Gardens Interactive · 1 month ago
Design Manager
Los Angeles, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$170K/yr - $205K/yrGardens Interactive is a game studio focused on creating immersive multiplayer experiences. As a Design Manager, you will lead a team of game designers and collaborate with creative leadership to bring the design vision to life for an unannounced online multiplayer game.
GamingInformation TechnologyOnline Games
No H1B
Responsibilities
Support and guide designers through regular one-on-ones, design reviews, and feedback sessions
Collaborate daily with creative leadership, production, art, and engineering to ensure designers are on track with MS goals and roadmap next steps
Help define priorities, balance team workloads, and maintain sustainable production practices
Review and provide feedback on gameplay features, ensuring they deliver intuitive, rewarding, and emotionally resonant player experiences
Represent the design team in cross-disciplinary discussions, helping to communicate intent and advocate for player-centered solutions
Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team of designers across systems, level, and UI/UX design
Partner with the CCO and creative leads to uphold the game’s overall vision, tone, and player experience
Establish clear design goals, processes, and best practices for the design department
Provide mentorship, performance feedback, and career development opportunities to support each team member’s growth
Help oversee the design pipeline and ensure timely delivery of key design objectives
Collaborate with production to maintain balanced scope and sustainable schedules
Contribute to studio-wide initiatives, hiring efforts, and cross-disciplinary reviews
Advocate for a healthy, inclusive, and collaborative team culture that reflects Gardens’ values
Guide the team through ambiguity and ensure progress on high-value, complex initiatives
Regularly evaluate team health and take action with empathy and authenticity to improve engagement and effectiveness
Qualification
Required
Proven experience managing and mentoring a team of game designers
Deep understanding of game design principles, pipelines, and development processes
Expertise in at least one design discipline (systems, level, combat, etc)
Shipped games successfully (ideally on PC or console)
Strong communication, facilitation, and leadership skills
Preferred
Familiarity with Unreal Engine and modern design tools
Comfort working in a remote, asynchronous environment
Benefits
Stock Options
Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage (100% for Individuals and 90% for Dependents)
Life Insurance, Short Term & Long Term Disability, and numerous other benefits
401k contributions (USA) / RRSP plan + DPSP contributions (Canada)
Paid Parental Leave
Biannual Company Retreats
Continued Education Allowance
Company
Gardens Interactive
Gardens is a new game studio creating rich, novel online worlds to socialize, roleplay, and adventure in with others.
Founded in 2021
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageTotal Funding
$35.8MKey Investors
Transcend Fund
2023-05-31Series A· $31.3M
2021-07-13Seed· $4.5M
Leadership Team
Stephen Bell
Chief Executive Officer & Narrative Director
Recent News
robin-guo.com
2024-04-26
2023-07-21
Company data provided by crunchbase