234 Game jobs in the United Kingdom

Game Designer – New Mobile Title – 4 day working week

A Manchester-based Games studio are currently looking for a Game Designer to work on a new title on mobile platforms. The studio founders have a long history in developing franchises which have been downloaded in the high millions and are working on something new and fresh, which brings together competitive gameplay in a fun strategic setting.

You will be tasked with designing the mechanics and systems to this title, as well as contributing to the in-game store, power-ups, micro-transaction positioning and balancing these against the player feedback and behaviour. The ideal candidate will understand the mobile games market and have good knowledge of metrics and analytical thinking; you will be in the front-seat of designing the core features, which the players will interact with

You will be analysing the purchasing behaviours and provide data driven recommendations to tune pricing/positioning and overall improve the performance of the games, you will also have a hand in developing special events/promotions for these items too.

In addition to a fantastic work environment the team can offer perks and benefits such as a generous holiday package, private medical insurance, pension, profit-based bonus schemes, an onsite gym, childcare schemes and retail discounts. The studio are based a short, convenient walk away from rail stations and have free parking for employees who prefer to drive.

The studio also offers a rare 4 day working week (Monday-Thursday), which is onsite in their Manchester offices. We cannot offer fully remote working options at present.

The studio can offer Visa Sponsorship and relocation assistance for exceptional candidates, with strong Mobile games experience.

Salary Range - £35,000 - £60,000

Requirements

• Held the title of Economy Designer/Monetisation Designer/Game Designer or similar
• Strong Mobile experience with at least one mobile title shipped
• Experience of designing in-game stores such as pricing and balancing
• Past experience of designing in-game events
• Reporting and live metrics experience
• A portfolio demonstrating your experience would be beneficial

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a studio who are working on a new game, which you will have a hand in from start to finish. To apply please send your CV to

Carry1st is Africa’s leading games publisher and monetization platform. Our Platform business unit helps top global companies grow their player base and revenues across Africa and the Middle East; while our Studio unit acquires, develops, and publishes first-party mobile games for global audiences. 

Our partners include Activision, EA, Riot Games, and NetEase and we’re backed by top investors like a16z, Bitkraft, Google, Konvoy, Sony, Riot Games, and Nas. We’re scaling awesome content by solving hard problems at the intersection of content, publishing, and digital commerce.

As Game Designer you'll drive the 0->1 development of new game experiences and meticulously design core features and systems. This role is for a player-centric designer obsessed with core mechanics and feel, who can passionately reinforce the overarching game vision to deeply resonate with players. You'll be instrumental in shaping foundational gameplay, driving innovation, and delivering engaging, polished features from concept to implementation.

You’ll collaborate closely with our Product, Creative, and Engineering teams, using your design skills, product mentality, and passion for mobile games to design new gameplay features at every stage, from documentation and implementation to content creation and data management, ensuring successful feature delivery.

You will… 

• Develop product vision through (player and competitor) research, brain-storming, and concepting
• Lead the design of the core mechanics, systems and progression, ensuring gameplay is both authentic and engaging for modern mobile audiences
• Document design specifications that effectively communicate multi-disciplinary design goals and meet the player’s needs 
• Build prototypes through various mediums including but not limited to  user flow diagrams and clickable wireframes,  
• Collaborate with engineering to support feature implementation, helping to identify and resolve design challenges and edge-case
• Engage with players before, during, and after feature implementations to understand / solve for their desires and challenges

Requirements

What makes you a great candidate? 

• 5+ years of Game Design experience in mobile and free-to-play games, with a focus on casual, puzzle or strategy genres
• A strong portfolio showcasing work on innovative mechanics and engaging features, particularly in the 0->1 phase of development
• Deep knowledge of Mancala or similar turn-based strategy games and an ability to identify how their mechanics can be modernized for digital play 
• Deep understanding of game design principles, player psychology, and UX best practices
• Exceptional ability to articulate and communicate complex design ideas clearly and concisely to cross-functional partners
• Proficiency with game design tools and software (e.g., Unity, Figma or other similar prototyping tools)
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and player feedback to inform decisions
• A relentless passion for games and a keen eye for detail, especially concerning gameplay mechanics and player feel

Benefits

What will it be like to work at Carry1st?

Carry1st is a fast-paced and dynamic place to work. Our team is diverse and global as we operate fully-remotely across 25+ countries. At Carry1st, you will have the opportunity to…

• Build awesome, industry-changing products, every day
• Grow with a VC-backed startup at the intersection of gaming and fintech
• Work from anywhere in the world with international teammates
• Own shares in the Company - enabling you to benefit from the value you create 

Some additional perks…

• Co-working excursions: Travel to meet your colleagues in cities around the world
• Awesome equipment: Get everything you need to work effectively 
• Remote working allowance: Put an additional $600 / year to optimise your WFH experience
• Learning and development: Attend courses, conferences and training events
• Social events: Participate in regular company events to relax and connect with teammates

We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger. Join us!

Learn more about Carry1st…

• Andreessen Horowitz shared why they invested in Carry1st
• NYSE Trade Talks interviewed Cordel about Carry1st's success in the African gaming market
• Naavik hosted Cordel on a podcast to discuss Africa’s gaming landscape

• Developing, maintaining, and optimizing art pipelines for game development using industry-standard engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity).
• Creating and implementing high-quality 3D assets, textures, materials, shaders, and visual effects.
• Troubleshooting and resolving technical art issues, including performance bottlenecks, shader errors, and asset integration problems.
• Collaborating closely with artists and programmers to define art requirements and ensure seamless asset integration into the game engine.
• Developing custom tools and scripts to automate art workflows and improve efficiency.
• Profiling and optimizing game assets and engine performance for various target platforms.
• Creating and maintaining technical documentation for art pipelines, tools, and workflows.
• Mentoring junior technical artists and providing guidance on best practices.
• Researching and implementing new technologies and techniques to enhance visual fidelity and performance.
• Working closely with the art director to ensure artistic vision is met within technical limitations.
• Participating in art reviews and providing constructive feedback.

• Create high-quality concept art for characters, environments, props, and UI elements, aligning with the project's artistic vision and technical requirements.
• Develop detailed visual styles, mood boards, and color palettes to establish the aesthetic direction of game projects.
• Collaborate closely with game designers, art directors, and other artists to translate game mechanics and narrative into compelling visuals.
• Produce diverse iterations of concepts, exploring different artistic approaches and solutions.
• Paint detailed environments and scenes, considering lighting, atmosphere, and architectural/geographical logic.
• Design believable and engaging characters, defining their anatomy, attire, and overall presence.
• Create detailed prop designs that support gameplay and world-building.
• Provide clear visual references and callouts for 3D modelers and other production artists.
• Stay updated on the latest trends and techniques in digital art and concept design for video games.
• Participate in art reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members.

• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Digital Art, Game Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience as a Concept Artist in the video game industry, with a portfolio demonstrating expertise in multiple areas (character, environment, prop).
• Exceptional drawing, painting, and illustration skills using digital art software such as Photoshop, Procreate, or similar.
• Strong understanding of anatomy, perspective, composition, color theory, and lighting.
• Ability to adapt to various art styles and deliver consistent quality.
• Excellent visual storytelling and communication skills.
• Experience with 3D concepting tools (e.g., ZBrush, Blender) is a significant advantage.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote team environment, managing time and priorities independently.
• A keen eye for detail and a passion for creating immersive game worlds.
• Strong understanding of the game development pipeline.

• Define and drive the overall visual style and aesthetic for game projects, from initial concept to final implementation.
• Create high-quality concept art for characters, environments, vehicles, props, and other game assets, demonstrating exceptional artistic skill and creativity.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of concept artists, providing clear direction, constructive feedback, and fostering their professional growth.
• Collaborate closely with Game Directors, Art Directors, Technical Artists, and other development teams to ensure artistic vision aligns with gameplay requirements and technical constraints.
• Develop mood boards, style guides, and detailed visual documentation to communicate artistic direction effectively across the development team.
• Research and present art historical references, current trends, and innovative artistic techniques to inform and elevate the game's visual design.
• Oversee the production of all concept art assets, ensuring consistency in quality, style, and adherence to project deadlines.
• Participate in art reviews and provide expert feedback on artwork from internal and external artists.
• Troubleshoot and resolve artistic challenges encountered during the development process.
• Contribute to the recruitment and onboarding of new concept artists.
• Stay ahead of industry trends in game art and concept design, advocating for new techniques and tools.

• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional concept art for video games, demonstrating a broad range of styles and subjects.
• 5+ years of experience in concept art for game development, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior role.
• Proficiency in industry-standard digital art software such as Photoshop, Procreate, and potentially 3D software like ZBrush or Blender for sketching.
• Deep understanding of art fundamentals, including composition, colour theory, lighting, perspective, and anatomy.
• Experience in creating detailed character designs, believable environments, and compelling prop concepts.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a creative team in a remote setting.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to adapt to different art styles and project requirements.
• A passion for video games and a keen eye for visual storytelling.

• Assist senior developers in coding and implementing game features using C++ and/or C#.
• Learn and apply game engine technologies, such as Unity or Unreal Engine.
• Participate in debugging and testing game builds to identify and resolve issues.
• Contribute to the development of game mechanics, UI elements, and other game systems.
• Collaborate with artists, designers, and other team members in a remote setting.
• Learn version control systems (e.g., Git) for code management.
• Document code and technical designs.
• Engage in code reviews to learn best practices and improve code quality.
• Assist with the creation of tools and scripts to streamline development processes.
• Actively participate in training sessions and workshops to enhance technical skills.

• A strong passion for video games and a desire to learn game development.
• Basic understanding of programming concepts and logic.
• Familiarity with at least one programming language (e.g., C++, C#, Python) is beneficial.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a keen eye for detail.
• Good communication and teamwork skills, essential for remote collaboration.
• Ability to follow instructions and learn independently.
• A demonstrable portfolio of personal projects (even simple ones) or relevant academic work is a plus.
• A willingness to commit to the full apprenticeship duration and associated learning.
• Ability to manage time effectively and work autonomously in a remote setup.
• Minimum of GCSEs in Maths and English (or equivalent).

• Define and maintain the overall art direction and style guide for game projects.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of 2D and 3D artists, providing constructive feedback and guidance.
• Collaborate closely with game designers, engineers, and producers to translate game concepts into stunning visual experiences.
• Oversee the creation of all visual assets, including character models, environments, props, UI elements, and visual effects.
• Establish and enforce art pipelines, workflows, and best practices to ensure efficiency and quality.
• Conduct art reviews and provide clear, actionable feedback to the art team.
• Manage art asset production schedules and ensure timely delivery of assets.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and new artistic techniques.
• Champion artistic innovation and push creative boundaries.
• Ensure consistency and quality across all visual elements of the game.
• Contribute directly to asset creation when required, demonstrating proficiency in relevant software.

• Proven experience as an Art Lead, Senior Artist, or similar role in the game development industry.
• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional artistic talent in various styles and mediums, including character and environment art.
• Proficiency in industry-standard 3D modeling, texturing, and rendering software (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, ZBrush, Substance Painter, Photoshop).
• Solid understanding of game art pipelines and engine integration (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Deep knowledge of art principles, including composition, color theory, lighting, and anatomy.
• Ability to provide clear and constructive artistic direction.
• Experience with concept art and visual development.
• Passion for video games and a keen eye for detail.
• Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Digital Art, Game Design, or equivalent experience.

• Conceptualize, design, and execute a wide range of visual assets, including characters, environments, props, and UI elements.
• Collaborate with the Art Director and game designers to establish and maintain the game's overall art style and visual direction.
• Create high-quality 2D concept art, illustrations, and mood boards to communicate artistic vision.
• Develop detailed 3D models, textures, and materials using industry-standard software.
• Implement and optimize art assets within the game engine (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine), ensuring performance and visual fidelity.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior artists, offering constructive feedback and fostering artistic growth.
• Maintain a high level of artistic quality and consistency across all visual elements.
• Stay updated on the latest trends and techniques in game art and visual development.
• Participate in art reviews and contribute to problem-solving creative challenges.
• Ensure all artwork adheres to project scope, technical constraints, and deadlines.

• Proven experience as a Visual Artist in the game development industry, with a strong portfolio showcasing exceptional artistic skills.
• Expertise in 2D and 3D art creation techniques, including digital painting, modeling, texturing, and lighting.
• Proficiency in industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Maya, 3ds Max, ZBrush, Substance Painter, etc.
• Experience with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine is essential.
• Strong understanding of art fundamentals, including composition, color theory, anatomy, and perspective.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to articulate artistic ideas clearly.
• Ability to adapt to different art styles and requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote setting.
• A keen eye for detail and a passion for creating visually compelling experiences.
• Experience with motion graphics or animation is a plus.