Lead Game Designer - (Contract) Malaysia

We’re seeking a Lead Game Designer to own the creative heartbeat of our internal Unity project. You’ll lead the design team in defining gameplay systems, player experience, and core mechanics while ensuring vision alignment across departments.

You’ll collaborate with engineering, art, and production to bring bold ideas to life and maintain a healthy design pipeline from prototype to final tuning.  You will initially focus on an internal project but will evolve into a co-development (codev) services role, supporting external partners and projects once the internal phase concludes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a small design team through all phases of development.
• Define and document gameplay systems, mechanics, and player progression.
• Work closely with engineering to prototype and iterate in Unity.
• Balance creativity with production realities, ensuring designs are achievable, fun, and performant.
• Analyze playtest feedback and data to refine gameplay experiences.
• Collaborate across disciplines to maintain a unified creative vision.
• Help develop flexible design processes that can scale across internal and external co-development projects.

Only resumes submitted in English will be considered.

Qualifications

• Experience:
• 5+ years of professional experience in game design (level design, combat design, worldbuilding, narrative design, technical design, or encounter design).
• Demonstrated contribution to at least one shipped title on PC, console, mobile, or VR/AR.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Familiarity with scripting languages, visual scripting tools, or proprietary game design tools.
• Strong understanding of player psychology, game mechanics, pacing, and balance.
• Collaboration and Communication Skills:
• Ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team and integrate feedback into iterative design.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to convey complex design ideas clearly.
• Passion for Game Design:
• Deep knowledge of game design principles, industry trends, and player expectations.
• Enthusiasm for problem-solving and pushing the boundaries of interactive experiences.

Preferred Skills

• Experience working on AAA titles.
• Knowledge of procedural design, emergent gameplay systems, or AI-driven gameplay mechanics.
• Background in narrative design, interactive storytelling, or dialogue systems.
• Experience with multiplayer, live-service, or co-op game design.

Note: Specific requirements may vary depending on project needs.

Please note this is a contract role with the potential for full time conversion with comprehensive benefits.
Side is a global video game development and services provider, offering technical and creative solutions to many of the largest developers and studios around the world. Founded in Japan in 1994, Side has grown to become a global force in the video game industry, with over 40 studios in 15 countries worldwide and offices across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia.  

Our industry-leading services include codev, art production, localization, audio production, quality assurance, localization QA, player support, community management, and datasets.  

Help us bring stories to the world. Join Side's global team of passionate gamers and contribute to top-notch game development. Discover opportunities in Asia, North America, South America, Europe, and beyond.   

Experience our side of life! For more information, visit www.side.inc