Game Designer (Mid/Senior)

ABOUT YOU

We are working on a hardcore medieval sandbox MMORPG built around player-driven gameplay, crafting, resource management, territorial warfare, and complex economic and progression systems.The project features a mature and highly interconnected gameplay ecosystem and is currently undergoing an active transition to a new game engine.We are looking for a Game Designer who will help us improve existing gameplay systems, develop new mechanics, and shape the future of the project. This role requires a strong understanding of complex game systems, player behavior, and the challenges of evolving an established live MMORPG while adapting to new technology.

ABOUT US Xsolla is a global commerce company with robust tools and services to help developers solve the inherent challenges of the video game industry. From indie to AAA, companies partner with Xsolla to help them fund, distribute, market, and monetize their games. Grounded in the belief in the future of video games, Xsolla is resolute in the mission to bring opportunities together, and continually make new resources available to creators. Headquartered and incorporated in Los Angeles, California, Xsolla operates as the merchant of record and has helped over 1,500+ game developers to reach more players and grow their businesses around the world. With more paths to profits and ways to win, developers have all the things needed to enjoy the game. For more information, visit xsolla.com.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, develop, and improve gameplay mechanics and interconnected game systems.

• Analyze and balance existing mechanics, including character progression, crafting, combat, resource gathering, and in-game economy.

• Design new features and improve existing systems based on player feedback, gameplay data, and project priorities.

• Prepare clear and detailed game design documentation, including feature specifications, balance tables, gameplay flows, and acceptance criteria.

• Work closely with developers, QA, and production to ensure features are technically feasible and delivered as intended.

• Identify gameplay issues, design inconsistencies, exploits, and opportunities for improvement.

• Contribute to player retention, onboarding, and long-term engagement improvements.

• Support the design and balancing of seasonal gameplay, PvP and PvE activities, and progression systems.

• Evaluate implemented features through playtesting, feedback analysis, and available gameplay metrics.

• Support gameplay design improvements and adaptations during the ongoing engine transition.

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• 3+ years of professional experience in game design, preferably with multiplayer, RPG, survival, or MMO projects.

• Strong understanding of systems design, progression mechanics, balancing, and game economies.

• Experience working with complex, interconnected gameplay systems and understanding how changes in one system affect others.

• Experience designing, maintaining, and documenting gameplay systems in established game projects.

• Ability to analyze existing game mechanics and propose practical improvements.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including confidence working with spreadsheets and balance calculations.

• Understanding of player motivation, retention, and long-term progression.

• Ability to translate high-level design ideas into actionable requirements for development and QA.

• Experience working with cross-functional game development teams.

• Good written and spoken English.

• Ability to work independently, take ownership of features, and prioritize solutions within technical and resource constraints.

NICE TO HAVE

• Experience with MMORPGs, open-world survival games, or sandbox PvP games.

• Practical experience balancing player-driven economies, crafting systems, and PvP/PvE progression.

• Familiarity with hardcore sandbox games and their player communities.

• Experience with live-service games, seasonal content, or long-term progression systems.

• Hands-on experience with Unreal Engine 5 (UE5).

• Experience contributing to game engine migrations or major technical transitions.

• Knowledge of UI/UX design principles and experience designing or improving game interfaces and player experiences.

• Experience collaborating with UI/UX designers to improve gameplay usability, navigation, and accessibility.

• Experience with gameplay analytics or telemetry.

• Experience with Jira, Confluence, and collaborative design workflows.

• Experience working with legacy systems or technically constrained projects.

BENEFITS We are passionate about fostering a supportive environment for our team, so we prioritize the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our employees through a comprehensive Benefits Program. This includes unlimited Flexible Time Off and a personalized career roadmap for each employee. By investing in professional development through training and educational opportunities, we ensure that our team thrives both personally and professionally. Together, we’re not just building a business; we’re cultivating a community that values creativity, collaboration, and the transformative power of play. The duties and responsibilities of this position may evolve over time to support the organization’s goals and individual growth. This job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work being performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required. By submitting your application, you consent to Xsolla conducting background checks, where permitted by law, after the final interview stage. All checks will comply with local regulations, and your information will be handled confidentially. Xsolla takes your privacy seriously and will not sell or externally distribute any personal data received during the hiring process. In accordance with applicable data protection laws, Xsolla is committed to protecting your personal information and respecting your privacy. For any inquiries related to data privacy, please contact: [email protected] Explore more opportunities at: https://xsolla.com/careers