Zynga

Principal Game Designer

Zynga$107K — $158K *
Consumer Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • At least 6 years' relevant experience in game design
  • Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Expertise in level design and gameplay mechanics
  • Extensive knowledge of mobile games, especially casual, puzzle, and role-playing genres
  • Ability to translate consumer insights and market data into creative solutions
  • Passionate about gaming
  • Experience in rapid prototyping on small teams is a plus

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with the Creative Director to outline core gameplay vision
  • Design and prototype new gameplay mechanics and features
  • Create flexible sheets and models for gameplay balance
  • Enhance design pipeline efficiency through improved tools
  • Manage project timelines and deliverables independently
  • Promote best design practices within the studio
  • Pitch ideas, conduct playtests, and lead brainstorming sessions
  • Analyze feedback and metrics to refine designs while maintaining game balance
  • Stay current with game design literature and methodologies

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage
  • 14 paid holidays and vacation days ranging from 15 to 25 days
  • Paid sick leave and parental leave
  • Wellbeing programs for mental health support
  • Commuter benefits and fitness reimbursements
  • 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program
  • Discretionary time off program
Full Job Description
Position Overview:

Zynga is looking for an experienced Principal Game Designer to work on one of our new mobile games. This role leads and participates in direct design and creative input on gameplay mechanics and systems design in the game.
What You'll Do:
  • Collaborate with the Creative Director to set the vision for core gameplay and content
  • Work closely with other disciplines to design and prototype new gameplay mechanics and features
  • Design flexible sheets and models to effectively balance gameplay tuning
  • Create and improve tools to make the design pipeline faster and more efficient for the team
  • Own your own time: break down your work, set deliverables and deadlines that align with the team's overall timeline
  • Be the advocate of good design practices across the studio
  • Pitch new ideas to the team, run playtests of new content, and lead brainstorming sessions
  • Analyze real-time feedback and metrics, and adjust designs accordingly while maintaining live game balance
  • Remain up-to-date with Game Design literature and standard methodologies to be an evangelist for the craft of Game Design
What You Bring:
  • At least 6 years' relevant experience
  • Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Expert with level design and gameplay mechanics
  • Possesses an extensive knowledge of mobile games, particularly in the areas of casual, puzzle, and/or role-playing games
  • Translates direct consumer insights, market data, and analysis into creative design solutions
  • Passionate gamer
  • Experience in rapid prototyping on small teams (2 - 10 members) a plus

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $107,100 and $158,520 USD per Year.

However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.

Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses.

About Zynga

Zynga is a video game developer and publisher. The company was founded in 2007 and is best known for its social games, including FarmVille and Words with Friends. Zynga's games are available on various platforms, including Facebook, iOS, and Android. The company has offices in several countries and employs over 1,800 people. In addition to its own games, Zynga has also acquired several other game development studios.
Learn more about Zynga
Size
2,952 employees
Market Cap
$9.5 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$429.4 million
Founded
2007
5 Year Trend
+30.4%
Revenue
$1.9 billion
NASDAQ

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