Lead Designer - Runescape: Dragonwilds

Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Video Games, GamingIndustries

Requirements

Candidates must have a proven track record as a Lead Designer or similar role on multiplayer, MMO, survival, or combat-centric titles. Demonstrable experience designing for large-scale player systems, progression mechanics, and emergent gameplay is required. High proficiency in Unreal Engine 5, including scripting, prototyping, and collaborative cross-discipline workflows, is essential. A strong grasp of combat design, especially real-time or melee-based mechanics, along with excellent leadership, communication, and cross-discipline alignment skills, is necessary.

Responsibilities

The Lead Designer will define and champion the creative vision for RuneScape: Dragonwilds, leading the design of compelling systems for multiplayer survival, sandbox progression, and persistent evergreen loops. Responsibilities include translating high-level direction into concrete design goals, establishing quality benchmarks through prototyping and data-informed decisions, and managing, mentoring, and growing a multidisciplinary team of designers. The role involves fostering a high-performance culture, conducting feedback and development sessions, serving as a central design voice across departments, and ensuring design direction aligns with product and player goals. The Lead Designer will collaborate with product, analytics, and research teams, be accountable for the full lifecycle of gameplay features, and push for innovation while maintaining feasibility and clarity of scope, including hands-on engagement with Unreal Engine 5 tools and pipelines.

Skills

Game Design

Systems Design

Survival Gameplay

Player-Driven Experiences

Creative Vision

Multiplayer

Sandbox

Progression Systems

Prototyping

Mentoring

Team Leadership

UX Design

Content Design

Combat Design

Jagex

Develops and maintains online multiplayer games

About Jagex

Jagex develops and maintains online games that continuously evolve with new content and updates, known as "living games." Their most famous title is RuneScape, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that attracts a diverse player base, from casual gamers to dedicated enthusiasts. Players can access basic features for free or choose a premium membership for additional content and benefits. Jagex also offers in-game purchases for virtual items and enhancements. What sets Jagex apart from competitors is its strong focus on community engagement and player feedback, which helps improve their games and foster loyalty among players. The company's goal is to create immersive gaming experiences while also supporting mental health initiatives for young people through charitable partnerships.

Cambridge, United KingdomHeadquarters

2001Year Founded

BUYOUTCompany Stage

Social Impact, GamingIndustries

501-1,000Employees

Risks

New survival game development may divert resources from existing projects.

Macarthur Fortune Holding acquisition could lead to strategic shifts alienating players.

Focus on non-Runescape projects might impact RuneScape's quality and support.

Differentiation

Jagex specializes in 'living games' that evolve with continuous updates.

RuneScape, Jagex's flagship game, has a large and dedicated player base.

Jagex emphasizes community engagement and player feedback for game improvements.

Upsides

Increased interest in survival games benefits Jagex's new RuneScape universe game.

Unreal Engine 5 use aligns with trends for high-fidelity graphics and player retention.

Macarthur Fortune Holding acquisition provides resources for expansion and innovation.

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