Senior Game Designer - Mobile Games (Systems, UX & LiveOps)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Game Designer - Mobile Games (Systems, UX & LiveOps)

Company: UserWise Services

Location: Spain

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Game Design / Live Operations

Date Posted: 2026-03-26

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and refine core gameplay loops, systems, and features for mobile games.

• Own the player experience, encompassing UX, progression, and retention strategies.

• Develop and manage economy design and monetization systems to drive revenue.

• Translate product goals into clear, production-ready design specifications for rapid development.

• Collaborate closely with product, engineering, art, and QA teams to ensure swift feature deployment.

• Leverage AI-assisted tools to accelerate design iteration and content creation.

• Continuously improve gameplay based on data analysis and player behavior insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a Senior Game Designer with a strong focus on Systems, User Experience (UX), and Live Operations (LiveOps) within the mobile gaming sector. The emphasis on AI-assisted workflows and a high-speed, execution-focused environment suggests a need for candidates who are adaptable, data-driven, and comfortable with rapid iteration cycles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design and implementation of complex gameplay systems, ensuring they align with the overall game vision and player engagement goals.

• Architect and iterate on core gameplay loops to maximize player satisfaction, retention, and monetization potential in casual or hybrid-casual mobile games.

• Develop comprehensive player progression frameworks, balancing difficulty curves, reward structures, and long-term engagement objectives.

• Design and manage in-game economies, including virtual currencies, item balancing, and sink/faucet mechanics, to ensure a sustainable and engaging player experience.

• Create and implement monetization strategies, including IAPs, ad integrations, and special offers, optimized for conversion and player value.

• Drive the user experience (UX) design for all game features, ensuring intuitive navigation, clear feedback, and an enjoyable player journey from onboarding to advanced play.

• Produce detailed design documentation, including system specifications, feature breakdowns, and flowcharts, for efficient handoff to development teams.

• Analyze player data, telemetry, and A/B test results to identify areas for improvement and inform design decisions for live-game updates and new features.

• Collaborate with live operations teams to plan and execute in-game events, promotions, and content updates that drive player engagement and revenue.

• Utilize AI-assisted design tools to rapidly prototype, generate content variations, and test design hypotheses, contributing to a high-speed production environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design and analytical execution, crucial for live mobile games. A strong understanding of player psychology, economic balancing, and the ability to translate data insights into actionable design improvements are paramount. The emphasis on speed and ownership indicates a need for self-starters who can manage multiple design facets concurrently.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, Psychology, Economics, or a related field is often preferred for senior roles, demonstrating a foundational understanding of relevant principles.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of professional experience in game design, with a significant portion dedicated to mobile game development, specifically casual or hybrid-casual genres.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience designing and shipping mobile games from inception through launch and into live-operations phases.

• Deep understanding and practical application of UX design principles for intuitive and engaging player experiences.

• Expertise in designing robust gameplay systems, including core loops, progression mechanics, and meta-game features.

• Demonstrated ability to design and balance in-game economies and monetization systems.

• Strong grasp of player retention strategies and the ability to implement features that foster long-term engagement.

• Proficiency in analyzing game data, player behavior, and A/B test results to drive design iteration.

• Experience working with AI-assisted design and content creation tools.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Art, QA).

• A fast-paced, execution-focused mindset with a strong sense of ownership and a bias for action.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) from a design perspective.

• Familiarity with live-ops planning and execution for ongoing game services.

• Experience in designing for global markets, considering cultural nuances.

• Knowledge of analytics platforms and BI tools commonly used in game development.

• Portfolio showcasing successful mobile game design projects with clear metrics on engagement and monetization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level, coupled with the requirement to ship games through live-ops, implies a need for seasoned designers who can navigate the full lifecycle of a mobile game. The emphasis on "execution-focused" and "low bureaucracy" suggests that candidates should be proactive problem-solvers rather than those who require extensive direction.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio demonstrating end-to-end ownership of mobile game systems and features, from concept to live-game iteration.

• Case studies showcasing successful design and implementation of core gameplay loops, progression systems, and in-game economies.

• Examples of UX design work that highlight user-centric thinking and problem-solving for mobile platforms.

• Demonstrations of how data analysis and player feedback were used to iterate on and improve game systems and monetization strategies.

Process Documentation:

• Documentation of your design process for creating and refining complex game systems, detailing your methodology for balancing, iteration, and documentation for production.

• Examples of how you translate product goals and market analysis into actionable design specifications and player-facing features.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your proposed design solution, the implementation process, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., increased retention, ARPDAU, conversion rates).

• Documentation outlining your approach to designing and managing live-ops events and content updates in a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on speed and execution, candidates should be prepared to present a portfolio that not only showcases creative design but also demonstrates a methodical approach to system design, data-driven iteration, and successful product launches. The portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior Game Designer (Systems, UX & LiveOps) with 5-10 years of experience, remotely based in Spain, the estimated salary range is €50,000 - €75,000 annually. This range accounts for the specialized skill set, the senior level, the remote work offering, and the competitive landscape for experienced game designers in Western Europe. Salaries are quoted in USD and are tax-free, which is a significant benefit for international candidates.

Benefits:

• Market competitive, tax-free USD salaries: Offers a significant financial advantage due to the absence of local income tax on the salary amount.

• Paid Time Off: Standard provision for rest and personal time, crucial for maintaining work-life balance in a demanding role.

• Performance Bonus: Opportunity for additional compensation tied to individual and company performance, incentivizing high achievement.

• Annual Performance Reviews: Structured feedback and career progression discussions, providing clarity on performance expectations and growth paths.

Working Hours: The role is based on a standard 40-hour work week. Given the remote and global nature of the team, some flexibility may be expected to accommodate cross-time zone collaboration, but the core expectation is a full-time commitment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "tax-free USD salaries" is a major differentiator and significantly impacts the net compensation. The provided salary range is an estimate based on industry benchmarks for senior game designers in European markets, adjusted for the tax-free structure and the company's global operations. The benefits package is lean but includes high-value financial incentives.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Mobile Game Development & Live Operations. UserWise Services operates within the dynamic and highly competitive mobile gaming market, focusing on leveraging AI and high-speed production methodologies to scale games globally. This industry is characterized by rapid technological advancements, evolving player preferences, and a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making.

Company Size: The input data does not specify company size. However, the description implies a lean, agile, and potentially rapidly growing organization that prioritizes speed and ownership over traditional hierarchical structures. The mention of working across established franchises suggests they are a significant player or a fast-growing startup backed by substantial resources.

Founded: The founding date is not specified. The company's current operations focus on building a "high-speed, AI-assisted game production team" and operating with "ownership, clarity, and execution speed." This indicates a modern, forward-thinking approach to game development.

Team Structure:

• The operations team is likely integrated into a broader game development structure, working in tight-knit, cross-functional pods or squads.

• Reporting structure is expected to be flat and agile, emphasizing direct communication and collaboration rather than rigid hierarchies.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Continuous analysis of player telemetry, A/B testing, and market trends to inform design decisions and optimize live games.

• Agile Development: Employing rapid iteration cycles for design, development, and content creation, with a focus on shipping quickly and learning from player feedback.

• AI-Assisted Workflows: Integrating AI tools into the design and production pipeline to enhance efficiency, speed up iteration, and potentially generate content variations.

• Execution Focus: Prioritizing tangible outcomes and product delivery over strict adherence to predefined processes or bureaucratic procedures.

Company Website: https://userwise.io/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is explicitly defined as high-speed, high-ownership, and low-bureaucracy, with a strong reliance on AI and data. This is a key differentiator and will appeal to experienced professionals who thrive in autonomous, fast-paced environments and are excited by technological innovation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Senior" role, indicating a level of expertise and autonomy beyond mid-level positions. Senior Game Designers are expected to lead complex design initiatives, mentor junior team members, and significantly influence the strategic direction of game systems and player experience. They are key contributors to the product's success and often act as subject matter experts within their domain.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Lead Game Designer, Design Director, or Head of Product, within a structure that emphasizes agile pods. This means close collaboration with peers in engineering, art, and product management, with direct communication lines to leadership.

Operations Impact: The Senior Game Designer's impact is directly tied to the success of the mobile games they work on. This includes driving player engagement, improving retention rates, optimizing monetization strategies, and contributing to the overall revenue growth of the games. Their work directly influences player satisfaction and the long-term viability of the product through effective LiveOps.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like meta-game design, monetization strategy, or live-ops event design.

• Leadership: Transition into Lead Designer or Design Director roles, managing teams and setting design vision for multiple projects.

• Cross-Disciplinary Growth: Develop skills in product management, data analysis, or AI integration within game development.

• Mentorship: Guide and mentor junior game designers, contributing to the growth of the design team.

• Strategic Input: Contribute to high-level game strategy and new product ideation within UserWise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title combined with "ownership" implies that this role is a critical individual contributor position with significant influence, not just an executor. Growth opportunities are likely tied to taking on more complex systems, leading design initiatives, and potentially moving into management or principal design roles within UserWise's unique production model.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This role operates in a completely remote work environment, allowing for flexibility in location within Spain.

Office Location(s): Spain. While fully remote, candidates are required to be based in Spain, likely to comply with employment law and tax regulations. This also suggests a primary timezone focus around Europe/Madrid.

Workspace Context:

• Autonomy & Flexibility: Employees have significant autonomy over their work environment, managing their own schedules to meet deadlines while working from home.

• Digital Collaboration: The primary modes of interaction will be through digital communication tools (e.g., Slack, Discord, video conferencing) and project management software.

• AI-Enhanced Tools: Access to and utilization of AI-assisted tools will be a core part of the daily workflow, supporting design iteration and content creation.

• Fast-Paced Environment: The workspace is characterized by a high-speed, execution-oriented culture, requiring proactive communication and efficient task management.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week. While remote, the expectation is consistent availability and responsiveness during core working hours that align with the European team, with potential flexibility for collaboration across different global time zones as needed for specific projects or team meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Fully Remote" and "Spain" location requirement is specific. While remote, being based in Spain might imply a need to align with European business hours for certain collaborative activities, even if the team is global. The emphasis on AI tools means the workspace is technologically advanced.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by the recruitment team to assess alignment with the core requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your experience, game design philosophy, and understanding of systems, UX, and LiveOps, with a deep dive into your past projects.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a take-home design exercise or present a detailed case study from your portfolio, demonstrating your problem-solving skills, design process, and ability to articulate your rationale and outcomes. This will likely focus on a specific system or live-ops scenario.

• Cross-Functional Team Interview: An interview with peers from engineering, product, or art to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to work within their agile, high-speed environment.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to evaluate cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall potential contribution to UserWise's unique production model.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Ownership: Clearly highlight your specific contributions and the end-to-end ownership you had over systems, features, or economies.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, provide clear metrics related to player engagement, retention, monetization, or efficiency improvements that resulted from your designs.

• Detail Your Process: Explain your design methodology, how you approached problem-solving, iterated based on data, and collaborated with teams.

• Highlight AI Integration: If possible, showcase how you utilized AI tools or how your designs are compatible with AI-assisted workflows.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that directly align with mobile game systems, UX, and LiveOps for casual/hybrid-casual genres.

Challenge Preparation:

• Deconstruct Games: Be prepared to analyze and deconstruct a mobile game (likely casual/hybrid-casual) in terms of its core loops, systems, economy, and monetization.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Think through common challenges in mobile game design, such as improving retention, balancing economies, or designing effective LiveOps events.

• Data Interpretation: Practice interpreting game telemetry and A/B test results to draw actionable insights for design improvements.

• AI Application: Consider how AI tools could be applied to solve specific design problems or enhance iteration speed.

• Concise Communication: Prepare to present your ideas and analyses clearly and concisely, focusing on outcomes and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "high speed" and "execution-focused" means candidates should be prepared for a streamlined interview process and potentially a design challenge that tests their ability to quickly analyze problems and propose efficient, data-informed solutions. A strong portfolio that clearly demonstrates impact and ownership is critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Game Engines: While not explicitly stated, proficiency with Unity or Unreal Engine from a design perspective is highly probable for mobile game development.

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Software for creating wireframes, flowcharts, and system diagrams (e.g., Figma, Miro, Lucidchart, Visio).

• AI-Assisted Design Tools: Specific tools will vary, but familiarity with AI-powered content generation, design iteration, or balancing tools is expected.

• Version Control Systems: Understanding of how designs are managed and versioned within a development pipeline (e.g., Git, Perforce).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Game Analytics Platforms: Experience with platforms like GameAnalytics, Firebase Analytics, Amplitude, or custom in-house analytics solutions for tracking player behavior and game performance.

• Data Visualization Tools: Ability to interpret and potentially create dashboards using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for performance reporting.

• A/B Testing Tools: Familiarity with tools and methodologies for conducting A/B tests on game features, economy, and monetization.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools such as Jira, Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for task management, workflow tracking, and team collaboration.

• Communication Platforms: Essential for a remote, global team, including Slack, Discord, Microsoft Teams, and video conferencing tools like Zoom or Google Meet.

• Documentation Tools: Platforms for collaborative documentation, such as Confluence, Notion, or Google Workspace.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description highlights "AI-assisted tools" and "data analysis." Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with specific analytics platforms and any AI tools they've used in game design or content creation. The tech stack is geared towards efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and remote collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Ownership: Taking full responsibility for owned systems, features, and UX, driving them from conception to successful live operations.

• Execution Focus: Prioritizing shipping, iterating, and improving products over adherence to rigid processes. A bias for action and tangible results.

• Speed & Agility: Operating within a high-speed environment that values rapid iteration, quick decision-making, and fast adaptation to market changes.

• Data-Driven: Utilizing data, player feedback, and analytics to inform design decisions and measure the impact of implemented features.

• Collaboration: Working effectively in cross-functional teams, fostering clear communication and shared goals to achieve collective success.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies, such as AI-assisted workflows, to push the boundaries of game development and production efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Transparent: Communication is expected to be open, honest, and to the point, minimizing bureaucracy and facilitating quick problem-solving.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work hand-in-hand with engineers, artists, product managers, and QA, sharing ownership and insights throughout the development lifecycle.

• Feedback-Oriented: A culture where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged to continuously improve designs, processes, and team dynamics.

• Outcome-Focused: Collaboration is geared towards achieving specific product goals and metrics, ensuring that team efforts are aligned with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values are clearly articulated as centered around speed, ownership, and execution, amplified by AI and data. This is a distinctive culture that requires candidates who are self-motivated, results-oriented, and comfortable with a less traditional, more agile approach to game development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration & High Volume: The primary challenge will be adapting to and thriving in a high-speed production environment that demands rapid iteration on game systems and content.

• Balancing Complexity with Speed: Designing intricate game systems and economies that are both engaging and can be developed and iterated upon quickly.

• Data Interpretation & Action: Effectively translating complex player data and A/B test results into clear, actionable design improvements under tight deadlines.

• AI Integration Learning Curve: Mastering and effectively integrating new AI-assisted tools into established design workflows.

• Global Market Nuances: Designing systems and economies that resonate with diverse global player bases while maintaining a cohesive game experience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Tool Mastery: Becoming proficient in advanced AI-assisted design and content creation tools, staying at the forefront of technological innovation in game development.

• LiveOps Expertise: Deepening knowledge in planning and executing successful live-ops strategies, event design, and community management integration.

• Data Science Fundamentals: Enhancing analytical skills and understanding of data science principles to drive more sophisticated design decisions.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Gaining exposure to product management, engineering pipelines, and art asset creation processes within a fast-paced environment.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers and potentially take on lead roles as the company scales.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly linked to the company's core operating model: speed, AI, and data. Growth is framed around mastering these elements and expanding expertise within the unique UserWise production framework.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex gameplay system you designed for a mobile game. What were the core mechanics, how did you balance it, and what was its impact on player retention or monetization?" (Focus on systems design, balancing, and metrics).

• "Walk me through your process for designing and optimizing a core gameplay loop for a casual mobile game. How did you use player data or A/B tests to iterate?" (Focus on core loops, data-driven design, and iteration).

• "How would you approach designing an in-game economy for a new free-to-play mobile game? What are the key considerations for sustainability and player engagement?" (Focus on economy design, monetization, and player psychology).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to UserWise's AI-assisted, high-speed production model, and how do you see yourself thriving in such an environment?" (Assess cultural fit and understanding of the company's unique approach).

• "How do you prioritize your work and manage your time effectively when working on multiple features or projects simultaneously in a fast-paced setting?" (Assess execution focus and time management).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight Ownership & Impact: For each project presented, clearly outline your specific role, the problems you solved, and the quantifiable results achieved (e.g., % increase in retention, ARPDAU, conversion).

• Showcase Systems Thinking: Present case studies that demonstrate your ability to design interconnected systems, economies, and progression frameworks.

• Demonstrate Data-Driven Iteration: Explain how you used data, player feedback, or A/B tests to iterate on your designs and improve outcomes.

• Explain AI Integration (if applicable): If you have experience with AI tools, be ready to discuss how they were used to enhance your design process or outcomes.

• Concise & Visual: Use clear visuals (screenshots, flowcharts, diagrams) and keep your explanations concise and to the point, focusing on key takeaways and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of mobile game systems, UX, and LiveOps, with a clear emphasis on how you use data and operate effectively in a fast-paced, execution-driven environment. Be ready to discuss your portfolio projects with specific, quantifiable results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the workable.com link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your experience in designing mobile game systems, UX, and LiveOps. Ensure each project clearly details your role, the challenge, your solution, and quantifiable outcomes (engagement, retention, monetization metrics). Tailor your portfolio to highlight your ability to execute in a fast-paced, data-driven environment.

• Optimize Your Resume: Highlight keywords and experiences directly relevant to the job description, such as "Systems Design," "UX," "LiveOps," "Mobile Games," "Economy Design," "Retention," "AI-Assisted Tools," and "Data Analysis." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics where possible.

• Prepare for Case Studies: Anticipate being asked to analyze a game, deconstruct a system, or propose a solution for a live-ops challenge. Practice articulating your thought process, design rationale, and how you would leverage data and AI to achieve results quickly.

• Research UserWise: Understand UserWise's unique approach to game production, their focus on AI, speed, and ownership. Be ready to articulate why this model appeals to you and how your skills and working style align with their culture.

⚠️ 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.