Lead Designer - Freelance - Lively

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer - Freelance

Company: Electric Square (Lively Studio)

Location: Royal Leamington Spa, England, United Kingdom (Remote within EU Time Zones)

Job Type: CONTRACTOR (Freelance)

Category: Game Design Operations / Creative Operations

Date Posted: April 1, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years implied)

Remote Status: Hybrid/Remote (EU Time Zones required)

🚀 Role Summary

• Oversee and ensure the complete quality of game design for assigned titles at Lively, a studio focused on character-driven games.

• Lead, mentor, and empower a team of game designers, fostering their professional development and maximizing their potential.

• Drive clear and effective communication channels between the design team and other development disciplines (art, programming, production, QA).

• Integrate feedback from data analysis, user reviews, and playtesting sessions to iterate and improve game mechanics and player experience.

• Collaborate closely with the Game Director and other leads to align game design with the overarching vision, audience expectations, and commercial objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Lead Designer," the responsibilities clearly indicate a significant operational and leadership component. The role requires managing a team, ensuring quality across a product, and facilitating communication, which aligns with an "Operations" function within the creative/development process. The freelance nature suggests a focus on delivering specific project outcomes with a high degree of autonomy and self-management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Take ultimate ownership of the quality and execution of game design elements across an assigned game title.

• Actively mentor, coach, and develop individual game designers, providing constructive feedback and career guidance.

• Facilitate robust communication within the design team and ensure seamless collaboration with other departments (art, engineering, QA, production).

• Analyze and implement feedback derived from player data, internal reviews, and external playtesting to drive design iterations and enhancements.

• Partner with the Game Director to guarantee the game design effectively delivers the intended player experience and meets commercial goals.

• Cultivate a positive and enthusiastic team environment that translates into enjoyable game development and, consequently, engaging player experiences.

• Contribute to the prototyping of rough feature concepts through basic coding abilities, aiding in rapid iteration and validation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities emphasize both creative leadership and operational management. The role requires not only setting the design direction but also managing the team's output, integrating feedback, and ensuring alignment with broader project goals, which are key operational functions in game development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: No specific degree is mandated, but a strong portfolio and proven experience are paramount.

Experience: Minimum 5-10 years of experience in game design, with a significant portion in a leadership or senior capacity.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in a Lead Designer or equivalent senior leadership role within game development.

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.

• Strong creative problem-solving abilities to address design challenges effectively.

• Broad and deep knowledge across various facets of game design (e.g., mechanics, systems, narrative, UX, level design).

• Proficiency in basic coding for prototyping and rapid feature concept validation.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within a cross-functional team environment.

• A proactive and self-motivated approach to communication, essential for remote and hybrid work arrangements.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior leadership experience on a mobile game title, spanning from early development through to successful launch.

• Deep practical experience with the Unity game engine.

• Specific experience or a strong understanding of racing or karting game genres.

• Exposure to or understanding of game budget management and team staffing considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements highlight a blend of technical game design skills and crucial operational leadership competencies. The emphasis on "broad knowledge of various areas of expertise" and "basic coding ability" suggests a need for a versatile individual who can not only lead but also contribute hands-on when necessary, a common expectation for lead roles in smaller or specialized studios.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing successful game design projects, with a strong emphasis on leadership contributions.

• Detailed case studies demonstrating the process of developing and implementing game mechanics from concept to completion.

• Examples of how player feedback and data analysis were incorporated into design iterations to improve game quality and player engagement.

• Evidence of system design and balancing, particularly within complex game systems.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of workflow design for game design teams, including task allocation, review cycles, and feedback loops.

• Demonstrations of how design processes were optimized for efficiency and quality, especially in a hybrid or remote setting.

• Methodologies used for tracking design progress, managing scope, and ensuring alignment with project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead Designer role, especially a freelance one, the portfolio is critical. It needs to demonstrate not just design talent but also the ability to manage design processes, lead teams, and deliver high-quality results within project constraints. The emphasis on "process" and "system" implies a need to show how the candidate structures their work and manages design outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a freelance role within the UK, and specific salary is not provided, a competitive hourly or project-based rate would be expected. Based on industry benchmarks for Lead Game Designers with 5-10 years of experience in the UK, rates could range from £40 - £70+ per hour, or a project-based equivalent. This can vary significantly based on the project's scope, duration, and the candidate's specific expertise.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Benefits Package (as stated in the job description, though specifics are not detailed for a freelance role, this may refer to benefits provided by a contracting agency or general studio offerings).

• Opportunity to work on character-driven games with a focus on quality and player experience.

• Flexible working arrangements (hybrid or remote within EU time zones).

• Collaborative and supportive studio environment known for valuing difference.

Working Hours: Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected for a freelance role.

📝 Enhancement Note: For freelance roles, benefits information can be ambiguous. The "Comprehensive Benefits Package" might be offered by a third-party contracting service or could be a general statement. It's crucial for candidates to clarify what benefits, if any, are included beyond the direct rate of pay. The salary estimate is based on typical UK freelance rates for experienced game design leads.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Game Development / Interactive Entertainment

Company Size: Electric Square operates as a studio within Keywords Studios, which is a large global entity. Lively is described as a studio within Electric Square, suggesting a medium-sized development team with the backing of a larger corporation. This offers a balance of creative autonomy and corporate support.

Founded: Electric Square was founded in 2011. Keywords Studios was founded in 1998.

Team Structure:

• The design team will likely be a core part of the development structure, reporting through a Game Director or Head of Design.

• The Lead Designer will work closely with leads from other disciplines (Art, Programming, Production, QA) to form a core leadership group for a specific title.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is a key aspect, with feedback from data analysis, reviews, and playtests being integral to the design process.

• Focus on delivering "games full of character," indicating a strong emphasis on thematic depth, emotional resonance, and unique player experiences.

• Collaborative and iterative development approach, valuing input from all disciplines and team members.

Company Website: https://www.electricsquare.com/ (for Electric Square), https://www.keywordsstudios.com/ (for Keywords Studios)

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of Lively's culture emphasizes "difference," "celebration," and "support," positioning it as an inclusive and forward-thinking environment. The "infectious enthusiasm" aspect highlights the importance of passion in game development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within game design, specifically focused on operationalizing the design process for a title. It bridges creative direction with team management and process execution.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Designer will report to a Game Director or a higher-level design lead within the studio. They will, in turn, lead a team of game designers. Collaboration with other discipline leads is a key part of the role.

Operations Impact: The Lead Designer's impact is critical to the success of a game title. By ensuring design quality, fostering team performance, and aligning design with vision and commercial goals, they directly influence player reception, market performance, and ultimately, the revenue generated by the game.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for advancement to Senior Lead Designer, Creative Director, or other senior leadership roles within Electric Square or Keywords Studios.

• Opportunity to gain experience across different game genres and platforms, particularly mobile.

• Development of leadership, mentorship, and cross-functional management skills.

• Exposure to the operational aspects of game development within a large, established organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a freelance role, "growth" is often tied to project scope, complexity, and the opportunity to build a strong portfolio and network. Long-term growth would likely involve transitioning to a permanent role or securing subsequent high-profile freelance contracts.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid model is offered, with an office located in Royal Leamington Spa. The role is also open to fully remote candidates within EU time zones. This indicates a modern, flexible work environment.

Office Location(s): Royal Leamington Spa, England, United Kingdom.

Workspace Context:

• For remote workers, a strong emphasis is placed on proactive communication and self-motivation.

• The hybrid model suggests opportunities for in-person collaboration, team building, and studio culture engagement for those within commuting distance.

• Access to necessary tools and technology for game development, likely including industry-standard software and communication platforms.

Work Schedule: Full-time, flexible within the EU time zone requirement. This allows for adaptation to personal schedules while ensuring availability for team collaboration and critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for "EU time zone" for remote candidates is a key operational constraint, ensuring effective collaboration across distributed teams. The hybrid offering in Leamington Spa suggests a desire to maintain some in-person synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio for relevant experience, leadership skills, and design breadth.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, highlighting key projects, their role, and design decision-making processes. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of leadership and team management.

• Technical/Design Challenges: May include a design exercise or discussion of hypothetical design problems to assess creative problem-solving and technical knowledge (e.g., Unity, basic coding).

• Team/Leadership Interviews: Discussions with Game Director, other discipline leads, and potentially team members to assess collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and leadership approach.

• Cultural Fit Assessment: Evaluation of alignment with Lively's values of embracing difference, enthusiasm, and collaborative spirit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Leadership: Clearly delineate your contributions as a lead versus individual contributor. Highlight instances where you mentored, guided, or improved the output of your team.

• Process Over Product: While finished games are important, emphasize the process you used to achieve design quality. Detail your approach to feedback integration, iteration, and team management.

• Data & Feedback Integration: Provide concrete examples of how you used data analysis, playtesting feedback, or reviews to inform and improve game design decisions.

• Scope & Constraints: If possible, demonstrate how you managed design within specific project constraints (time, budget, technical limitations), especially if you have experience with mobile or freelance projects.

• Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Unity and basic coding for prototyping, perhaps with a small, demonstrable example if feasible.

Challenge Preparation:

• Review core game design principles and common challenges in mobile game development.

• Practice articulating your design philosophy and problem-solving methodology concisely.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would handle common team dynamics or conflicts within a design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "lead role" and "freelance" nature means the interview will likely scrutinize not just design skills but also the ability to hit the ground running, manage oneself, and deliver results with minimal oversight. The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating these capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Game Engine: Unity (highly preferred, deep experience is a plus). Candidates should be comfortable working within Unity's design and prototyping capabilities.

• Prototyping Tools: Basic coding ability (e.g., C# for Unity) is required for prototyping feature concepts. Experience with visual scripting tools might also be relevant.

• Design Software: Proficiency with standard game design documentation tools (e.g., Confluence, Jira, Miro, Visio, or similar) for workflow management and documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience interpreting data from analytics platforms (e.g., GameAnalytics, Unity Analytics, Adjust, Firebase) to inform design decisions.

• Ability to work with reporting dashboards to track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to player engagement and retention.

CRM & Automation: While not directly a CRM role, an understanding of player segmentation and how design choices impact player journeys and retention can be beneficial. Knowledge of tools that support player feedback collection or beta testing management might be relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Unity and basic coding for prototyping points to a hands-on leadership role. Proficiency in these areas is crucial for effective assessment and contribution to the game's development cycle.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Embrace Difference: Actively foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and contribute to richer game design.

• Enthusiasm & Passion: Bring infectious energy and a genuine love for game development to the team, driving motivation and creativity.

• Collaboration: Work seamlessly with all disciplines, valuing cross-functional input and shared ownership of the game's success.

• Quality & Player Focus: Maintain a relentless focus on delivering high-quality, character-driven experiences that resonate with players.

• Continuous Improvement: Be open to feedback, data, and new ideas to constantly refine designs and development processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Open and transparent communication is paramount, especially in a hybrid/remote setting.

• Constructive feedback is actively sought and given, fostering a culture of mutual learning and growth.

• Cross-functional collaboration is expected to be deep and integrated, ensuring all disciplines are aligned with the game's vision and objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "infectious enthusiasm" and "games full of character" suggests a studio that prioritizes passion and creative expression, balanced with a professional approach to development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Remote Leadership: Effectively leading and motivating a design team remotely requires strong communication, trust-building, and proactive engagement strategies.

• Balancing Vision and Feedback: Synthesizing the Game Director's vision with player data and team feedback to make optimal design decisions.

• Scope Management: As a freelance role, managing design scope and deliverables within project timelines and budgets will be critical.

• Technical Integration: Ensuring design concepts are technically feasible and can be effectively implemented within the Unity engine and by the development team.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Gain extensive experience in mobile game development and potentially racing/karting genres.

• Refine leadership, mentorship, and cross-functional management skills in a professional studio environment.

• Deepen expertise in Unity and game design prototyping.

• Contribute to a diverse range of creative projects within a supportive studio culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges for a freelance lead designer often revolve around autonomy, remote collaboration, and the direct impact of their work on project outcomes. The growth opportunities are primarily project-driven and experience-based.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to lead a design team through a significant creative or technical challenge. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and team management).

• "How do you ensure a game design remains aligned with the Game Director's vision while also incorporating player feedback and data analysis?" (Focus on balancing creative direction with operational metrics).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Lively's philosophy of making 'games full of character'?" (Showcase understanding and alignment with company ethos).

• "How do you foster a positive and collaborative team environment, especially when working remotely?" (Demonstrate understanding of remote team dynamics and culture building).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project or by type of contribution (e.g., leadership, system design, prototyping).

• Storytelling: For each key project, tell a story: the challenge, your approach, the execution, and the results. Highlight your specific role and impact.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals, videos, or interactive demos where possible. For design elements, clearly explain the 'why' behind your decisions.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics (player engagement, retention, conversion rates, team efficiency improvements) to demonstrate the impact of your design work.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, technical implementation, and leadership decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design expertise but also the operational capability to lead a team, manage a process, and deliver results in a freelance capacity. Highlighting experience with Unity and mobile development will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this freelance Lead Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workable link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select projects that best showcase your leadership in game design, your understanding of game mechanics and systems, and your experience with Unity. Ensure it clearly highlights your contributions as a lead.

• Tailor Your CV: Emphasize your experience in lead roles, your knowledge of various game design areas, your prototyping skills, and your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your design philosophy, leadership style, and motivation for seeking a freelance role. Practice presenting your portfolio and answering potential interview questions.

• Research Lively & Electric Square: Understand their game portfolio, company culture, and values. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the project.

⚠️ 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.