Lead Game Designer, Co-Development

About Us

YAGER is a computer and video game developer based in Berlin, Germany. Founded in 1999 by five enthusiastic gamers, we combine long-term experience with a resilient and innovative spirit. We are passionate about creating online action games with rich worlds, focused on social emergent gameplay. Our mission is to give players unique moments they can't wait to tell their friends about.

About the Role

Our team is looking for a Lead Game Designer to join us in our office in Berlin, Germany. In this role, you will be responsible for managing and building a talented team of game designers and supporting them in their career trajectory in the company along our co-development business unit. We have a successful track record working on exciting games such as Dune: Awakening and Exoborne. You’ll be part of a leadership team, working with other leads to tackle challenges and ensure YAGER is a successful, great place to work.

Your Mission

• Build and maintain a dynamic, high-performing game design department.
• Represent the design department at the leadership level, addressing challenges, and championing the needs of your team.
• Supervise and support game designers, managing their career progression, resolving conflicts, and conducting regular, meaningful one-on-one meetings.
• Guide designers in enhancing their interpersonal skills, including communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving.
• Promote continuous improvement in design skills through access to internal and external learning resources.
• Foster an environment of ownership, trust, collaboration, and a commitment to craft excellence.
• Work with project leaders to ensure optimal allocation of design resources and empower designers to achieve their best work.

Your Skill Tree

• 6+ years in the game industry with a proven track record as a lead game designer or similar role.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and represent YAGER’s game design discipline within our co-development partnerships.
• Skilled in bridging individual, team, and department goals to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Adept at navigating the inherent tensions in creative projects.
• Passionate about gaming, with a deep understanding of and empathy for our player base and the needs of our co-development projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

Desirable Skills

• Previous experience with AA/AAA games or live games-as-a-service (GaaS) product.
• Strong grasp of modern game development processes.

Ready for the Quest?

We Support You All the Way

• Relocation Packages: We offer relocation packages and budgets, provide temporary accommodation, administrative support, and more.
• Work-Life Balance: We care about your work-life balance with competitive vacation days and core working hours.
• Green Travel: We have a Company Ticket benefit for the public transportation system in Berlin (BVG or DB).
• Pet-Friendly: Bring your best buddy to the office and make new friends.

We Are Passionate About Growth

• Diverse & Creative Team: Over 30 nationalities come together to create thrilling gaming experiences.
• Growth Opportunities: Receive feedback, internal trainings, workshops, and Lunch & Learns.

We Care About Your Well-Being

• Health Matters: We work with various partners to provide you and your loved ones with support for mental & physical health, coaching, and counselling.
• Stay Fit: We offer a gym membership for FitX gyms around Berlin or an E-GYM subscription for more flexibility.
• Yum!: Our equipped kitchen is stocked with beverages and fresh fruits, and we hold regular team events.

Our Commitment to Diversity

At YAGER, we believe that the best gameplay stories are those shaped by other players. We know together is better and we celebrate the uniqueness and strength found in diversity. We know that an aligned and diverse team will outperform the sum of its parts.

Market research shows that some people from less-represented groups in gaming only apply if they meet all the requirements. But we want to encourage everyone to apply, even if they don't think they meet every single requirement. We believe having different perspectives and backgrounds is what helps our teams do their best.

Every hero has a backstory, and we welcome you to share yours with us, and become part of an inclusive team working on creating exhilarating and engaging socially emergent action games. We are committed to creating a safe working environment where a diverse mix of talented people come together to make great games for everyone and to increase diversity and inclusion in the game development industry.

Is This Role Remote, Hybrid or Berlin Based?

This role is preferred to be on a hybrid setting in our Berlin office but can also be 100% remote.