Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director Company: Epic Games Location: Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil Job Type: Full-time Category: Game Design Leadership / Creative Direction Date Posted: November 13, 2025 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design vision and strategic direction for a significant, multiplatform LEGO gaming experience, influencing core gameplay mechanics and player engagement strategies.
• Lead and mentor a team of designers, fostering a collaborative and ambitious creative environment that champions innovation and high-quality game design principles.
• Drive rapid prototyping cycles to identify and refine core gameplay "fun," integrating live operations methodologies and data-informed design insights for continuous player engagement.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product management, UX/UI design, and community management, to deeply understand player motivations and deliver resonant experiences across diverse audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within game design, focusing on a large-scale, multiplatform project. The emphasis on "broad-reaching multiplatform experience" and "LEGO brand" suggests a focus on mass-market appeal and franchise integration, requiring a blend of creative vision and strategic execution for player retention and monetization within a live services context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define, articulate, and champion the overarching design vision for a broad-reaching, multiplatform LEGO experience, ensuring alignment with company goals and brand integrity.
• Cultivate and manage a high-performing creative team, fostering a positive and ambitious culture that empowers designers, encourages experimentation, and drives design excellence.
• Oversee and guide the iterative design process, from rapid prototyping and core fun discovery to the implementation of long-term engagement mechanics and live operations strategies.
• Partner with Product Management, UX/UI, and Community teams to interpret player data, market trends, and community feedback to inform design decisions and enhance player experience.
• Drive innovation in gameplay mechanics, system design, and player progression to create compelling, long-term engagement loops that resonate with a wide demographic.
• Ensure the technical feasibility and artistic integrity of design features, working closely with engineering and art departments throughout the development lifecycle.
• Champion a player-first approach, deeply understanding player motivations, desires, and behaviors to craft experiences that foster joy and meaningful engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on strategic vision setting ("Own, drive, and collaborate on the design vision") and tactical execution ("Drive fast, iterative prototyping"). The inclusion of "liveops principles and data-informed design" indicates that this role involves managing an ongoing product rather than a one-off release, requiring a strong understanding of player retention and monetization strategies in a live service environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio and demonstrable experience in game design leadership are paramount. A degree in Game Design, Computer Science, Interactive Media, or a related field would be considered advantageous.

Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in game design, with a significant portion spent in leadership roles, shipping multiple titles across various platforms.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record as a hands-on game designer and design leader with extensive experience shipping multiple titles.
• Deep expertise in gameplay invention, system design, and mechanics prototyping.
• Demonstrated ability to define and drive a cohesive design vision for large-scale projects.
• Extensive experience in blending open-ended gameplay with structured engagement and cadence solutions for long-term player retention.
• Strong understanding of player motivations, forms of play, and the psychological impact of goal setting on player behavior.
• A player-focused mindset with a talent for empathizing with diverse player needs and aspirations.
• Technical proficiency in designing and prototyping features to rapidly test and iterate on gameplay concepts.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, capable of nurturing a collaborative and high-performing creative environment.
• Proficiency in working with cross-functional teams, including product, UX/UI, engineering, and community management.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, with a passion for finding creative solutions that enhance player fun and engagement.

Preferred Skills:

• A strong interest in and understanding of the LEGO brand, lifestyle games, and player-first mobile gaming principles.
• Experience with live operations (liveops) models and data-informed design strategies.
• Familiarity with Unreal Engine or similar advanced game development tools.
• Experience designing for broad, multiplatform audiences.
• Knowledge of community engagement strategies and player feedback loops.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "10+ years of experience shipping multiple titles as a hands-on game designer, design leader, and gameplay inventor" strongly suggests this role is for a seasoned professional. The emphasis on "blending open-ended fun with engagement and cadence solutions" and "player-first mobile gaming" points towards a need for expertise in retention mechanics and potentially free-to-play or hybrid monetization models.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a history of successfully shipped titles, with a focus on design leadership and gameplay innovation.
• Detailed case studies demonstrating the ability to define and execute a design vision for complex, multiplatform games.
• Examples of rapid prototyping methodologies and how they were used to iterate on core gameplay loops and identify "fun."
• Demonstrations of how player motivations and data were integrated into design decisions for long-term engagement and retention.
• Evidence of experience in fostering collaborative creative environments and leading design teams.

Process Documentation:

• Documentation of design processes used for iterative prototyping and refinement of core gameplay mechanics.
• Examples of how live operations principles and data-informed design were applied to update and evolve live games.
• Case studies illustrating the collaboration process with product, UX/UI, and community teams to shape player experiences.
• Demonstrations of workflow optimization for design teams to ensure efficient development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Director role, the portfolio is critical. It needs to demonstrate not just individual design talent but also leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex projects and teams. The emphasis on "fast, iterative prototyping" and "data-informed design" means candidates should be prepared to showcase processes that enable quick learning and adaptation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While specific salary ranges are not provided, for a Design Director role at a company like Epic Games in Porto Alegre, Brazil, with 10+ years of experience, a competitive compensation package is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for senior game development leadership in major tech hubs and considering Brazil's cost of living and salary landscape, an estimated annual salary range could be between R$ 300,000 to R$ 600,000 BRL, potentially higher for exceptional candidates with proven success in similar large-scale, multiplatform projects.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: 100% coverage for medical, dental, and life insurance for both employees and dependents.
• Daily Meal Vouchers: A practical benefit to support daily nutrition and dining expenses.
• Commuter Benefits: For onsite employees, assistance with transportation costs to and from the workplace.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, skill enhancement, and potential attendance at industry conferences.
• Creative Work Environment: Access to state-of-the-art tools and a collaborative atmosphere conducive to innovation.

Working Hours: The role is likely based on a standard 40-hour work week, but given the leadership nature and the demands of game development, flexibility and occasional extended hours during critical development phases may be expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation for this role in Porto Alegre, Brazil, requires careful consideration of local market rates for senior tech/gaming positions, the cost of living, and the premium associated with leadership roles at a globally recognized company like Epic Games. The provided estimate is based on general industry knowledge and should be confirmed with the employer. The benefits package is robust, with full coverage for health and dependents being a significant advantage.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Interactive Entertainment, Game Development, Engine Technology. Epic Games is a leader in both game creation (e.g., Fortnite, Gears of War) and foundational technology (Unreal Engine), impacting a wide range of creative industries beyond gaming. Company Size: Over 4,500 employees globally, with 46 studios across 25 countries. This indicates a large, well-established, and globally distributed organization. Founded: Over 25 years ago, signifying a long history of innovation and market presence.

Team Structure:

• The Design team is likely structured with specialized leads for different areas (e.g., systems, level, character, UX/UI) reporting up to a Design Director. This role would be a key leader within the broader game development division.
• Reporting structure would typically involve the Design Director reporting to a higher-level executive such as a VP of Design, Head of Studio, or Game Director.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone of Epic's culture, with designers working closely with engineers, artists, producers, QA, and marketing/community teams on a daily basis.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: A strong emphasis on data-informed design, utilizing player analytics, A/B testing, and market research to guide decision-making and optimize player experience and engagement.
• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Employing agile methodologies and iterative development processes to ensure efficient progress, rapid feedback loops, and adaptability to changing project needs.
• Automation & Efficiency: Leveraging technology and streamlined processes to enhance productivity, reduce manual effort, and allow creative teams to focus on innovation and core design challenges.

Company Website: https://www.epicgames.com/site/en-US/home

📝 Enhancement Note: Epic Games is known for its innovative spirit and a culture that values collaboration and pushing boundaries. The scale of the company means that despite its global presence, it strives to maintain a culture that empowers individuals and teams. The "LEGO experience" suggests a project with significant reach, requiring designers to balance creative freedom with brand consistency and mass-market appeal.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position represents a senior leadership role within the game design discipline. As a Design Director, the individual is responsible for defining the strategic direction of design for a major project, managing a team, and influencing the overall player experience and product success. This level requires a blend of deep creative expertise, strategic thinking, and strong people management skills.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will likely report to a Game Director, VP of Design, or a similar senior executive responsible for the overall product vision and development. They will, in turn, manage a team of Senior Designers, Lead Designers, and individual contributors across various design specializations.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly shaping the core player experience, driving player engagement and retention, and influencing the commercial success of the LEGO experience through compelling gameplay and sustained live operations. Effective design leadership can differentiate the product in a competitive market and build a strong, loyal player base.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Expansion: Potential to move into broader executive design roles, overseeing multiple projects or product lines within Epic Games.
• Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: Opportunities to deepen understanding and influence across other disciplines like product management, live operations strategy, or even engine feature development.
• Mentorship & Team Development: Continued growth in leadership by shaping the careers of emerging and experienced designers within the organization.
• Industry Influence: Becoming a key figure in the game design community, potentially through speaking engagements, internal knowledge sharing, or contributing to industry best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: A Design Director role at Epic Games is a high-impact position. Growth opportunities are likely tied to the success of the project and the individual's ability to lead and innovate. The company's strong position in both game development and engine technology offers diverse paths for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Epic Games typically operates with a hybrid or on-site model to foster collaboration. Given the "On-site" designation and the nature of creative development, the Porto Alegre office is expected to be a collaborative hub. Office Location(s): The primary location is Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This office will serve as the central point for the Design Director and their team.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace will likely be designed to encourage team interaction, with open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and breakout spaces conducive to brainstorming and design reviews.
• Tools and Technology: Access to high-end development hardware, industry-standard design software, and Epic's proprietary tools, including Unreal Engine, will be readily available.
• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for face-to-face collaboration with engineering, art, product, and QA teams will be integral to the daily workflow.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, but the dynamic nature of game development, especially with live operations, may necessitate flexibility. This could include occasional extended hours during critical milestones or for urgent issue resolution, balanced with the company's commitment to employee well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration for a role of this nature, especially in a creative and iterative field like game design. The Porto Alegre office will be the primary environment for this role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will review applications and resumes, focusing on years of experience, leadership roles, and specific game titles shipped.
• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior design lead or executive) to assess leadership philosophy, strategic thinking, and suitability for the role.
• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, detailing their design contributions, leadership impact, and problem-solving approaches on past projects. This is a critical stage.
• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from engineering, product, UX/UI, and potentially other design leads to evaluate collaborative skills and technical understanding.
• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to confirm cultural fit, long-term vision alignment, and overall suitability for the Director position.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Narrative: Organize your portfolio to tell a clear story about your career progression, design philosophy, and leadership journey.
• Highlight Leadership Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your specific role, the challenges you faced, your strategic decisions, and the measurable outcomes of your leadership and design work. Emphasize team management and cross-functional collaboration.
• Showcase Process & Iteration: Include examples of your design process, particularly how you used rapid prototyping, player feedback, and data to iterate and improve gameplay. Detail how you found "core fun."
• Demonstrate Brand Understanding: For this role, explicitly show how you've approached designing for established brands or broad audiences, using the LEGO example as a point of discussion.
• Prepare for Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss the "why" behind your design decisions, your approach to mentorship, and how you foster creative environments.

Challenge Preparation:

• While specific challenges aren't detailed, be prepared for potential scenario-based questions or a hypothetical design problem related to the LEGO experience.
• Practice articulating your design vision, your approach to team leadership, and how you would integrate live operations and data into a design strategy.
• Be ready to discuss your philosophy on fostering creativity, managing constructive conflict within a team, and driving quality in a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for a Design Director. Candidates should prepare to present a curated selection of their best work, emphasizing strategic contributions, leadership achievements, and a deep understanding of player psychology and game design principles relevant to mass-market, live service games.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Unreal Engine: Deep familiarity is expected, as it's Epic's flagship engine and a core tool for many of their projects. Understanding its capabilities for prototyping and feature implementation is key.
• Prototyping Software: Experience with tools for rapid prototyping of gameplay mechanics, potentially including visual scripting (e.g., Unreal Engine Blueprints), or even custom internal tools.
• Design Documentation Tools: Proficiency with tools for creating and managing design documents, flowcharts, and specifications (e.g., Confluence, Jira, Miro, Visio, Lucidchart).
• Version Control Systems: Understanding of systems like Perforce or Git for managing game assets and code.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Game Analytics Platforms: Experience with platforms like GameAnalytics, DeltaDNA, or internal analytics solutions to track player behavior, engagement metrics, and identify trends.
• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools for creating dashboards and reports (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Looker) to communicate insights from player data.
• A/B Testing Frameworks: Understanding of how to design and interpret A/B tests for features, monetization, or engagement mechanics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not traditional CRM, understanding how player data is managed and utilized within a live game context is crucial. This includes player profiles, progression tracking, and in-game economy systems.
• Live Ops Management Tools: Familiarity with systems used to manage in-game events, content updates, and player communication for live service games.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Director, the emphasis is less on deep technical proficiency with every tool and more on understanding how these tools are leveraged by their team and integrated into the overall development and live operations pipeline. A strong understanding of Unreal Engine and game analytics is particularly important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-First: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the player, ensuring experiences are fun, engaging, and respectful of player time and investment.
• Innovation & Pushing Boundaries: A drive to constantly explore new ideas, technologies, and design approaches to create groundbreaking interactive entertainment.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing collective effort, open communication, and mutual support among team members to achieve shared goals.
• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A dedication to high quality in all aspects of design, from core mechanics to detailed polish, striving for the highest standards of execution.
• Data-Informed Decision Making: Utilizing data and player insights to guide design choices, but balancing it with creative vision and intuition.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with engineering, art, product management, QA, and community teams is paramount. This involves clear communication, shared understanding of goals, and iterative feedback loops.
• Design Review Culture: Regular and constructive design reviews, where team members provide and receive feedback openly to improve the quality of the game experience.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging an environment where best practices, lessons learned, and innovative ideas are shared freely across the design team and with other disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Epic Games' culture is characterized by a passion for creation, a strong sense of community (both internal and external), and a drive for technological advancement. For a Design Director, embodying these values and fostering them within their team is crucial for success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand and Innovation: Effectively merging the iconic LEGO brand identity with fresh, innovative gameplay that appeals to a broad, multiplatform audience without alienating existing fans.
• Live Operations Complexity: Managing the ongoing evolution of a live game, balancing new content creation with player retention strategies, monetization, and community management demands.
• Cross-Cultural Design: Designing experiences that resonate globally across diverse cultural contexts and player expectations.
• Leading Through Ambiguity: Navigating the inherent uncertainties of game development, particularly in early prototyping and ideation phases, while maintaining team morale and focus.
• Technical Integration: Ensuring design vision is effectively translated and implemented within the technical constraints and capabilities of Unreal Engine and target platforms.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Growth: Opportunities to expand strategic oversight and potentially manage larger design departments or multiple projects.
• Unreal Engine Mastery: Deepening expertise in Unreal Engine's capabilities for cutting-edge game development and interactive experiences.
• Live Services Expertise: Becoming a leader in the rapidly evolving field of live operations and player engagement for persistent online games.
• Industry Networking: Engaging with the broader game development community through conferences, events, and internal Epic Games initiatives.
• Mentorship: Developing leadership skills by mentoring junior and senior designers, shaping the next generation of talent at Epic.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in large-scale, live-service game development. The growth opportunities are significant, reflecting Epic's position as a leader in the industry and its commitment to developing its talent.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your philosophy on driving a design vision for a major IP like LEGO. How do you balance brand fidelity with creative innovation?" (Focus on your strategic approach, understanding of brand, and ability to innovate.)
• "How would you structure a design team to effectively prototype and iterate on core gameplay for a multiplatform experience, and how would you integrate live operations principles from day one?" (Highlight your team management style, prototyping methodologies, and liveops understanding.)
• "Walk us through a time you used player data or community feedback to significantly alter a game's design. What was the challenge, your approach, and the outcome?" (Prepare a detailed case study demonstrating data-informed decision-making and player empathy.)
• "How do you foster a collaborative and ambitious creative environment that pushes design quality while managing diverse personalities and skill sets?" (Focus on your leadership style, conflict resolution, and team motivation strategies.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Epic Games and this specific opportunity with the LEGO experience?" (Show genuine interest in the company, its technology, and the project.)
• "How do you see your design leadership style aligning with Epic's culture of innovation and collaboration?" (Connect your values and approach to Epic's stated culture.)
• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities between different stakeholders (e.g., product, marketing, engineering) on a design project." (Demonstrate your ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate ruthlessly: Select 3-4 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate leadership, strategic vision, and successful outcomes.
• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the problem you solved, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable results (player engagement, retention, critical reception, commercial success).
• Tell a Story: Weave a narrative that highlights your growth as a designer and leader over time.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, videos, concept art, flowcharts) to illustrate your points. For this role, be prepared to discuss your approach to finding "fun" through prototyping.
• Anticipate Questions: Be ready to defend your design choices, discuss alternative approaches, and elaborate on your leadership process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for a Design Director role at a company like Epic Games requires demonstrating not only creative talent but also strategic thinking, strong leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of player motivations and live service operations. The portfolio presentation is a critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the Epic Games careers portal link: https://epicgames.com/careers/jobs/5705425004?gh_jid=5705425004
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select and refine your most impactful design leadership projects. Focus on demonstrating your ability to define vision, lead teams, prototype rapidly, and drive player engagement for large-scale, multiplatform games. Ensure clear articulation of your role, challenges, solutions, and measurable outcomes.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Design Director," "gameplay invention," "multiplatform experience," "liveops," "data-informed design," "player empathy," and "team leadership." Quantify achievements wherever possible.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design philosophy, leadership style, and approach to problem-solving. Be ready to discuss your passion for the LEGO brand and your understanding of player motivations in this context.
• Research Epic Games: Understand their current projects, their history with Unreal Engine, and their company culture. Familiarize yourself with their approach to game development and live services.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.