Progression and Economic Systems Designer

Description

About Us:

Blackbird Interactive is looking for a progression and marketplace designer to build a compelling, over-arching framework for a long tail strategy game with a substantial lifetime.  
 
Blackbird and its team of industry veterans have created the first original Homeworld game in more than a decade. Building on the gameplay and technology they started developing long ago on HARDWARE: Shipbreakers, Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak shipped to critical acclaim including a 90/100 from PC Gamer, 9/10 from Gamespot and 8.8/10 from IGN.  Kotaku called us the "one of the best RTS in years" while Gamespot called us a "Real time strategy masterpiece."  Homeworld: Deserts of Kharak currently has an 80/100 on Metacritic.

Responsibilities:

• Design, prototype, guide and oversee the development of progression and leveling systems through the course of the game.  
• Design, prototype, guide and oversee marketplaces and online content for long tail game development
• Be an advocate for the most compelling and interesting progression systems and their connection with gameplay.
• Architect and own telemetry and remote data analytics
• Work tightly with the design team to understand the vision and experience of gameplay and reinforce it with progression and itemization
• Work with producers to scope, estimate and implement key product features in a timely manner
• Work with engineers to build and iterate on your toolbox for content creation, telemetry and more

Requirements:

• 2 years of experience in games - whether AAA premium console games or interesting free to play titles
• Understands how to design, implement, and refine high quality compulsion loops 
• Extensive knowledge of progression systems in other games, from RPGs to FPSes, from AAA premium to F2P
• Unrelenting drive for quality with the skillset to deliver it
• Passionate about games, our competitve products and interactive experiences in general
• Excellent communication skills - both written and verbal
• Ability to work well with a cross-discipline teams of developers
• Can identify complex problems and communicate simple solutions 
• Work well under deadlines

Bonus:

• Knowledge of strategy and/or RTS games and expected player/user experiences 
• A 4+ year degree in a related field, particularly design, multimedia or computer engineering
• Knowledge of Unity, Unreal Engine, or other game engines 

Compensation:

• Competitive salary
• Extended Health & Dental benefits
• Generous vacation and sick day allowances