints
    • Balance creativity with feasibility
12. 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

As a 100% volunteer-led U.S. nonprofit organization, we may engage volunteers located outside the United States. International volunteer participation is subject to applicable U.S. sanctions and export-control requirements, data privacy and information-security requirements, background screening where appropriate, and confirmation that the volunteer’s country and assigned responsibilities have been approved by the organization.

This is a volunteer position and does not constitute employment.