Game Designer (Steam PC)

Soda Game is an AI-driven indie game studio dedicated to Steam. With multiple released titles and Seed funding, our team hails from top tech firms and prestigious universities.

Responsibilities

1. Core Mechanics: Design and iterate core mechanics and systems for Steam-focused AA or Indie titles, ensuring high replayability and "fun factor."

2. System Design & Balancing: Establish robust game systems and balancing models. Create and maintain GDDs (Game Design Documents) that provide clear logic for programmers and artists.

3. Steam Integration: Design features that leverage Steam-specific tools, including Achievements, Trading Cards, Steam Workshop, and community-driven content.

4. Level & Narrative: Design levels, enemy behaviors, and progression paths. For narrative-driven titles, draft world-building elements and mission scripts.

5. Feedback Loop: Monitor player feedback and Steam playtest data to identify pain points and optimize game pacing and difficulty curves.

6. Cross-Discipline Collaboration: Work closely with the engineering and art teams to ensure design visions are implemented accurately within engine constraints.

Requirements

1. Market Insight: Deep understanding of the Global Steam AA and Indie game market and player preferences. Familiar with successful indie mechanics and community trends.

2. Numerical Balancing: Proficient in using Excel, Lark Sheets, or Google Sheets for numerical balancing. Capable of writing scripts to populate data and automating the export process to the game engine.

3. Logical Thinking: Strong analytical skills with the ability to design complex systems without logical loopholes.

4. Engine Skills: Hands-on experience with Unreal Engine. Ability to use engine tools to prototype or tweak game parameters independently.

5. Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Able to explain complex design concepts clearly to both technical and creative team members.

6. Execution: A "get-it-done" attitude. Capable of balancing creative ambition with the practical constraints of a Seed-stage indie studio.

7. Language: Fluent in Chinese and proficient in English (reading/writing) for researching global market trends and communicating within a globalized team.

Bonus Points

• Experience in developing Extraction Shooters and FPS games is highly preferred.

• Experience in developing games for overseas markets is highly preferred.

• Basic scripting knowledge (C#, Lua, or Python) or experience with AI-assisted development tools.

• Prior experience participating in a full development cycle of a Steam title, from Early Access to full release.

• Experience engaging with players on Discord, Reddit, or Steam Forums to gather qualitative feedback.

Flexible hours, top-tier gear. Early members join as partners. Based in Shenzhen (Hybrid). Candidates with HK work authorization are welcome.