Principal Game Designer

Zynga is looking for an experienced Principal Game Designer to work on one of our new mobile games. This role leads and participates in direct design and creative input on gameplay mechanics and systems design in the game.

• Collaborate with the Creative Director to set the vision for core gameplay and content

• Work closely with other disciplines to design and prototype new gameplay mechanics and features

• Design flexible sheets and models to effectively balance gameplay tuning

• Create and improve tools to make the design pipeline faster and more efficient for the team

• Own your own time: break down your work set deliverables and deadlines that align with the team’s overall timeline

• Be the advocate of good design practices across the studio

• Pitch new ideas to the team run playtests of new content and lead brainstorming sessions

• Analyze real-time feedback and metrics and adjust designs accordingly while maintaining live game balance

• Remain up-to-date with Game Design literature and standard methodologies to be an evangelist for the craft of Game Design

• At least 6 years' relevant experience

• Strong verbal written and interpersonal communication skills

• Expert with level design and gameplay mechanics

• Possesses an extensive knowledge of mobile games particularly in the areas of casual puzzle and/or role-playing games

• Translates direct consumer insights market data and analysis into creative design solutions

• Passionate gamer

• Experience in rapid prototyping on small teams (2 - 10 members) a plus

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $107100 and $158520 USD per Year.

However base pay offered is based on market location and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates such as job-related knowledge skills experience and other objective business considerations.

Subject to those same considerations the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company including: medical dental vision and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company’s discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses. 

What We Do

Zynga was founded in 2007 with the vision that play would become one of the core activities on the Internet. We pioneered social games with the belief that if we could make games simple accessible and social the world would start playing. We are excited that games have grown to become the second most popular activity by time spent even surpassing email. But we have a lot of hard work innovation and growth ahead of us to create a future where social gaming is a daily habit for everyone.