Are you a passionate game developer with a pioneering mindset? Do you thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments and love the thrill of creating something new? If so, Zynga, one of the largest and most innovative mobile game development studios, invites you to join our Mid-Core Game Division.

Zynga is looking for an experienced Lead Game Designer to work on the recently launched Game of Thrones Legends . This role leads and participates in direct design and creative input on content and features. The role includes individual contributor work in addition to leadership of some designers. The role collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to innovate and iterate player-focused designs.

Main Responsibilities

• Create or adapt leading game features to work with an existing game
• Build or adapt leading game features to work with an existing game
• Pitch new ideas to the team/ hold brainstorming sessions
• Tune and model complex systems using Excel
• Leads a design team
• Analyze real-time feedback and metrics, and adjust game designs accordingly
• Work with product managers, developers and artists to lead all aspects of the implementation of new features and systems
• Ability to describe user experience stories and create wireframe screens and flows
• Remain up-to-date with Game Design literature and standard methodologies to be an evangelist for the craft of Game Design
• Be an advocate for the player and optimal gameplay experience

Desired Skills and Experience

• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Expert with math, levels, and formulas in game environment
• Possesses extensive knowledge of games and strategies
• Strong knowledge of game balancing and pacing
• Management experience, preferably with an experienced design team
• Translates direct consumer insights, market data, and analysis into creative design solutions
• Passionate gamer
• Experience working on a live game
• 2+ shipped games
• Proficiency working in Unity and github preferred, but familiarity with game engines and source control required
• Game programming background preferred
• Experience with RPGs (mobile specifically) preferred

What we offer you

• Competitive salary, bonus plan and ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)
• 401K Company Match Contribution (US)
• RRSP/DPSP company match contribution (Canada)
• Health coverage, dental, disability, critical illness, EAP, and life insurance (Canada)
• Medical, dental, vision, EAP, life insurance, and disability benefits (US)
• Virtual mental health and neurodiversity support programs
• Global Fitness reimbursement program
• Global Wellbeing Program
• Financial wellness program with unlimited access to certified financial planners
• Discretionary Time Off policy for many employees
• Family planning support program
• Generous paid parental, pregnancy-related disability, caregiver, and compassionate leaves
• Subsidized Back-up child care (US)
• Zynga happy hours and frequent employee events
• Flexible working hours on many teams
• Culture of diversity and inclusion including employee resource groups
• Work with cool people and impact millions of daily players

We are an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to building a diverse and talented workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, colour, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, disability, or any other class or characteristic protected by applicable law. We welcome job-seekers, players, employees, and partners from all backgrounds to join us!

We will consider all qualified job-seekers with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities in order to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at AccommodationRequest@zynga.com to request an accommodation associated with your application for an open position.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $114,400 and $169,300 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, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits.  Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

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