Game Design Director – New 4X Strategy Title
Goodgame Studios is currently developing a new cross-platform 4X strategy game, built upon one of Europe’s most successful and long-standing strategy franchises. We are looking for a Game Design Director to define and shape the core player experience of this title – from gameplay loops to emotional onboarding moments.
You will be the creative architect behind progression systems, core loops, economy balancing, and metagame structures – always aligned with monetization and user lifecycle strategy. Especially in the early game and first-time user experience (FTUE), you will play a decisive role in delivering a product that engages players emotionally and performs in the market.
This is not a people management role. It is a high-impact, hands-on position, designed for an expert who moves fast, thinks clearly, and delivers design solutions with focus and ownership – in close collaboration with Monetization, Product, Tech, and especially Marketing.
YOUR MISSION
Use AI-powered tools and workflows (e.g. GPT, prototyping, system ideation) from day one to increase speed, structure, and creative output
Define and own core gameplay loops, progression systems, and metagame mechanics – with a focus on retention, engagement, and monetization
Build a cinematic and intuitive FTUE that blends gameplay, narrative, and brand identity seamlessly
Create a compelling tutorial experience that onboards efficiently and emotionally
Translate product goals into systemic game design, aligned with monetization and user lifecycle stages
Work pragmatically and delivery-focused – you’re a builder, not a theorist
Use tools like Unity, Confluence, Miro, and Excel fluently – and treat AI as a natural part of your design toolbox
Collaborate closely with Marketing and UA teams to align FTUE and content flow with campaign messaging and conversion goals
Set benchmarks for design documentation, system clarity, and interdisciplinary collaboration
Ensure that the game performs at the level of genre leaders – in both emotional impact and gameplay structure
YOUR BACKSTORY
Proven success as a Lead Game Designer or Game Design Director in F2P mobile or cross-platform titles
Strong expertise in 4X, strategy, or metagame-heavy systems with LiveOps integration
Ability to bridge gameplay mechanics and business objectives with clarity
A hands-on conceptual designer – analytically strong, creatively structured, and fast in execution
You are fluent in AI-supported workflows and treat them as an essential part of your design process
Skilled at collaborating with Monetization, Product, and Marketing functions
No interest in managing people – but high interest in setting standards, building systems, and delivering value
Deep understanding of FTUE design, branded storytelling, tutorial mechanics, and progression funnels
WHY JOIN US?
Take the lead in building a new high-potential 4X title backed by one of Europe’s strongest gaming IPs
Own the core gameplay experience – from concept to launch – without team management responsibilities
Work in a setup that enables clarity, speed, and creative authority
Enjoy remote or hybrid work options, direct strategic visibility, and strong executive support
Shape not just a game – but the long-term experience for a global audience of strategy players
Stillfront
Stillfront Group is one of Europe’s leading game publishers with a strong focus on long-term IP growth. Goodgame Studios is known for successful strategy titles and data-driven game development. In this role, you’ll define the next chapter of a major franchise – from the ground up, with full creative impact.
- Locations
- Hamburg (Borselstraße 20)
- Remote status
- Hybrid
- Studios
- Goodgame Studios
- Employment types
- Permanent
- Employment contracts
- Full time

Hamburg (Borselstraße 20)
A unique career - Join us
About Goodgame Studios
Goodgame Studios is a leading free-to-play, online games development company active on web and mobile platforms. We self-publish our games in-house and have all relevant professions under one roof: Game Development, Quality Assurance, Community Management and Customer Support to Business Development, Marketing, Analytics and Central IT services. These departments work hand in hand to provide quality gaming experiences to over 500 million registered users worldwide.
Goodgame Studios is part of Stillfront. Stillfront is a global gaming company with 1400+ employees. We develop a wide range of digital games that attract over 50 million players each month. From well-established franchises like Supremacy, Big Farm, and BitLife to niche games, we span many different genres, including strategy, simulation, RPG and action, and casual and mash-up games.
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