Design Director

The role

The Design Director will translate creative pillars into systemic gameplay loops. You will own the structural blueprint of the game and lead a design team to execute the vision at a AAA standard.

What you will do

• Translate the vision by partnering with the Creative Director to create gameplay pillars and meta-structures.
• Align fantasy and narrative into cohesive mechanical elements.
• Build robust moment-to-moment gameplay, short-term hooks, and long-term retention loops.
• Define clear direction, intent, and structural boundaries for the design team.
• Review and validate all design work to ensure mechanic solidity and alignment with the core vision.
• Direct a team of game designers from junior to senior levels.
• Conduct regular 1-on-1s and provide actionable performance feedback.
• 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.
• Participation in at least one shipped major AAA multiplayer title in a Senior, Lead, or Principal role.
• 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.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Deep experience with multiplayer architectural constraints including matchmaking, playlist structures, anti-cheat, and progression balancing.
• Ability to work within a game editor to prototype design ideas.

Nice to have

• Working knowledge of Unreal Engine.
• Strong passion for gameplay innovation.
• Keen understanding of evolving trends in the global gaming market.

Before you apply

• Sony Interactive Entertainment conducts background checks at the offer stage.
• Background checks may include criminal background checks for some roles.

About the company

Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is the company behind the PlayStation brand. It is a dynamic technology company and an entertainment leader.