Game Designer, Technical

About The Company Gardens Interactive is a pioneering remote game development studio dedicated to creating immersive multiplayer experiences centered on connection, collective adventure, and emergent storytelling. Founded by industry veterans responsible for acclaimed titles such as Journey, Edith Finch, Guild Wars 2, and Baldur’s Gate 3, Gardens fosters a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives and innovative ideas thrive. Our mission is to craft magical shared experiences that bring players together, emphasizing curiosity, resilience, and ambition within a supportive team culture. We believe that the spirit and values with which we build our games are directly reflected in the experiences our players enjoy, making our studio a vibrant hub for creativity and technical excellence.

About The Role We are seeking a talented Technical Level Designer to join our fully remote team. In this role, you will be instrumental in designing and building engaging worlds and interactive environments that invite exploration, problem-solving, and memorable multiplayer moments. Your primary focus will be creating gameplay features, environmental interactions, and level layouts using Unreal Engine, leveraging Blueprints and/or C++. You will prototype new gameplay mechanics, validate their effectiveness through playtesting, and iterate to refine features that enhance player engagement. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in level design principles combined with technical proficiency, enabling you to collaborate effectively across disciplines, troubleshoot performance issues, and contribute to a cohesive game experience.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a level designer, with at least one shipped game on a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong proficiency in Unreal Engine, including Blueprints and C++, with the ability to prototype, implement, and debug gameplay features independently.
• Solid understanding of level building, collision setup, navigation, and environmental design in Unreal Engine.
• Excellent grasp of spatial composition, flow, pacing, and player guidance for open-world exploration and multiplayer gameplay.
• Experience creating reusable gameplay components and tools to streamline level development and iteration.
• Strong playtesting and iteration skills, with an understanding of how design influences player behavior, cooperation, and social dynamics.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across disciplines and work independently when necessary.
• Willingness to adapt to evolving project priorities and contribute positively to team culture.

Responsibilities

• Own the design, implementation, debugging, and maintenance of interactive world features and environmental gameplay elements that promote exploration, challenge, and engagement.
• Create and refine levels from initial blockout to final polish, ensuring optimal flow, navigation, readability, and pacing across various gameplay scenarios.
• Prototype new gameplay verbs, activities, and environmental interactions rapidly within Unreal Engine to validate their potential and refine them based on playtest feedback.
• Develop reusable, configurable tools and components that facilitate efficient level creation and iteration for the design team.
• Collaborate with design, engineering, and art teams to integrate player abilities, creature encounters, and environmental systems seamlessly.
• Partner with engineering to troubleshoot performance issues, optimize gameplay scripts, and ensure reliable multiplayer behavior.
• Document features, tools, and workflows to promote team understanding and ongoing maintenance of game content.
• Participate in playtesting sessions to gather insights, refine levels, and enhance gameplay experiences based on player feedback.

Benefits

• Competitive salary packages with transparent pay structures.
• Stock options and equity participation.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, with 100% coverage for individuals and 90% for dependents.
• Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• 401(k) plan (U.S.) / RRSP and DPSP contributions (Canada).
• Paid parental leave to support work-life balance.
• Fully remote work environment across North American time zones, promoting flexibility and autonomy.
• Professional development opportunities and a collaborative studio culture that values growth and innovation.

Equal Opportunity …