Systems Game Designer

What is your role?

As a Systems Game Designer at Eleventh Hour Games, you will help define and refine the core gameplay systems that drive Last Epoch’s identity as a deep, rewarding ARPG. You’ll work closely with design, engineering, and analytics to design, balance, and iterate on interconnected gameplay systems,  including progression, loot, combat mechanics, and economy. 

This role requires both creative and analytical thinking. You should be comfortable writing clear, technical documentation, prototyping complex systems, and balancing player experience across varied playstyles. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of loot based ARPGs, familiarity with systems-driven design, and the ability to translate data and player feedback into meaningful design outcomes.


Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and balance core gameplay systems such as loot, progression, economy, and combat mechanics
• Develop and maintain detailed design documentation, feature specs, and system flow diagrams for internal teams
• Collaborate cross-discipline with engineers, artists, and producers to ensure system features are implemented faithfully and on schedule
• Prototype new systems or gameplay features, either through in-engine tools or paper/system design methods
• Analyze gameplay data and player feedback to identify areas of imbalance or opportunity for refinement
• Ensure systems interconnect logically and contribute to a cohesive, long-term player experience
• Work within the design team to establish best practices for system design documentation and iteration
• Maintain balance between depth, accessibility, and player agency across all systems
• Support the creation of internal tools or pipelines that streamline data tuning and content updates

Qualifications:

• 4+ years of experience as a Systems Designer or Game Designer in shipped or live game projects
• Experience designing and balancing loot, progression, and/or economy systems in action or RPG titles
• Knowledge of ARPG mechanics, itemization philosophy, and player-driven build theory
• Analytical and technical skills; comfortable working with data, spreadsheets, and in-engine editors
• Design documentation skills, able to clearly communicate intent, systems flow, and dependencies
• Proficiency in tools such as Unreal Engine, Unity, or equivalent proprietary engines
• Understanding of statistical modeling, balance tuning, and feedback loops
• Collaborative mindset with excellent communication skills in remote team settings

Nice to Have:

• Experience working on live-service or season-based games
• Background in scripting or light programming (Blueprints, Lua, Python, etc.)
• Familiarity with modding communities or iterative game balancing
• Passion for systems-heavy ARPGs such as Diablo, Path of Exile, or Grim Dawn.

Why Eleventh Hour Games?

EHG is a fast growing studio, focused on a passion for top-down action RPGs. We value open communication, close-knit teamwork, and opportunity for ownership and growth! Our mission is to gather and empower the next generation of creators to forge extraordinary games. Extraordinary games build passionate communities, which create passionate people. Passionate people turn into next year's creators. With our breakout title Last Epoch, we are moving fast into the next round of adventure!

• Flexible fully remote working arrangements
• US Employees 90% premium paid for employee, 100% premium paid for dependents health insurance
• US Employees 30% paid premium on Dental and Vision plans
• 35 Paid time off days, received at start of the year
• 401K for U.S. based employees

EHG is an equal opportunity employer. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact [email protected]. Please note, general employment questions cannot be accepted or processed this way.