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Principal Game Designer

Who We AreAt Fortis Games we aspire to make great games that bring people together while redefining how game companies work. We believe in building a sense of belonging through our games, their communities, and how we operate and treat each other. Through our game communities, we will create powerful connections and lasting memories. We will foster a culture of diversity, equity and belonging where together our diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds impact the games we make.We are an early but mighty organization with a leadership team of game industry veterans. There are many opportunities for you to have a big impact on the products we'll be making as well as the overall direction of the company. If you're passionate about tackling difficult problems with direct and thoughtful communication and team first mentality, we may be the right place for you.About The RoleThis is a pivotal design role and a crucial partner to the Game Director on one of our R&D game projects. You will play a key role in shaping the game and design vision for a new game concept, from prototyping through production and launch. You will also mentor and nurture the growth of a talented team of game designers, fostering a culture of creativity and excellence.What You'll Achieve• Carry the product vision and guide the team’s major design decisions.• Drive discussion and alignment on the team as the game navigates through complex and ambiguous design challenges.• Architect systems that meet product goals and give us strong conviction in the commercial viability of the game.• Ensure that the team’s design decisions are well-connected to product goals and player motivations, and that these are clearly articulated.• Help build and mentor a highly effective and engaged design team who push themselves and one another to their fullest potential.• Share your knowledge and learnings as an expert on the game’s design, target audience, genre, and opportunity space with the broader product organization beyond the game team, to advance our collective knowledge.What You'll Need To Be Successful• A holistic view of game systems, including the downstream effects of design decisions throughout both the product and player lifecycle, coupled with a strong understanding of fundamental design principles, metagame systems, game economies, and player psychology to design from first principles.• You will demonstrate deep insights and nuanced views on key differentiators, challenges, and opportunities within the game's design space.• Strong ability to connect design decisions with product goals and player motivations, ensuring alignment and coherence in the overall game design.• Ability to partner with designers and product managers, and cross-functional groups including engineering, art, and production.• Ability to synthesize feedback from team members, user playtests, and other validation efforts into product insights and rapidly iterate on designs.• Ability to articulate the nuances of abstract concepts and how they apply to complex, interrelated systems.• A well-structured communication style that allows for clear and effective articulation of design ideas and concepts.• Extensive knowledge of games as a service and live operations – you know what good looks like and can build efficient design processes, workflows, and tooling to enable it.• Enthusiasm for mentoring and elevating the people around you to do their best work.• A natural curiosity and eagerness to learn - we believe this is essential to our ability to stay ahead of the market and value this over years of experience.We expect senior talent to continue being students of their craft and the game spaces they’re working in. You should be educated on the latest trends and have a strong perspective on how they relate to our current and future projects.Why join usThere are many reasons to join us, but here are a few:• We strongly believe we are changing how games studios operate and at the core of what we do is making great games that create a connected community• We're not just about making Games Where You Belong. We're also about building communities where our people belong. That's why Fortis is a thriving environment that celebrates diversity, embraces inclusivity, and fosters growth.• Build and grow with a seasoned team of accomplished talent who have left an impactful mark in their disciplines, both in and out of gamingFortis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

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What You Should Know About Principal Game Designer, Fortis Games

At Fortis Games, we're on a mission to create captivating games that not only entertain but also foster connections within communities. We're looking for a Principal Game Designer to join our dynamic team in the United States. In this pivotal role, you'll partner closely with the Game Director, taking the reins on one of our exciting R&D projects. Your expertise will be essential in shaping the game concept from the initial prototype all the way through to its launch. You'll have the chance to mentor a talented team of designers, nurturing an environment that thrives on creativity and excellence. Your ability to guide major design decisions while keeping the team aligned during complex challenges will be crucial. Moreover, you’ll architect systems that ensure both player engagement and commercial viability. If you’re passionate about crafting immersive experiences and leveraging player psychology to enhance gameplay, this is the perfect opportunity for you. You'll not only be at the forefront of game design but also have a hand in building a culture of diversity and belonging. We want someone who is eager to learn and grow with us. So, if you're ready to make a significant impact and lead through innovation at Fortis Games, let's connect and explore the possibilities together!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Principal Game Designer Role at Fortis Games
What responsibilities does a Principal Game Designer have at Fortis Games?

As a Principal Game Designer at Fortis Games, you will carry the product vision and guide the team's major design decisions. This involves driving discussions to align the team on design challenges, architecting systems that meet product goals, mentoring junior designers, and connecting design decisions to player motivations throughout the game's lifecycle.

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What qualifications are needed for the Principal Game Designer position at Fortis Games?

To be successful as a Principal Game Designer at Fortis Games, candidates should possess a holistic understanding of game systems, strong design principles, and player psychology. Relevant experience, a portfolio showcasing your work, and a passion for mentoring are also essential qualifications.

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How does Fortis Games support diversity and belonging in the workplace for its Principal Game Designer role?

At Fortis Games, we prioritize creating a culture of diversity, equity, and belonging. As a Principal Game Designer, you will be part of a thriving environment that celebrates inclusivity, empowering you to foster an effective design team that values diverse backgrounds and skills.

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What is the company culture like at Fortis Games for a Principal Game Designer?

The culture at Fortis Games is vibrant and focused on community building, creativity, and growth. As a Principal Game Designer, you will work with industry veterans in an engaging environment that encourages exploration of new ideas, collaboration, and mentorship.

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What opportunities for professional growth are available for Principal Game Designers at Fortis Games?

Fortis Games offers numerous opportunities for professional development as a Principal Game Designer. From mentoring junior team members to leading innovative projects, you will have the chance to expand your skill set while contributing to the overall direction of the company and its games.

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Common Interview Questions for Principal Game Designer
How do you approach designing a game from concept to launch?

In answering this question, emphasize your structured approach. Start by discussing your methods for collaborative brainstorming, prototyping, user testing, and iteration. Highlight how you align design with product goals and consider player motivations throughout the process.

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Can you give an example of a complex design challenge you've faced and how you resolved it?

Be prepared to narrate a specific scenario demonstrating your problem-solving skills. Focus on how you approached understanding the challenge, engaged with cross-functional teams, and ultimately delivered a design solution that met both player satisfaction and business objectives.

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What is your understanding of player psychology and how do you incorporate it into your designs?

Demonstrate your knowledge of player psychology by discussing key concepts, such as motivation, engagement, and user feedback. Explain how you've applied these insights in previous designs to create compelling gameplay experiences.

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How do you mentor junior designers in your team?

Highlight your mentoring philosophy and techniques. Discuss how you provide constructive feedback, create opportunities for growth, and foster a collaborative environment where junior designers feel encouraged to express their ideas and learn from feedback.

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Describe a time you had to communicate a difficult design decision to your team.

Share a specific instance and focus on your communication strategy. Explain how you ensured transparency, encouraged team input, and framed the decision in relation to the overall game vision and player experience.

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What role does user feedback play in your design process?

Discuss how you value user feedback as a critical component of the design process. Explain how you gather insights from playtesting and how you iterate on designs based on user experiences, ensuring that player voices shape the final product.

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How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time during a project's development phase?

Illustrate your time management skills by discussing specific tools or frameworks you use. Explain how you prioritize tasks based on project needs, team discussions, and potential impact on the game’s development progress.

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What trends in the gaming industry do you find most exciting, and how do they influence your work?

Express your awareness of current trends like emerging technologies, changes in player behavior, or innovative monetization strategies. Discuss how staying informed on these trends not only influences your designs but also contributes to your team's competitive edge.

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Can you elaborate on your experience with games as a service and live operations?

Share your familiarity with the games as a service model, including your understanding of live operations, player engagement strategies, and how you incorporate systems that support continuous content updates and community interaction within your designs.

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What qualities do you think make a game successful in today's market?

Describe the qualities you've identified as essential for success, such as strong gameplay mechanics, engaging narratives, and community focus. Support your answer with examples from your experience or well-known games that embody these elements.

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Fortis is a video game developer and publisher dedicated to building the best social experiences in games.

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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
December 23, 2024

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