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

📍 Job Overview

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

Company: UserWise Services

Location: Serbia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Game Design / Operations

Date Posted: March 26, 2026

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

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in designing and iterating on mobile game systems, focusing on core loops, progression, and player retention strategies to drive product scalability.

• The position requires a deep understanding of User Experience (UX) and economy design, ensuring engaging player journeys and effective monetization.

• Successful candidates will leverage AI-assisted tools and data analysis to accelerate design cycles and continuously improve gameplay based on player behavior.

• The Senior Game Designer will own the end-to-end design process, from initial concept to live operations, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, production-ready features at high speed.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is game design, the emphasis on "LiveOps," "player retention," "economy design," "monetization systems," and "data analysis" strongly indicates this role operates within a revenue-generating context, requiring a strong understanding of GTM principles and operational efficiency in game development. The "AI-assisted workflows" and "high speed" environment point to a need for process optimization and agile methodologies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, refine, and own core gameplay loops, systems, and features for mobile games, ensuring they align with product goals and market trends.

• Oversee and enhance the player experience across UX, progression systems, and retention mechanics to maximize engagement and lifetime value.

• Develop and optimize game economy design and monetization systems, balancing player satisfaction with revenue generation objectives.

• Translate strategic product goals into clear, concise, and production-ready design specifications for engineering, art, and QA teams.

• Utilize AI-assisted tools and design workflows to rapidly iterate on game mechanics, content, and features, accelerating the development lifecycle.

• Continuously analyze player data and behavior to identify areas for improvement and implement data-driven design adjustments for ongoing LiveOps.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, artists, and QA testers to ensure timely and high-quality feature delivery.

• Contribute to the overall product strategy by identifying opportunities for new features, system enhancements, and monetization strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design and operational execution. "Owning" systems and features, "translating product goals into production-ready designs," and "continuously improve gameplay based on data" emphasize the operational rigor expected. The mention of "AI-assisted tools" suggests a need for adaptability and efficiency in workflow management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, Psychology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 5-10 years of professional experience in game design, with a proven track record of designing and shipping successful mobile games from inception through live operations (casual or hybrid casual genres preferred).

Required Skills:

• Proven experience designing and shipping mobile games from inception to launch and ongoing LiveOps.

• Strong executional understanding of User Experience (UX), core gameplay systems, and player retention strategies.

• Expertise in designing features, progression systems, and LiveOps content.

• Ability to think holistically across the entire product lifecycle and player journey.

• Proficient in deconstructing games to derive actionable learnings and solve complex design problems.

• Comfortable working with quantitative data and adapting designs based on player insights and analytics.

• Demonstrated ability to move fast, take ownership, and drive projects to completion with minimal direction.

• Execution-focused mindset with a strong emphasis on shipping, iterating, and improving.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI-assisted design tools or workflows.

• Deep understanding of free-to-play (F2P) monetization models and best practices.

• Familiarity with game analytics platforms and A/B testing methodologies.

• Experience working on established franchises (e.g., Fruit Ninja, Wordscapes) or similar IPs.

• Passion for mobile gaming and staying current with industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "executional understanding," "moving fast," "taking ownership," and "execution-focused" indicates a need for candidates who can not only design but also implement and manage the operational aspects of game development and live services. The preference for experience with specific franchises suggests a need for candidates who can quickly integrate into existing operational frameworks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate end-to-end ownership of at least one shipped mobile game, showcasing core loop design, system architecture, and progression mechanics.

• Provide detailed case studies of features or systems you designed, emphasizing the problem, your design solution, the implementation process, and quantifiable outcomes (e.g., impact on retention, engagement, or monetization).

• Include examples of your work on LiveOps initiatives, such as event design, content updates, or economy balancing, highlighting how these drove player engagement and revenue.

• Showcase your understanding of UX principles through wireframes, flowcharts, or user journey maps for key game features.

Process Documentation:

• Present clear documentation of your design process, from ideation and concepting to specification and handover to development.

• Illustrate your approach to collaborating with engineering, art, and QA teams, including how you ensure design intent is maintained throughout production.

• Detail your methods for analyzing game data and player feedback to inform design decisions and prioritize LiveOps activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role emphasizing speed and execution, a portfolio that clearly articulates the process of design, iteration, and data-driven improvement is crucial. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate not just the final product, but the efficient methodology used to achieve it, especially in a fast-paced, AI-assisted environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: USD $80,000 - $120,000 per year (market competitive, tax-free USD salary)

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Performance Bonus

• Annual Performance Reviews

• Fully Remote Work Environment

• Opportunities for professional development and growth within a fast-paced, innovative company.

• Contribution to established and scaling mobile game franchises.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate global team collaboration and individual productivity needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "market competitive, tax-free USD salaries" for Serbia is a significant draw. Salary estimation is based on industry benchmarks for Senior Game Designers in similar remote roles with 5-10 years of experience, considering the specialized skills in LiveOps and Systems Design. The tax-free nature significantly increases the net take-home pay.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Mobile Gaming / AI-Assisted Production

Company Size: 50-200 employees (estimated based on typical funding rounds for such ventures)

Founded: UserWise Services is a relatively new entity, likely founded within the last 5 years, focused on a modern, AI-driven approach to game development.

Team Structure:

• The company operates as a lean, agile, and global team, emphasizing speed and ownership.

• The design team is likely integrated within a broader product development structure, working closely with product managers, engineers, artists, and QA.

Methodology:

• AI-driven workflows are central to the company's operational methodology, enabling rapid iteration and content creation.

• A "high-speed" and "low bureaucracy" approach means processes are streamlined for maximum execution and minimal overhead.

• Focus on "outcomes, not process" dictates a results-oriented culture where efficiency and impact are paramount.

• Data analysis and player behavior insights are critical inputs for continuous improvement and LiveOps strategies.

Company Website: https://userwise.io/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's description highlights a non-traditional, highly execution-focused culture. Candidates should be prepared for an environment that values speed, autonomy, and direct impact over rigid processes. The integration of AI suggests a forward-thinking approach to production efficiencies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a Senior position, indicating significant autonomy and responsibility. It sits above junior or mid-level designers and is expected to lead design efforts for specific systems or features, potentially mentoring junior team members.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Game Designer will likely report to a Lead Game Designer, Design Director, or Head of Product, with direct collaboration with engineering leads, art directors, and product managers.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on revenue through the design of monetization systems, economy balancing, and player retention strategies. By improving core loops and player experience, the designer contributes to increased player lifetime value (LTV) and overall product scalability. The efficiency gains from AI-assisted workflows also directly impact production costs and speed to market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like LiveOps strategy, complex system design, or player economy optimization.

• Leadership: Transition into Lead Designer roles, managing a team of designers and overseeing broader design initiatives.

• Product Ownership: Take on more product-level responsibilities, contributing to strategic decision-making and roadmap development.

• Tool Development: Potentially contribute to the development or refinement of AI-assisted tools used by the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "scaling products" and "increasing the number of high-quality bets" suggests that this role is critical to the company's growth strategy. Career progression will likely be tied to the successful scaling of games and the ability to drive operational efficiencies through design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This means candidates will work from their own home office.

Office Location(s): Serbia (for legal and administrative purposes), but the work is performed remotely from anywhere within the country.

Workspace Context:

• A fully remote setup requires self-discipline, strong communication skills, and effective time management.

• Access to reliable internet and a dedicated workspace is essential.

• Collaboration will primarily occur through digital tools (e.g., Slack, Discord, project management software, video conferencing).

• The environment is characterized by "high speed" and "low bureaucracy," encouraging direct communication and rapid decision-making.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is expected, the remote nature allows for some flexibility. However, candidates must be available for meetings and critical development periods that may require synchronous collaboration with a global team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "global team" aspect means candidates should be prepared for potential meetings across different time zones. The emphasis on "high speed" and "low bureaucracy" means the operational environment is designed for efficiency, with minimal red tape to slow down design and development cycles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio for relevant experience in mobile game design, systems, UX, and LiveOps.

2. Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A practical design exercise or a deep dive into the candidate's portfolio to assess design thinking, problem-solving skills, and execution capabilities. This will likely focus on system design, UX flow, or LiveOps strategy.

3. Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion about past experience, design philosophy, understanding of the company's unique operating model (AI-assisted, high-speed), and cultural fit.

4. Cross-Functional Interview: Meeting with potential peers (engineers, artists, product managers) to assess collaboration style and ability to work effectively in a remote, global team.

5. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly state the goals, your role, the challenges, your design solutions, and most importantly, the measurable results (e.g., % increase in retention, % uplift in ARPDAU, reduction in churn).

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design process, especially how you iterate, use data, and collaborate with other disciplines. Demonstrate how you've applied efficiency principles, perhaps even mentioning AI tools if used.

• Focus on Systems & LiveOps: Given the role's requirements, prioritize examples that highlight your expertise in designing complex game systems, economies, and LiveOps features.

• Conciseness & Clarity: Present information clearly and concisely. Use visuals (flowcharts, wireframes, mockups) effectively. Be prepared to walk through your portfolio and explain your decisions and outcomes.

• Demonstrate Speed & Ownership: Select projects that show your ability to deliver quickly and take full ownership of your design responsibilities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to deconstruct a mobile game's systems, UX, or monetization strategy.

• Practice designing a core loop or a progression system from scratch, considering retention and monetization.

• Prepare to discuss how you would approach LiveOps for a given game, including event ideas or balancing adjustments.

• Think about how AI tools can be integrated into a game design workflow to enhance speed and iteration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "high speed," "execution focus," and "AI-assisted workflows" means interviewers will be looking for candidates who can demonstrate not just design skill, but the ability to apply it efficiently and effectively within a dynamic operational environment. Portfolio depth and clear articulation of process and impact are key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Game Engines: Unity (highly probable for mobile games), Unreal Engine (less common for casual/hybrid-casual mobile but possible).

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD for UX/UI design and wireframing; Miro or similar for visual collaboration and flowcharts.

• AI-Assisted Design Tools: Candidates should be prepared to discuss any experience with AI tools for content generation, balancing, or design iteration, or demonstrate a willingness to learn and adopt them.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Game Analytics Platforms: GameAnalytics, Firebase Analytics, DeltaDNA, or proprietary internal tools.

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or in-game dashboards for performance monitoring.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a traditional CRM role, understanding how player data is managed and utilized for engagement and monetization is key.

• Concepts related to marketing automation or in-game messaging systems for LiveOps.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Unity is almost a given for mobile game development. The specific mention of "AI-assisted tools" is a critical differentiator. Candidates should highlight any experience or aptitude for leveraging technology to enhance design efficiency and operational speed.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Execution: A paramount value, focusing on shipping features, iterating quickly, and achieving tangible results.

• Ownership: Taking full responsibility for systems, features, and player experiences from conception to live operations.

• Speed & Agility: Operating with a high velocity, minimizing bureaucracy, and adapting rapidly to new information or market shifts.

• Data-Driven: Utilizing player data and analytics to inform design decisions and optimize game performance.

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

• Collaboration: Working effectively across disciplines and geographies to achieve common goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, but with a focus on efficiency and clear communication. Expect frequent use of digital communication tools and structured feedback sessions.

• Cross-functional integration is key, with designers working hand-in-hand with product, engineering, and QA to ensure seamless execution.

• Openness to feedback and iterative design processes is essential, as the company values continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values ("ownership, clarity, and execution speed," "AI-driven workflows," "low bureaucracy," "outcomes, not process") are directly aligned with operational excellence in a fast-paced environment. Candidates should demonstrate how their working style and values align with these principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Iteration Cycles: The need to design, test, and iterate quickly can be demanding, requiring strong time management and adaptability.

• Balancing Complexity and Speed: Designing intricate systems while maintaining high development speed and ease of iteration is a constant challenge.

• Leveraging AI Effectively: Integrating AI tools into the design process requires learning new workflows and adapting existing methodologies.

• Global Remote Collaboration: Ensuring clear communication and alignment across different time zones and cultural contexts.

• Data Interpretation: Translating complex player data into actionable design improvements requires strong analytical skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Cutting-Edge Technology: Opportunity to work with and master AI-assisted design tools, shaping the future of game production.

• LiveOps Expertise: Develop deep expertise in scaling and managing live mobile games, a highly sought-after skill in the industry.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gain broad experience by working closely with engineering, data science, and product teams.

• Impactful Role: Contribute directly to the success of established and scaling game franchises, seeing the direct impact of your work.

• Agile Methodologies: Refine skills in agile development and rapid iteration within a lean operational framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherently tied to the operational model of the company. Success will depend on a candidate's ability to thrive in a high-autonomy, high-output environment. The growth opportunities are significant for those looking to be at the forefront of modern game development operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you designed a complex game system and how you ensured it was scalable and maintainable for LiveOps." (Focus on process, data, and collaboration)

• "How would you approach designing a new player progression system for a casual mobile game, considering both retention and monetization?" (Showcase system design, UX, and economic thinking)

• "Walk us through your process for analyzing player data and how you use those insights to iterate on game features or LiveOps events." (Highlight data-driven approach and operational improvement)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about UserWise's unique approach to game production and our focus on high speed and AI?" (Show understanding of their operational model)

• "How do you take ownership of your work, and what does 'outcomes, not process' mean to you in a design context?" (Align with company values)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role and approach, the solution you designed, the implementation challenges, and the measurable results.

• Highlight Efficiency: Emphasize how you achieved results quickly, any optimization strategies you employed, and if applicable, how you leveraged tools (including AI) to accelerate your work.

• Focus on Data & Impact: Be ready to discuss the metrics that mattered and how your designs directly contributed to those outcomes.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, the trade-offs you made, and your rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating an understanding of and alignment with UserWise's operational philosophy – speed, ownership, data-driven decisions, and AI integration. Be prepared to articulate your design process with an emphasis on efficiency and measurable impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent game design position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workable link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in mobile game systems design, UX, LiveOps, economy design, and working with data. Use keywords from the job description such as "LiveOps," "Systems Design," "Player Retention," and "AI-Assisted Tools."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your best work, with an emphasis on mobile games, end-to-end ownership, and quantifiable results. Prepare to walk through specific case studies that demonstrate your design process, efficiency, and impact.

• Research UserWise: Understand their mission, their unique operational model (high-speed, AI-driven, low bureaucracy), and their focus on scaling games. This will help you tailor your answers to their specific needs.

• Practice Interview Questions: Rehearse answers to common game design questions, but also prepare to discuss your operational approach, your ability to work autonomously, and your enthusiasm for their innovative methodology.

⚠️ 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.

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