Game Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Game Design Director

Company: Zynga (Socialpoint)

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Game Design & Development / Product Management

Date Posted: 2026-02-18

Experience Level: 7+ Years (Mid-Senior to Senior Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in office/week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage the entire design department for the highly successful mobile game "Monster Legends," encompassing Systems Design, Level Design, and UI/UX.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Art, Production) to define and execute the long-term game vision, strategy, and roadmap.

• Drive the execution of game features and updates, setting high standards and leading by example in game design principles and product development.

• Establish clear goals, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and follow up on results to ensure the design department's contribution to sustained business growth and player engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a senior leadership position within the gaming industry, specifically for a mobile game studio (Socialpoint, part of Zynga/Take-Two Interactive). The emphasis is on strategic product direction, team management, and driving measurable business results through game design. The "Game Design Director" title implies a strong focus on creative direction and product strategy, supported by robust analytical and leadership capabilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Product Strategy & Vision: Cooperate with leadership to define and refine the game's overarching vision, strategic direction, and product roadmap for "Monster Legends," aligning with company objectives and market trends.

• Design Department Leadership: Unify, manage, and mentor the design department, including UI/UX Designers, Level Designers, and Game Designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.

• Execution & Quality Assurance: Drive the execution of game features, systems, and content, raising design standards and leading by example through hands-on involvement and mentorship.

• Goal Setting & Performance Management: Establish clear, measurable goals and KPIs for the design department and individual team members, rigorously follow up on results, and actively remove roadblocks to success.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Foster strong working relationships and effective communication with Product Management, Engineering, Art, Production, and Marketing teams to ensure seamless integration and successful delivery of game updates and new features.

• Player Experience Focus: Champion player experience, ensuring that all design decisions contribute to engaging gameplay, long-term retention, and positive player sentiment.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverage player data, analytics, and market research to inform design decisions, identify growth levers, and optimize game performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, people management, and hands-on design oversight. The emphasis on "raising standards leading by example" suggests the need for a candidate who is not only a manager but also a seasoned game design practitioner. The mention of "growing business" indicates a strong focus on monetization and player retention metrics as key outcomes of the design strategy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in Product Management, Game Design, or related positions within the gaming industry.

• Demonstrated success in managing and developing a design or product team that has consistently delivered strong business results over a sustained period.

Required Skills:

• Team Fit: Possess a results-oriented, pragmatic, analytical, humble, ambitious, and people-centric approach.

• Product Strategy: Ability to define and articulate game vision, strategy, and roadmap in collaboration with stakeholders.

• Game Execution & Quality: Deep understanding of game design principles and the ability to lead by example in executing high-quality game features and systems.

• Management & Leadership: Proven experience in leading, mentoring, and developing design teams; ability to set clear goals, track KPIs, and manage performance effectively.

• Analytical Mindset: Strong ability to decompose complex problems, identify opportunities and risks, and pinpoint growth levers using data and logic.

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Expertise in free-to-play mobile game design, particularly in genres relevant to "Monster Legends" (e.g., RPG, strategy, creature collection).

• Experience with live operations, A/B testing, and iterative game design based on player feedback and data.

• Familiarity with game development cycles and agile methodologies.

• Knowledge of backend systems, analytics platforms, and common game development tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Team Fit" criteria are explicitly stated and crucial for this role, emphasizing a blend of drive, humility, and collaborative spirit essential for a senior leadership position within Socialpoint's culture. The requirement for a "proven track record of managing a design or product team that delivered business results in a sustained way" underscores the importance of demonstrable leadership and impact on commercial success.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of Led Projects: Detailed case studies showcasing your leadership in product or design roles, specifically highlighting your contributions to the strategy, execution, and success of games or significant features.

• Team Management Examples: Evidence of how you have managed, mentored, and developed design teams, including examples of setting goals, resolving conflicts, and fostering team growth.

• Strategic Roadmaps & Vision Documents: Examples of strategic documents you've created or contributed to, demonstrating your ability to define game vision, long-term goals, and actionable roadmaps.

• KPI Development & Tracking: Documentation or examples of KPIs you've defined for design teams or game features, and how you've tracked and utilized them to drive performance and improvements.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Optimization: Demonstrate experience in designing and optimizing game development workflows, particularly within the design department, to enhance efficiency and quality.

• Cross-Functional Process Integration: Showcase how you have facilitated collaboration and integrated design processes with other departments like Engineering, Art, and Production to ensure smooth project execution.

• Performance Measurement & Reporting: Examples of how you have established processes for measuring design impact, player engagement, and business outcomes, and how you've reported these findings to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior leadership role like this, a portfolio is less about individual design assets and more about strategic leadership, team management, and demonstrated business impact. Candidates should prepare to discuss their strategic thinking, leadership methodologies, and how they have driven measurable success through their teams and product strategies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Hybrid Working Model: Flexibility to work remotely with a requirement to be in the Barcelona office at least 2 days per week.

• Generous Annual Leave: 25 days of annual leave, plus public holidays.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Private medical insurance for employees and their families.

• Financial Security: Disability and life insurance.

• Technology Allowance: Choice of the latest iOS or Android device (phone or tablet) upon joining.

• Language Learning: Free language lessons in English, Spanish, and Catalan.

• Lifestyle Perks: Spotify Premium subscription.

• Social Engagement: Legendary social events and parties.

• Equity Opportunity: Eligibility for Take-Two Interactive employee stock purchase plan (subject to criteria).

• Professional Development: A dedicated budget for skills training and professional growth.

• Onsite Office Perks:

  • State-of-the-art gym facilities.
  • Complimentary breakfast, lunch, and specialty coffee.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid model. The emphasis is on results and meeting objectives rather than strict adherence to hours, typical for leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for senior game development leadership roles in Spain, factoring in the company's reputation and the comprehensive benefits. The benefits package is extensive, reflecting Socialpoint's commitment to employee well-being and professional development, with unique onsite perks adding significant value.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Interactive Entertainment / Mobile Gaming

Company Size: Zynga is a large global organization (likely 5,000+ employees), with Socialpoint being a significant studio within it, contributing to the broader Take-Two Interactive family. This scale offers stability and resources, while the studio structure allows for a more focused and agile operational environment.

Founded: Zynga was founded in 2007. Socialpoint was founded in 2011. This history indicates established, experienced players within the gaming market.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: The Game Design Director reports directly to the General Manager (GM) of Socialpoint.

• Design Department: Leads a dedicated design department comprising specialists in UI/UX, Level Design, and Game Design.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Works closely with peers in Product Management, Engineering, Art, Production, and Marketing, fostering a highly collaborative and integrated development process.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: A strong emphasis on using player data, analytics, and market insights to inform strategic decisions and optimize game performance.

• Agile Development: Likely operates within an agile or iterative development framework, common in live-service game development, allowing for rapid iteration and adaptation.

• Player-Centric Design: Focus on creating engaging and enjoyable player experiences as the core driver of success.

• Results-Oriented Execution: A pragmatic approach to execution, focused on delivering tangible business results and meeting KPIs.

Company Website: https://www.zynga.com/, https://www.socialpoint.es/

📝 Enhancement Note: Socialpoint's "work and play intertwine seamlessly" and "celebrate diversity" statements point to a vibrant, inclusive, and fun work environment. The integration into Zynga and Take-Two Interactive provides a strong foundation and access to resources, while the studio-specific culture aims for agility and a creative atmosphere.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, representing a Director-level role within the game design hierarchy. It requires strategic thinking, extensive experience, and the ability to manage and influence teams and product direction.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the General Manager (GM), indicating a high level of visibility and direct impact on the studio's strategic decisions.

Operations Impact: The Game Design Director has a direct and significant impact on the success of "Monster Legends," influencing player engagement, retention, monetization, and ultimately, the game's revenue and business growth. This role is pivotal in shaping the player experience and the commercial trajectory of a major title.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Advancement: Potential to move into higher leadership roles within Socialpoint or Zynga, such as Head of Studio, VP of Product, or Executive Producer, overseeing multiple titles or broader product portfolios.

• Cross-Disciplinary Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like product management, business strategy, or live operations through exposure to different functions and strategic initiatives.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Develop strong leadership and management skills by mentoring design teams and contributing to the overall talent development within the organization.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to the broader game design community through internal knowledge sharing, external speaking engagements, or by shaping industry best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within a large, established gaming company. The direct reporting line to the GM and the responsibility for a major title provide significant opportunities for growth, both in terms of responsibility and strategic influence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Socialpoint operates a modern, well-equipped office in Barcelona, designed to foster collaboration and creativity. The environment blends work and play, with onsite amenities supporting employee well-being and productivity.

Office Location(s): Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. The office is specifically mentioned as a hybrid hub, requiring employees to be present at least two days per week.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office is equipped with facilities that encourage interaction and teamwork, essential for cross-functional game development.

• Onsite Amenities: A state-of-the-art gym, free breakfast and lunch, and specialty coffee contribute to a positive and convenient work experience.

• Technology & Tools: Access to the latest technology and development tools necessary for creating high-quality mobile games.

• Social Hubs: Areas designed for informal gatherings and social interaction, reinforcing the "work and play" culture.

Work Schedule:

• A hybrid work model is standard, requiring a minimum of two days per week in the Barcelona office. This offers a balance between focused remote work and collaborative in-office interaction. Standard full-time hours apply, with flexibility expected for a leadership role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on onsite perks like a gym, free meals, and even onsite physiotherapist and hairdresser suggests a company culture that invests heavily in employee well-being and aims to make the office a highly desirable place to work, even within a hybrid model.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, followed by a call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the GM (the hiring manager) focusing on leadership experience, strategic thinking, and team management philosophy.

• Design Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with key members of the design department and/or cross-functional peers (Product, Engineering, Art leads) to evaluate technical/design acumen, collaboration style, and ability to integrate with the existing team.

• Case Study/Presentation: Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a case study or strategic plan related to game design, product strategy, or team leadership for "Monster Legends" or a similar context. This is where portfolio elements would be crucial.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final discussion with senior leadership or HR to confirm cultural alignment and finalize offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Leadership & Strategy: Highlight your role in defining vision, strategy, and roadmaps. Showcase how you've led teams to achieve specific business objectives.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics and data to demonstrate the success of projects you've led. Quantify improvements in player engagement, retention, monetization, or team efficiency.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Present case studies that illustrate how you've tackled complex design or team challenges and what your solutions were.

• Tailor to "Monster Legends": If possible, demonstrate an understanding of "Monster Legends" and its genre. Frame your experience and insights in a way that shows you can contribute to its continued success.

• Prepare for Presentation: If a presentation is required, structure it logically, focusing on storytelling, clear articulation of your contributions, and confident delivery.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your approach to leading design teams, balancing creative vision with business goals, and managing live-service games.

• Prepare examples of how you have driven innovation, improved processes, and fostered a positive team culture.

• Anticipate questions about your understanding of the mobile gaming market, free-to-play mechanics, and player psychology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only technical and strategic capabilities but also leadership style and cultural fit. A strong portfolio demonstrating leadership, strategic impact, and analytical skills will be key to advancing through the stages.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Game Engines: Unity or Unreal Engine (as "Monster Legends" is a mobile game, Unity is highly probable).

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) for UI/UX design.

• Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello for task tracking, workflow management, and documentation.

• Version Control: Git (likely via GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket) for code and asset management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Game Analytics Platforms: GameAnalytics, Firebase Analytics, Amplitude, Adjust, or similar tools for tracking player behavior, engagement, and monetization metrics.

• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or internal BI solutions for deeper data analysis and custom reporting.

• Spreadsheets: Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation and basic analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding customer lifecycle management and player segmentation is key. Experience with marketing automation platforms for player communication may be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a Game Design Director must be proficient with common game development engines, design and prototyping software, project management tools, and most importantly, game analytics platforms. The ability to interpret data from these tools to drive strategic decisions is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Playful Innovation: A core value of bringing fun and creativity into the development process, encouraging novel ideas and engaging gameplay.

• Player-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the player community, prioritizing player experience in all design decisions.

• Data-Driven Excellence: Utilizing analytics and player feedback to inform strategy and ensure that design choices lead to measurable business and engagement outcomes.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where all team members feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work.

• Pragmatism & Ambition: A balanced approach that combines ambitious goals with practical execution, focusing on delivering results efficiently.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Teamwork: Emphasis on seamless collaboration between design, product, engineering, art, and production teams to achieve shared goals.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and direct communication, feedback, and knowledge sharing across all levels and departments.

• Iterative Design: A culture of continuous improvement and iteration, where feedback is actively sought and incorporated into development cycles.

• Shared Ownership: Promoting a sense of collective responsibility for the game's success, where all team members contribute to its vision and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "results-oriented, pragmatic, analytical, humble, ambitious and people-centric" in the candidate requirements directly translates into the desired team culture. This suggests an environment that values both high performance and collaborative, supportive relationships.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Sustaining Live-Service Growth: Continuously evolving "Monster Legends" to maintain player engagement, attract new players, and drive monetization in a highly competitive mobile gaming market.

• Balancing Player Needs with Business Goals: Effectively navigating the inherent tension between delivering player-desired features and implementing monetization strategies that contribute to business growth.

• Leading a Diverse Design Team: Managing and motivating a team with varied specializations (Systems, Level, UI/UX) and experience levels, ensuring alignment and high performance.

• Adapting to Market Trends: Staying ahead of evolving player expectations, technological advancements, and competitor strategies in the rapidly changing mobile gaming landscape.

• Hybrid Work Management: Effectively leading and fostering a cohesive team culture within a hybrid work environment, ensuring consistent communication and collaboration.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership: Opportunities to refine strategic planning, roadmap development, and business acumen by working closely with GM and other senior leaders.

• Advanced Game Design: Exposure to cutting-edge F2P design techniques, analytics, and player psychology through ongoing projects and industry insights.

• Team Development: Enhancing people management, mentorship, and leadership skills through direct team management and participation in leadership development programs.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to attend industry conferences, participate in workshops, and gain insights into broader gaming trends and innovations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges inherent in managing a successful live-service mobile game, offering substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill development at a senior leadership level.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your philosophy on leading a design department for a live-service mobile game. How do you balance creative vision with business objectives?" (Preparation: Focus on your leadership style, data-driven approach, and experience with F2P monetization and retention strategies.)

• "How would you define the long-term vision and strategy for 'Monster Legends' given its current position in the market? What are the key growth levers you would focus on?" (Preparation: Research "Monster Legends" and its genre. Think about market trends, player segmentation, and potential new features or monetization avenues.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Zynga, Socialpoint, and specifically 'Monster Legends'?" (Preparation: Research the company's mission, values, recent news, and the game itself. Connect your passion to their offerings.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive environment within your design team, especially in a hybrid work setting?" (Preparation: Highlight your people-centric approach, experience with team building, and strategies for effective hybrid communication.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: Organize your portfolio around key achievements, focusing on the "What, Why, How, and So What?" for each project.

• Quantify Your Impact: Use clear metrics to demonstrate the business and player impact of your contributions.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in strategy, team management, and decision-making, rather than just individual design tasks.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Present information clearly and concisely, using visuals where appropriate, and be prepared to answer detailed questions about your work.

• Connect to "Monster Legends": Whenever possible, relate your experience and insights back to the specific challenges and opportunities of "Monster Legends."

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, a deep understanding of the mobile F2P market, strong team management skills, and a data-driven, results-oriented mindset, all tailored to the specific context of "Monster Legends."

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Game Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse job board.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature case studies of your leadership in game design strategy, team management, and driving business results. Highlight your experience with live-service mobile games.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 7+ years of experience, management track record, analytical capabilities, and achievements in product/design leadership roles. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your strategic vision, leadership philosophy, and problem-solving approach. Prepare specific examples that showcase your "Team Fit" and ability to drive impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Zynga, Socialpoint, and "Monster Legends." Understand their market position, recent performance, and company values to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment.

⚠️ 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.