Principal Gameplay Designer

At Gardens Interactive, we believe that gameplay is the heartbeat of every great game. As a Principal Gameplay Designer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and elevating the core gameplay experience for our unannounced project. This role demands a deeply technical and innovative mind, coupled with the resilience and grit to drive decisions and lead impactful collaborations across teams. You’ll have the opportunity to craft and implement gameplay systems that bring our connected and immersive worlds to life through the universal power of play.A Day In The Life:• Lead the design and implementation of gameplay systems, focusing on player navigation, combat abilities, progression systems, and AI behaviors.• Drive the creation of state-of-the-art gameplay mechanics using scripting and state machines.• Partner with engineering teams to expand and refine proprietary frameworks and tools.• Own the design of complex character and combat gameplay features, ensuring they align with the studio’s creative vision.• Collaborate across disciplines to deliver engaging multiplayer gameplay experiences, including co-op and competitive modes.• Champion the gameplay vision, pushing boundaries through iteration and feedback.• Mentor and guide team members, fostering a culture of learning and growth.Requirements:• 7+ years of experience as a Technical Gameplay Designer, with at least one shipped title.• Deep technical expertise in scripting, state machines, and gameplay systems design.• Proven ability to take ownership of features, drive decisions, and deliver results.• Experience designing multiplayer gameplay systems (co-op or competitive).• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines.• Resilience and grit in the face of challenges, with a proactive approach to problem-solving.• Knowledge of AI behaviors, including behavior trees, perception systems, and EQS.Bonus:• Familiarity with Unreal Engine and the Gameplay Ability System.• Experience with C++ or Blueprints for Unreal Engine.• Understanding of animation systems and/or VFX pipelines.Who We AreWe're a forward-thinking, distributed game studio founded by the creators behind titles like Journey, What Remains of Edith Finch, Blaseball, Dustforce, Ashen, Guild Wars 2, Firewatch, and more! Our name reflects our mission: to cultivate rich, immersive worlds that foster meaningful connections and lasting friendships. We believe in creating lush, living environments where players can engage in surprising multiplayer experiences and grow together with the support of their communities.Our commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and transparency drives us to create a work environment where every voice is heard and valued. As a fully-distributed studio, we support our team in living and working from wherever they choose, offering competitive pay, stock options, flexible non-accrual paid time off, 35-hour work weeks, and comprehensive benefits, including full medical, vision, dental, and 401k contributions.We're excited to be developing our flagship project — a shared 3D fantasy adventure inspired by our favorite online gaming memories. This is the world we’re passionate about building and the world we want to experience every day.Gardens Offers:• Competitive Salaries and Pay Transparency• Stock Options• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage (100% for Individuals and 90% for Dependents)• Life Insurance, Short Term & Long Term Disability, and other numerous benefits• 401k contributions (USA) / RRSP plan + DPSP contributions (Canada)• Paid Parental Leave• Biannual Company Retreats• Continued Education Allowance• A fully-distributed studio. We aspire to support employees living and working where they want.Benefits and perks listed may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Gardens and the country in which you work.Encouragement:We believe that diverse perspectives make our team stronger and our games better. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway. Studies show that marginalized groups, especially those of women and people of color, are less likely to apply unless they meet every criterion. At Gardens Interactive, we value potential, passion, and a willingness to grow. We hope you will join us in shaping the future of gaming.Note:Unfortunately, it has come to our attention that people have been contacted by scammers impersonating Gardens Interactive. Said individuals are offering opportunities with the intent of stealing financial information. Please be advised that our team's correspondence regarding positions (including tests, offers, and interviews) is associated with a gardens.dev email. Don't hesitate to reach out via direct message on LinkedIn or careers@gardens.dev . We will never ask you for your financial information.