We're supporting a Canadian studio who are bringing a nostalgic take on JRPG's while modernising it and they have an opening for a Senior Systems Designer to join them.

This role requires leveraging strong creative, analytical, and communication skills to create and iterate on the systems that power the game. With combat and progression at the core of this project, the designer will play a pivotal role in crafting a rewarding, engaging, and memorable experience for players.

The mission behind the game is to craft retro-infused JRPGs that evoke cherished childhood memories. The growing studio is assembling a dream team of talent from around the globe to build the games players have always dreamed of. This is an invitation to join an epic quest to create fun, narrative-rich games in an inclusive, supportive, and enjoyable studio environment.

The project is inspired by Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy, offering players a journey through time, from the prehistoric era to the end of time.

Your responsibilities…

• Design combat and progression systems aligned with the Creative and Design Directors’ vision for the player experience

• Guide designs through every phase of development, from concept to completion, using feedback and testing to refine them

• Communicate and uphold the vision for your work across departments

• Develop new systems and features while balancing and adjusting existing ones

• Collaborate closely with the programming team to implement and iterate on designs

• Work with art, code, audio, animation, and visual effects teams to deliver combat systems that epitomize the game’s creative vision

• Design detailed progression systems, fine-tuning them to meet specific goals

• Research retro and modern JRPG design conventions to ensure the authenticity of the experience

• Utilize Unreal Engine 5 to implement and refine combat and progression systems

• Establish and enforce design practices, constraints, and metrics

• Standardize, document, and communicate game systems to the team, regularly updating documentation for team-wide reference

The skills and experience you’ll bring to the role…

• 5 or more years experience' in games industry as a Combat and/or Systems Designer

• One or more shipped titles

• A true love of JRPGs

• Proactive and able to take ownership of design areas from initial creation through implementation

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Proficiency with scripting

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Organized and capable of writing concise documentation

• Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize and deliver quality work within deadlines

• Ability to recognize great game feel and translate player fantasy into gameplay mechanics

Perks and benefits include…

• 4 weeks paid leave

• Competitive salary

• Medical, dental, vision insurance

• Life insurance

• Opportunities to help you strengthen your skills or learn something new