Lead Game Designer

Job Description

Gameloft Sofia is hiring a Lead Game Designer to help evolve and expand one of Gameloft’s most enduring and successful titles: March of Empires, a globally live-operated 4X strategy game.

As a Lead Game Designer, you will not only be a creative force driving gameplay innovations, but also a strategic leader shaping the long-term direction of the product. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, mentor fellow designers, and help refine our design practices to continuously deliver meaningful features for our players.

Your Mission

• Drive the Vision: Define and maintain a compelling long-term design vision for March of Empires, aligned with player engagement and business goals.
• Lead by Example: Manage and mentor the Game Design team, promoting excellence in system design, player progression, PvP balance, and economy.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Partner with producers, product managers, artists, and developers to ensure features are engaging, technically feasible, and scalable.
• Design for Depth: Own the design of meta systems, alliance mechanics, seasonal events by crafting layered experiences for strategic players.
• Document & Communicate: Create high-quality design documents and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Iterate & Improve: Champion a data-informed, agile design approach - iterating based on feedback, telemetry, and player behavior.

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of professional experience in game design, including at least one live-operated mobile or strategy game.
• Deep understanding of 4X mechanics, especially in areas such as city building, alliances, territory control, and long-term player progression and retention.
• Experience leading teams and mentoring other designers.
• Excellent systems thinking and game economy design skills.
• Strong presentation and communication abilities, both verbal and written.
• Passion for strategy games and live game operations.
• Bonus: Familiarity with March of Empires or similar genre leaders (Evony, Whiteout Survival, Star Trek Fleet Command etc.).

To Stand Out

We encourage applicants to download and explore March of Empires before interviews. Be ready to discuss:

• What systems stand out to you?
• What could be improved?

How would you approach designing new long-term features for a mature 4X title?

Additional Information

Why Join Gameloft Universe?

• You want to work in an exceptional industry and create games downloaded by millions of players every day
• You want to be part of a talented and supportive team of pioneers who have a passion for creating video games
• You want to contribute to a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere
• You want to join a global company and meet great people around the world
• You are looking for a fun place to work in the heart of Sofia and excellent transport connections
• You  want to work on a permanent contract with competitive remuneration and benefits package

Our Benefits:

• Additional Health Insurance with excellent coverage, including dental care & dioptric glasses reimbursement
• Flexible working time on hybrid mode with short Friday option
• Food vouchers – 200 lv. per month
• Several options for active lifestyle – both Multisport and Coolfit cards available
• 20 days paid annual leave + 1 birthday day off
• Referral & Baby Bonus
• Modern & Cozy office in Sofia Tower 2 (Mall of Sofia) with a lot of gaming temptations – table tennis, air hockey, PS5, great board games collection, etc.
• Hot beverages at your disposal on daily basis + fresh fruits & snacks on weekly  
• Access to office library, trainings and career development plan
• Active studio life – different events, parties, charity initiatives and more
• Occasional Gifts – celebrate special moments
• Exclusive discount program from retailers, restaurants, tech suppliers and more

If you are interested in our job offer, please send a CV. Applications will be processed in confidentiality.