Job Description
Lead Game Designer (with Programming Experience)
Company: Alternate Games
Location: Remote-friendly
Type: Contract or Full-Time (flexible)
About Alternate Games
Alternate Games is a game studio by disabled people, for disabled people. We create experimental, narrative-driven games that center lived experience, accessibility, and emotional honesty. Our projects often explore mental health, identity, trauma, and survival through unconventional mechanics and design.
We believe disability is not a limitation—it’s a creative lens.
Our website: https://www.alternategamesonline.com/
The Role
We’re looking for a Lead Game Designer with programming experience to help shape the vision, systems, and moment-to-moment play of our games. This role is both creative and technical: you’ll design core mechanics, prototype systems in code, and collaborate closely with writers, artists, and other designers.
- You’ll have real creative authority and help guide projects from early concept through implementation.Responsibilities
- Lead overall game design vision and ensure cohesion across systems, mechanics, and player experience
- Design and document core gameplay systems, progression, and player interaction
- Prototype and implement gameplay features using code (engine-level or scripting)
- Collaborate with narrative designers to integrate story and mechanics seamlessly
- Work closely with artists and programmers to ensure designs are feasible and accessible
- Iterate on gameplay through testing, feedback, and accessibility considerations
- Help mentor or guide other designers as the team grows Required Qualifications
- Strong experience in game design (professional, indie, or shipped projects)
- Programming or scripting experience (Unity/C#, Godot/GDScript, Unreal/Blueprints or C++, etc.)
- Ability to prototype gameplay ideas independently
- Strong understanding of systems design, player psychology, and iteration
- Comfortable working on small, collaborative teams
- Passion for accessible, inclusive, and narrative-focused games Nice to Have
- Narrative design or writing experience
- Experience with experimental or autobiographical games
- Leadership or mentorship experience
- Lived experience with disability (not required, but deeply valued) Accessibility & Work Culture
- Flexible hours and async-friendly communication
- Remote-first, low-pressure work environment
- Access needs are respected and accommodated without justification
- Clear communication, transparency, and mutual care are core values How to Apply
- Send us:
- A brief introduction
- Your portfolio (games, prototypes, or playable builds encouraged)
- A short note on why Alternate Games resonates with you
Alternate Games is an equal-opportunity studio. We strongly encourage disabled, neurodivergent, chronically ill, and marginalized creators to apply.
E-mail me at [email protected]
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