Gardens logo
Gardens

A globally-distributed studio growing online games to foster meaningful and memorable moments between players worldwide.

Technical Gameplay Designer – Player Abilities, Combat

Game EngineerSoftware EngineerFull TimeRemoteJuniorTeam 11-50H1B SponsorCompany SiteLinkedIn

Location

United States

Posted

7 hours ago

Salary

$172.1K - $206.4K / year

Seniority

Junior

Bachelor Degree1 yr expEnglishUnreal Engine

Job Description

Technical Gameplay Designer – Player Abilities, Combat

Gardens

• Work in Unreal Engine, using Blueprints and other tools to design, prototype, and iterate on player abilities. • Implement and maintain gameplay features from early concept through polish in close collaboration with engineering and other technical design partners. • Playtest, tune, and refine abilities that influence combat, traversal, exploration, social interactions, and player expression to support engaging and readable multiplayer experiences. • Align with leadership and management on creative goals and desired outcomes. • Own the design and iteration of player-facing abilities and modifiers tied to weapons, tools, items, armors, and related systems. • Collaborate with cross-disciplinary partners such as engineering, animation, audio, art, and VFX to align abilities with combat, traversal, progression, social goals, and technical constraints. • Balance and tune gameplay features with an understanding of multiplayer dynamics and emergent player and multiplayer behavior. • Advocate for the player experience, ensuring abilities feel intuitive, expressive, and fun over time.

Job Requirements

  • Passion for systemic gameplay and creating meaningful player expression through combinatoric and emergent gameplay mechanics.
  • Senior-level experience designing gameplay mechanics, abilities, or progression features in shipped games.
  • Technical experience working in Unreal Engine, including Blueprint scripting or gameplay systems frameworks.
  • A solid understanding of combat design fundamentals, even if combat has not been your primary specialization.
  • Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design intent and tradeoffs.
  • Thoughtful playtesting and iteration habits, balancing creative goals with system health and player experience.
  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States or Canada. Gardens cannot assist with work authorizations or work visas. The applicant must also be willing to work within North America time zones.

Benefits

  • 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 numerous other benefits
  • 401k contributions (USA) / RRSP plan + DPSP contributions (Canada)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Biannual Company Retreats
  • Continued Education Allowance
  • A fully-distributed studio across North American Timezones (US & Canada)

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