Game Design Director - New 4X Strategy Title

Goodgame Studios is currently developing a new cross-platform 4X strategy game, built upon one of Europe’s most successful and long-standing strategy franchises. We are looking for a Game Design Director to define and shape the core player experience of this title – from gameplay loops to emotional onboarding moments.

You will be the creative architect behind progression systems, core loops, economy balancing, and metagame structures – always aligned with monetization and user lifecycle strategy. Especially in the early game and first-time user experience (FTUE), you will play a decisive role in delivering a product that engages players emotionally and performs in the market .

This is not a people management role. It is a high-impact, hands-on position , designed for an expert who moves fast, thinks clearly, and delivers design solutions with focus and ownership – in close collaboration with Monetization, Product, Tech, and especially Marketing .

YOUR MISSION

• Use AI-powered tools and workflows (e.g. GPT, prototyping, system ideation) from day one to increase speed, structure, and creative output

• Define and own core gameplay loops, progression systems, and metagame mechanics – with a focus on retention, engagement, and monetization

• Build a cinematic and intuitive FTUE that blends gameplay, narrative, and brand identity seamlessly

• Create a compelling tutorial experience that onboards efficiently and emotionally

• Translate product goals into systemic game design, aligned with monetization and user lifecycle stages

• Work pragmatically and delivery-focused – you’re a builder, not a theorist

• Use tools like Unity, Confluence, Miro, and Excel fluently – and treat AI as a natural part of your design toolbox

• Collaborate closely with Marketing and UA teams to align FTUE and content flow with campaign messaging and conversion goals

• Set benchmarks for design documentation, system clarity, and interdisciplinary collaboration

• Ensure that the game performs at the level of genre leaders – in both emotional impact and gameplay structure

YOUR BACKSTORY

• Proven success as a Lead Game Designer or Game Design Director in F2P mobile or cross-platform titles

• Strong expertise in 4X, strategy, or metagame-heavy systems with LiveOps integration

• Ability to bridge gameplay mechanics and business objectives with clarity

• A hands-on conceptual designer – analytically strong, creatively structured, and fast in execution

• You are fluent in AI-supported workflows and treat them as an essential part of your design process

• Skilled at collaborating with Monetization, Product, and Marketing functions

• No interest in managing people – but high interest in setting standards , building systems, and delivering value

• Deep understanding of FTUE design, branded storytelling, tutorial mechanics, and progression funnels

WHY JOIN US?

• Take the lead in building a new high-potential 4X title backed by one of Europe’s strongest gaming IPs

• Own the core gameplay experience – from concept to launch – without team management responsibilities

• Work in a setup that enables clarity, speed, and creative authority

• Enjoy remote or hybrid work options, direct strategic visibility, and strong executive support

• Shape not just a game – but the long-term experience for a global audience of strategy players

Stillfront Group is one of Europe’s leading game publishers with a strong focus on long-term IP growth. Goodgame Studios is known for successful strategy titles and data-driven game development. In this role, you’ll define the next chapter of a major franchise – from the ground up, with full creative impact.