Game Design Manager

Job Summary

A Game Design Manager is responsible for managing a team of tabletop game designers and leading the development of new Office Dog titles, created by freelance game designers. These games will include original franchises and licensed properties from top entertainment brands.  The position will collaborate with Studio leaders in Creative, Production & Marketing, taking new games from an initial concept to market launch.  

What will your role involve

• Manage a team of tabletop game designers. Set project goals, maintain schedules, establish career growth pathways, approve PTO requests and conduct performance reviews. 
• Lead development of Office Dog games. Create development goals, place games with appropriate developers, and keep in regular contact to ensure production deliverables. 
• Ensure final game products are fun, inclusive, in the spirit of the intellectual property involved, and within the scope of the vision and budget of the product.
• Partner with Asmodee Distribution Units.  Supply distribution teams with game prototypes, product overview presentations and answer localization questions. 
• Contribute to Studio selections of new game systems, licenses and freelance game designers & developers. 
• Manage the status and progress of all active, assigned projects to meet deadlines.
• Communicate and deliver project requirements to the Production Manager and Creative Director.
• Lead internal and external playtesting by providing all necessary test components, answering questions, collecting feedback, and analyzing it to improve the balance and usability of the game’s design, rules, and content.
• Provide documentation to other creative departments (Art, Graphic Design, Sculpting, etc.) using defined document specifications to detail what elements are required to support the game design.
• Collaborate with freelance contractors and review their content to ensure deliverables are up to standard and meet project deadlines. 
• Maintain community and product life-cycle awareness for active game lines.
• Develop errata, FAQs, and tournament rules for active game lines.
• Work with Print Production partners to ensure our products are correctly translated and all questions and concerns are addressed in a timely manner. 
• Work with game testing programs to upload game files and coordinate remote playtest sessions. 
• Schedule and host game demo sessions to inform intra-company teams about future releases. 
• All other assignments as required by management.

What do you bring

Position Skills & Qualifications

• Ability to provide game development direction to game designers and developers. 
• Proficiency with Tabletop Simulator and/or other digital game playtesting software.
• Experience playing and appreciation of a broad variety of games categories. 
• A deep understanding of hobby market trends and recent game design innovations.
• Knowledge of top entertainment franchises in the fantasy, sci-fi and horror genres. 
• Ability to teach and demo new game products. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft and/or Google office suites.
• Ability to self-organize and multitask.
• Ability to self-motivate and work independently on projects.
• Detail oriented and dedicated to making great games.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other teams and individuals.

Education/Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in game design, management and/or related experiences.
• Experience managing a team of game designers. 
• Experience collaborating with freelance game designers and developers. 
• Familiarity with the scheduling, deliverables and production of hobby games. 
• At least 3 published game credits on tabletop board, card or RPG games. 

Additional Qualifications

• In addition to the qualifications laid out above, an exceptional candidate will have some of the following qualifications:
  • Experience with Tabletop Simulator prototype creation.  
  • Experience supporting demos and tournaments for industry conventions and trade shows. 
  • Experience using social media on game related topics.
  • Experience with games developed and launched through crowdfunded platforms.
  • Existing relationships with freelance game designers and game developers.

Hesitant to apply because you don’t have all the experience or qualifications listed? Let us decide! The right candidate doesn’t always match up perfectly on paper. We believe that diverse perspectives and experiences bring fresh ideas and innovation to our team. If you’re passionate about this role and believe your unique background and skills could contribute to our mission, we’d love to hear from you! 

Why join us

• 22 Days of PTO Annually 
• 12 Paid Holidays 
• Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance 
• Competitive 401K Match 
• Paid Parental Leave 
• 2 Paid Volunteer Days Off 
• Flexible & Hybrid Schedules 
• Extensive Game Discounts 
• $250 Annually in Game Bucks 
• Career Growth & Development 
• Mental Health Programs 
• Virtual Healthcare Options 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Employee Referral Program 

At Asmodee, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare and 401(k) retirement plans, as well as generous paid time off and hybrid schedules to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide a competitive total rewards and compensation package, with several benefits listed below. 

Actual compensation for this role is based on several factors, including but not limited to job-related skills, qualifications, experience, market conditions and specific work location. Base Salary Range: $75,000-$80,000.