Game Product Owner / Game Developer - UX Profi - all genders all ages

Die Karrierearchitekten
Full_time€70k-90k/year (EUR)Vienna, Austria

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Game Product Owner / Game Developer - UX Professional Company: Die Karrierearchitekten Location: Vienna, Austria Job Type: Full-time Category: Game Product Management / Game Development Operations Date Posted: May 23, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

  • Spearhead the strategic vision and hands-on development of premium casino game applications, driving financial success and exceptional player experiences.
  • Act as the "Film Director" for games, translating initial concepts into fully realized, high-quality products by guiding the entire production lifecycle.
  • Focus on optimizing the User Experience (UX) and Player Immersion, ensuring intuitive interfaces, engaging mechanics, and seamless gameplay.
  • Collaborate closely with a diverse, international team of over 60 professionals to implement innovative features and refine game mechanics for peak performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title includes "Game Developer," the description emphasizes the Product Owner role, focusing on defining what needs to be built and ensuring its quality and market success, rather than the deep technical how. The "UX Profi" aspect highlights a critical operational focus on user-centric design and usability as a key driver of product performance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Define and drive the product roadmap for casino games, ensuring alignment with market trends, player needs, and business objectives to achieve financial success.
  • Shape the end-to-end User Experience (UX) and Player Immersion by designing intuitive interfaces, crafting engaging game mechanics, and specifying feature implementations.
  • Lead and oversee the entire game production process, from ideation and concept development through to final polish and release, ensuring quality and adherence to vision.
  • Proactively identify and address performance bottlenecks, such as slow loading times or delayed player interactions, and drive mitigation strategies with the development team.
  • Continuously iterate on game design, mechanics, and features based on player feedback, market analysis, and performance data to achieve optimal player engagement and retention.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a blend of strategic product vision and tactical execution oversight. Responsibilities are geared towards ensuring the commercial viability and user satisfaction of the games, acting as the bridge between market demands and development capabilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • While formal education in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field is beneficial, the emphasis is on practical experience and demonstrated understanding of game development and product management principles.

Experience:

  • Proven track record in product management or game design, with a focus on user-centric product development and optimization.
  • Experience within the gaming industry, particularly in casino or slot game development, is highly advantageous.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage the product lifecycle from concept to launch and iterative improvement.

Required Skills:

  • Game Product Ownership: Ability to define game vision, strategy, and roadmap.
  • User Experience (UX) Design: Expertise in designing intuitive interfaces, user flows, and optimizing player immersion.
  • Game Mechanics & Core Loop Design: Strong understanding of how game mechanics drive engagement and player retention.
  • Feature Specification: Skill in clearly defining and documenting game features and their intended user interactions.
  • Creative & Artistic Vision: Ability to conceptualize and articulate compelling game ideas and aesthetic direction.
  • Team Motivation & Leadership: Capacity to inspire and guide a cross-functional team towards a shared product vision.
  • Market Analysis & Trend Identification: Proactive approach to understanding player needs and emerging industry trends.
  • Decision Making: Strong analytical and intuitive skills to make informed product decisions.
  • Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication for stakeholder management and team collaboration.

Preferred Skills:

  • Formal experience in Game Design.
  • A demonstrable portfolio showcasing successful game productions.
  • Familiarity with agile development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "all genders all ages" aspect suggests a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The emphasis on "knowing WHAT is possible" rather than "HOW" clearly delineates the Product Owner's strategic focus from the technical implementation, making it clear that deep coding skills are not the primary requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Product Vision & Strategy: Showcase examples of how you've defined product vision, identified target markets, and developed strategic roadmaps for games or similar interactive products.
  • User Experience & Design: Present case studies demonstrating your process for user research, defining user flows, designing interfaces (wireframes, mockups), and iterating based on feedback to improve player engagement.
  • Product Lifecycle Management: Include examples of your involvement in the full product lifecycle, from initial concept and feature definition to launch and post-launch optimization.
  • Performance & Optimization: Highlight instances where you've analyzed product performance data (e.g., player retention, engagement metrics, conversion rates) and implemented changes to drive improvements.

Process Documentation:

  • Demonstrate experience in creating clear and concise product requirement documents (PRDs) or feature specifications that guide development teams effectively.
  • Showcase your approach to managing and prioritizing product backlogs, ensuring that development efforts align with strategic goals and user needs.
  • Provide examples of how you've facilitated cross-functional collaboration, ensuring smooth communication between design, development, marketing, and other stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, a portfolio demonstrating a structured approach to product definition, user-centric design, and iterative improvement will be crucial. The focus is on the process and outcomes of product ownership and UX optimization.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: EUR 70,000 - EUR 90,000 per year.

Benefits:

  • Motivated Team: Work alongside a passionate and experienced international team.
  • Attractive Earnings: Competitive salary and potential for performance-based compensation.
  • Flexible Working Hours: Adapt your schedule to better suit your productivity and work-life balance.
  • Hybrid Work Model: Enjoy the flexibility of working 80% from home, with one designated office day per week. The office is also open for those who wish to work there more often.
  • Subsidized Canteen: Access to affordable and quality meals on-site.
  • On-site Fitness Facilities: Utilize a dedicated fitness room and shower facilities.
  • Excellent Public Transport Access: Conveniently located with good connections via public transport.
  • Parking: On-site parking available for those who drive.
  • Complimentary Refreshments: Free fruit basket and drinks provided.
  • Modern Office Environment: Work in a cool, contemporary office space.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a mid-level Product Owner/Game Dev role in Vienna. The benefits package strongly emphasizes work-life balance and employee well-being, with a significant lean towards remote work flexibility. The explicit mention of "Attractive Earnings" suggests potential for bonuses or performance-based incentives beyond the base salary.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Gaming (specifically Premium Casino Game Applications). The company is a leading developer in this niche, known for quality and innovation, creating video slots, casino table games, and 3D titles. Company Size: Over 60 professionals from eight different countries, indicating a medium-sized, international, and diverse team. Founded: The exact founding date isn't provided, but the company is established as a leader in its field, suggesting a history of sustained growth and expertise.

Team Structure:

  • The operations and development team comprises over 60 professionals, suggesting specialized roles within design, development, quality assurance, and product management.
  • The reporting structure likely involves product owners reporting to product leads or heads of product, with close collaboration with game developers, artists, and QA testers.
  • Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, with the Product Owner working intimately with the entire team and external clients to bring game visions to life.

Methodology:

  • The company prioritizes a data-driven approach, encouraging Product Owners to analyze performance metrics and player feedback to inform product decisions and optimizations.
  • Workflow planning is centered around iterative development, with a focus on continuously improving game mechanics, user interfaces, and overall player experience.
  • Automation is implicitly valued through the need to optimize processes like loading times and player interactions, suggesting an environment that embraces efficiency-driven solutions.

Company Website: http://www.karrierearchitekten.at

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "premium casino game applications" and its international team composition suggest a sophisticated, quality-focused, and collaborative work environment. The emphasis on innovation and going "regularly new ways" points to a culture that values forward-thinking and creative problem-solving within the gaming sector.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Game Product Owner / Game Developer with a strong UX focus. It offers the opportunity to take significant ownership of game products and their success from conception to refinement. Reporting Structure: The Product Owner will likely report to a senior product manager, head of product, or potentially a director of gaming operations. They will work collaboratively with a dedicated team of game developers, designers, and QA specialists. Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on the company's revenue and market standing. By ensuring the financial success and high quality of games, the Product Owner directly contributes to customer satisfaction, player retention, and ultimately, the company's profitability within the competitive casino gaming market.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Deepen expertise in casino game mechanics, player psychology, and UX optimization within this specialized vertical.
  • Leadership: Progress to a Senior Product Owner or Lead Product Manager role, overseeing multiple game titles or a larger product portfolio.
  • Cross-functional Development: Gain exposure and potentially transition into related areas like Game Design Director, Head of Product, or even operational management roles within the gaming sector.
  • Skill Enhancement: Continuous learning opportunities driven by industry trends, new technologies, and the company's commitment to innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within the specialized and lucrative casino gaming industry. The emphasis on "financial success" and "perfection" indicates that career progression will be tied to tangible product outcomes and demonstrated expertise in driving game performance.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a modern, cool office environment with amenities designed for employee well-being and productivity, including a fitness room and subsidized canteen. Office Location(s): Vienna, Austria. The office is well-connected by public transport and offers parking. Workspace Context:

  • The workspace is designed to foster collaboration among the diverse, international team, encouraging idea exchange and joint problem-solving.
  • While not explicitly stated, the "hands-on" nature of the role suggests access to necessary design and productivity tools, and potentially game development platforms or testing environments.
  • Opportunities for direct interaction with team members and potentially clients are abundant, supporting a dynamic and engaging work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are offered, with a standard expectation of around 40 hours per week. The hybrid model (80% home office) provides significant autonomy in managing one's workday, balanced with one required day in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a significant aspect of the work environment, offering substantial flexibility. The emphasis on a "cool, modern office" and the provision of amenities like a fitness room suggest a company culture that values employee comfort and a positive atmosphere, which can be conducive to creative operations roles like this.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of your CV and potentially a brief call to assess initial fit and understanding of the role.
  • Technical/Product Discussion: An in-depth conversation focusing on your understanding of game product ownership, UX principles, market dynamics, and your experience with game mechanics and production processes. Be prepared to discuss your approach to defining and optimizing games.
  • Portfolio Review: A crucial stage where you'll present your portfolio, showcasing specific examples of your work, design thinking, and impact on product success. Focus on case studies that highlight your ability to drive financial success and enhance player experience.
  • Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet with team members and assess how your working style and personality align with the company culture and team dynamics.
  • Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall vision, strategic alignment, and salary expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you solved, the solutions you implemented (especially regarding UX and game mechanics), and the measurable results (e.g., increased engagement, improved conversion, positive player feedback). Quantify success wherever possible.
  • Showcase Process: Detail your methodology for user research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration. Demonstrate your understanding of the "why" behind your design choices.
  • Highlight Vision: Present your ability to conceptualize and articulate a clear product vision, and how you guided the team to achieve it.
  • Tailor to Gaming: Emphasize your passion for gaming and specific understanding of the casino gaming market and player behavior.
  • Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and engagingly, being ready to answer detailed questions about your contributions and decision-making.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be prepared for potential hypothetical scenarios or case studies related to game design, UX problem-solving, or product strategy for a casino game.
  • Think about how you would approach optimizing a specific game mechanic or improving a user flow based on limited information.
  • Practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and ability to think strategically and creatively under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "all genders all ages" and "UX Profi" aspects suggest a strong emphasis on inclusivity and user-centricity throughout the interview process. The portfolio is likely the most critical element, demonstrating practical application of product ownership and UX design principles in a gaming context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Product Management/Roadmapping: Tools like Jira, Confluence, Trello, Aha!, or similar for backlog management, sprint planning, and roadmap creation.
  • UX/UI Design & Prototyping: Proficiency with tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, or similar for wireframing, mockups, and interactive prototypes.
  • Analytics & Reporting: Experience with data analysis tools to track player behavior, game performance, and conversion rates. This could include tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, or custom BI solutions.
  • Collaboration & Communication: Standard office suites (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace), and communication platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Familiarity with tools that provide insights into player engagement, retention rates, session lengths, in-game purchasing behavior, and overall game monetization.

CRM & Automation:

  • While not explicitly mentioned for this role, understanding how CRM systems and marketing automation tools might integrate with game platforms for player communication or lifecycle management could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools are not listed, but the role implies a need for proficiency in standard product management, UX design, and data analytics software. The ability to leverage data for game optimization is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Quality & Perfection: A commitment to delivering high-quality, polished game products that meet exacting standards.
  • Innovation & Vision: A drive to explore new ideas, push boundaries, and create unique gaming experiences.
  • User-Centricity: A deep focus on understanding and catering to player needs and preferences to create optimal UX.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing analytics and player feedback to inform product strategy and improvements.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively within a diverse, international team to achieve shared goals.
  • Efficiency & Optimization: A continuous effort to improve game performance, loading times, and player interactions.

Collaboration Style:

  • The company fosters a collaborative environment where the Product Owner works hands-on with the entire team and clients.
  • Expect open communication, active participation in discussions, and a willingness to share feedback and ideas across disciplines.
  • The team is likely to engage in iterative processes, with regular reviews and refinements to ensure the best possible product outcome.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of creative passion for gaming and a disciplined, data-informed approach to product development. The international team composition suggests an appreciation for diverse perspectives and collaborative problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Vision and Execution: Effectively translating creative vision into technically feasible and financially viable game features, ensuring the development team can implement them efficiently.
  • Market Volatility: Navigating the dynamic casino gaming market, adapting to changing player preferences, regulatory shifts, and competitive landscapes.
  • Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and alignment between product vision, design implementation, and technical development across a diverse international team.
  • Performance Optimization: Continuously identifying and resolving technical or UX bottlenecks that impact player experience and retention, requiring a deep understanding of game performance metrics.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Industry Specialization: Become an expert in the nuances of casino game product management and UX design, a highly specialized and lucrative niche.
  • Product Strategy: Develop advanced skills in market analysis, player psychology, and strategic product roadmap development.
  • Team Leadership: Gain experience in leading and motivating cross-functional teams, potentially progressing into management roles.
  • Continuous Learning: Stay abreast of the latest trends in game design, UX, and iGaming technology through internal knowledge sharing and potential external training or conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a significant opportunity to grow within a specialized sector of the gaming industry. The challenges are typical for product leadership roles but are amplified by the focus on user experience and financial performance in a competitive market.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your process for defining the core loop of a new game or feature. How do you ensure it's engaging and drives player retention?" (Focus on your systematic approach, understanding of player psychology, and iterative testing).
  • "How would you handle a situation where a key feature you envisioned is technically too complex or costly to implement within the project timeline? What alternative solutions might you propose?" (Showcase your problem-solving skills, ability to compromise, and focus on achieving the underlying player experience goal).
  • "Imagine a game is experiencing unexpectedly low engagement after launch. What steps would you take to diagnose the problem and propose solutions?" (Emphasize your data analysis skills, user research methods, and iterative improvement strategies).

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What excites you about the casino gaming industry and our specific approach to game development?" (Demonstrate your research into the company and a genuine passion for the sector).
  • "How do you typically collaborate with developers, artists, and QA testers to ensure a cohesive product vision?" (Highlight your communication style, team leadership approach, and ability to foster collaboration).
  • "What does 'user experience' mean to you in the context of a casino game, and how do you measure its success?" (Articulate your user-centric philosophy and your understanding of relevant metrics).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project or by key skill area (e.g., UX Design, Product Strategy, Performance Improvement).
  • Storytelling: For each case study, tell a clear story: the challenge, your role, the actions you took, and the positive results achieved. Use visuals (mockups, flowcharts, data charts) to support your narrative.
  • Quantify Results: Whenever possible, back up your claims with data. Use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work on user engagement, retention, or financial success.
  • Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for gaming and your commitment to creating exceptional user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will heavily assess your understanding of product ownership principles within the gaming context, your UX expertise, and your ability to drive commercial success through player-centric design. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past work that illustrate these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on join.com.
  • Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience in game product ownership, user experience design, and driving financial success in interactive products. Select case studies that best demonstrate your ability to improve player engagement and optimize game mechanics.
  • Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your responsibilities and achievements using keywords from the job description such as "Game Product Owner," "User Experience," "Player Immersion," "Game Mechanics," and "financial success." Quantify your impact with specific metrics where possible.
  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your product vision, design process, and problem-solving methodologies. Be ready to present your portfolio effectively, focusing on the impact of your work and your understanding of the gaming industry.
  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Die Karrierearchitekten and their client's work in the premium casino game application space. Understand their commitment to quality, innovation, and the importance of UX in their product strategy.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

You should have an excellent understanding of the market and player needs, with expertise in optimizing user experience and player immersion. A good grasp of game production processes and a creative personality are essential.