Associate Game Designer

Help craft engaging player experiences, design core mechanics, balance systems, and prototype features that make our games fun and addictive. Perfect early-career role in Edmonton (hybrid) or remote across Canada — with mentorship and real ownership.

Role Overview

As an Associate Game Designer, you'll work closely with senior designers, product managers, engineers, artists, and animators to shape gameplay systems, levels, and player progression. You'll contribute to prototypes, iterate on feedback from playtests, and help deliver features that drive retention and delight in our games and interactive experiences.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and iterate on gameplay mechanics, systems, and player loops
  • Create paper prototypes, digital mockups, and playable builds in Unity/Unreal
  • Balance economy, progression, difficulty curves, and reward structures
  • Run internal playtests, collect feedback, and document changes
  • Write clear design documentation (GDD sections, one-pagers, Jira tickets)
  • Collaborate on level design, UI/UX flow, and narrative integration
  • Support live operations: seasonal events, updates, A/B tests

Must-Have Skills & Experience

  • Strong personal or academic portfolio showing game design thinking (mods, prototypes, jam games, etc.)
  • 1–3 years relevant experience (indie, mobile, AAA associate/junior roles, or strong internships)
  • Hands-on experience with Unity or Unreal Engine (blueprints/scripting a plus)
  • Understanding of core game design principles: MDA framework, flow state, player psychology
  • Excellent written & verbal communication for docs and cross-team collaboration
  • Passion for games + analytical mindset (spreadsheets, data-driven iteration)

Nice-to-Have / Bonus Points

  • Experience with mobile / free-to-play / live-service games
  • Scripting skills (C#, Blueprints, visual scripting)
  • Knowledge of procedural generation, roguelike systems, or multiplayer dynamics
  • Playtesting facilitation or user research experience
  • Familiarity with monetization design (IAP, battle passes, cosmetics)
  • Previous shipped titles (even small/indie) or game jams with strong outcomes
  • Understanding of accessibility in games (colorblind modes, difficulty options)
  • Interest in emerging tech (AR/VR, AI-driven NPCs, procedural storytelling)
  • Basic 3D/animation knowledge to communicate with artists

Compensation & Benefits for this Role

Competitive entry-to-mid-level package with strong growth potential in Edmonton/remote Canada.

$78,000 – $110,000 CAD / year

(Depending on experience, portfolio strength, and location)

Role-Specific Perks

  • Dedicated game dev workstation (RTX 4070/4080 + high-refresh monitor)
  • Full Unity/Unreal licenses + Adobe CC, prototyping tools covered
  • Game conference & learning budget (~$2,000–$3,000 CAD/year: GDC, PAX, local jams)
  • Regular internal game jams & hackathons to experiment & showcase ideas

Standard Benefits

  • Extended health, dental, vision + mental health support
  • RRSP matching up to 6%
  • Hybrid/remote flexibility (Edmonton HQ + Canada-wide remote)
  • 3 weeks vacation + flexible personal days
  • Mentorship program & design skill-building resources

Ready to Design Games That Matter?

If you love breaking down why games feel good, prototyping fast, and seeing players enjoy your ideas — this is your chance to grow with a passionate team.

Apply for Associate Game Designer

Include your portfolio, game design case studies, or playable prototypes — we review every submission.