Game Designer (Gameplay & Combat)

Description

The studio is in Brisbane, Queensland, and is the largest game studio in the state, with more than 130 staff across programming, art, design, production, QA, audio, marketing, administration and management.

The studio has shipped several award-winning titles and is building an interactive children's experience based on a well-known Australian property, along with several unannounced projects.

You will focus on gameplay systems and combat, turning high-level ideas from Senior Designers into polished, playable features. The role suits someone who enjoys building in-engine and iterating until the feel is right.

Success means delivering engaging, well-balanced combat and gameplay features, responding constructively to playtesting and feedback, and building well-documented features that match the project's creative and technical goals.

The hiring process starts with a qualification call with the recruitment team, followed by an interview with the Design Director. A third stage is to be confirmed.

Responsibilities

• Help build and refine core combat, tuning attack and defence loops and enemy AI behaviour with feature owners and Senior Designers.
• Assist in designing and implementing gameplay systems across movement, interaction and core loops so they work together.
• Script combat encounters and work with Level Designers to place them in the open world for balanced pacing.
• Prototype features and push design changes into the game using Unreal Engine tools and Blueprints.
• Tune timing, feedback and responsiveness so the action feels precise and satisfying.
• Help balance combat values and systems using playtest data and feedback.
• Work with Animators and Engineers so the mechanics match visual and technical requirements.
• Write clear documentation for the features you build so the team can follow how they work.

Requirements

• 3-6+ years of professional game design experience, with a clear interest in and proven skill in gameplay and combat systems.
• At least one shipped title from a professional studio, or a significant contribution to a major project.
• Strong hands-on experience with Unreal Engine, especially using Blueprints to build and iterate on gameplay features.
• A solid understanding of combat design and gameplay principles such as telegraphing, pacing and player feedback loops.
• Comfort with rapid prototyping and trial-and-error work to find what is fun.
• A proactive team member who takes direction from senior leadership and contributes creative ideas.
• A passion for action-adventure games and a drive to help create a high-quality, polished experience.

Conditions

The role is based at the Brisbane studio.

Applications must include a CV in English.

The company is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements that support work-life balance.
• Subsidised car parking.
• Learning and development opportunities to support career growth.
• An employee referral program with generous bonuses.
• Private health insurance and fitness subsidies.
• Access to mental health and wellbeing support.
• Paid parental leave and childcare assistance.
• A dedicated relaxation space with a massage chair.
• Additional paid leave, including birthday leave, Christmas shutdown leave, volunteer leave and women's health leave.
• Free coffee from a commercial espresso machine, plus daily snacks and a light breakfast.
• Friday social drinks with friendly game tournaments.
• A rooftop terrace with river views and a games room.
• Exclusive company-branded merchandise.