Lead the design of core gameplay systems, manage live operations and analytics to enhance player engagement and retention, while guiding a cross-functional team.
A BIT ABOUT US
We’re the creators of Big Time, a breakout multiplayer action RPG, and the builders of Open Loot, a Web3 gaming platform powering hundreds of thousands of players and dozens of studios. Our ecosystem combines seamless onboarding, player-owned economies, and a robust NFT marketplace. Open Loot is fully live, profitable, and scaling fast—with over $300M in revenue and a growing network of partner games, token launches, and digital collectibles. Backed by veterans from Epic, Riot, Blizzard, and EA, we're building the future of games where players truly own what they play.
THE MISSION
Big Time Studios is seeking a Lead Game Designer to spearhead the design and evolution of core gameplay systems for our next big project. This role will focus on balancing game mechanics, driving live operations, and leveraging analytics to optimize player engagement and retention. You will be responsible for iterating on progression, in-game economies, and live content updates to ensure long-term player engagement.
As a data-driven leader, you will guide a cross-functional team of designers, engineers, and artists to develop, launch, and maintain compelling gameplay systems. You will also manage game balancing, economy tuning, and live event design, ensuring that content updates keep the game fresh and exciting for players.
If you have deep experience in designing live service games, a passion for using analytics to refine player experiences, and a strong understanding of game economies, we want you on our team.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Gameplay System Design: Lead the design and iteration of core gameplay mechanics, ensuring deep, engaging, and scalable systems.
- Live Ops Leadership: Oversee live events, seasonal content, balance updates, and other live service elements to maximize player engagement and long-term retention.
- Data-Driven Game Design: Leverage player telemetry, A/B testing, and analytics to make informed design decisions that improve user experience and game balance.
- Game Economy & Balance: Design and maintain a dynamic in-game economy, ensuring fair and engaging progression for all types of players.
- Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, art, marketing, and community teams
- Design Documentation: Maintain detailed, up-to-date documentation on game systems, mechanics, and economy models to align with development goals.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 7+ years of game design experience, with shipped titles in live-service games (MMOs, strategy games, RPGs, or similar).
- Strong background in live operations and experience designing data-driven game updates that drive player retention.
- Proficiency in game analytics and telemetry tools, with a track record of using player data to refine and improve game systems.
- Deep understanding of in-game economies, balance, and progression systems, with experience in designing sustainable, engaging systems for online games.
- Strong leadership and communication skills, with experience leading and mentoring design teams.
- Proficiency with industry-standard design and analytics tools, including spreadsheets for balancing, SQL for querying game data
- Passion for building engaging online experiences that keep players coming back.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Fully Remote Work: A fully remote work environment with flexible hours and a yearly company offsite to bring the whole team together.
- Work with the Best: Collaborate with gaming industry veterans who have developed games generating over $10B in combined revenue.
- Unlimited PTO: Take the time you need, when you need it. We believe in a healthy work-life balance.
- Competitive Compensation: Market-leading salary, performance-based bonuses, and stock options.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision (if applicable based on location), and other wellness programs.
- Growth & Impact: Be part of an early-stage project where you’ll have a major influence on the design, live operations, and overall player experience.
If you’re passionate about creating deeply engaging gameplay experiences, using data to drive decisions, and leading live-service games, we want to hear from you! Apply now and become a core leader in shaping Big Time’s next big adventure.
Top Skills
Spreadsheets
SQL
Similar Jobs
Gaming
The Lead Game Designer will develop immersive gameplay for an open-world RPG, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and provide leadership in design prototyping and implementation.
Top Skills:
BlueprintsUnreal Engine
Security • Software • Cybersecurity • Automation
The Partner Marketing Manager will lead co-marketing with Audit and Channel partners, manage the Market Development Fund program, and drive partner-led campaigns while collaborating across teams to boost performance and achieve alignment.
Top Skills:
AllboundAsanaHubspotSalesforce
Fitness • Hardware • Mobile • Software • Sports • Transportation • Esports
The Sales Account Manager will build relationships with bicycle brands, align business needs with SRAM's offerings, deliver presentations, and support account activities and marketing initiatives.
What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene
With a business-friendly climate and research universities like CU Boulder and Colorado State, Colorado has made a name for itself as a startup ecosystem. The state boasts a skilled workforce and high quality of life thanks to its affordable housing, vibrant cultural scene and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Colorado is also home to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, helping cement its status as a hub for renewable energy innovation.
Key Facts About Colorado Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
- Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute
