Design Director

The role

The Design Director will translate creative pillars into scalable systemic loops and structural blueprints for the game. You will lead and mentor a design team to ensure the game vision is executed at a AAA standard.

What you will do

• Translate creative themes into gameplay pillars and meta-structures
• Construct a gameplay vision weaving thematic fantasy and narrative into mechanical elements
• Build moment-to-moment gameplay, short-term hooks, and long-term retention loops
• Define direction, intent, and structural boundaries for the design team
• Review and validate all design work for balance and alignment with core vision
• Direct a team of game designers through regular 1-on-1s and performance feedback
• Maintain a structured, collaborative design environment
• Act as the primary design ambassador for Engineering, UI/UX, Audio, and Live Operations

Required qualifications

• Minimum of 6+ years of experience in game design
• At least one shipped major AAA multiplayer title in a Senior, Lead, or Principal role
• Proven experience defining core loops during early conception
• Experience preparing complex systems for live-service stability
• Minimum of 2+ years of direct experience managing, mentoring, and developing game designers
• Innovative and analytical thinker
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Deep experience navigating multiplayer architectural constraints
• Ability to work lightly within a game editor to prototype design ideas

Nice to have

• Working knowledge of Unreal Engine
• A strong passion for gameplay innovation and a keen understanding of evolving trends in the global gaming market

Before you apply

• Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage

About the company

Haven is the team the Design Director will join.