UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer

Company: Xbox Media Solutions (Formerly Activision Blizzard Media)

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Game Design / User Experience Operations

Date Posted: May 05, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 Years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the UX design of core gameplay features for the globally popular Candy Crush Saga, focusing on the gameboard experience.

• Craft delightful and engaging player journeys by translating player needs and business goals into intuitive, user-centered designs.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including Game Designers, Engineers, Researchers, Artists, and Product Managers to ensure cohesive and high-quality gameplay experiences.

• Leverage data-driven insights from UX Researchers and Analysts to validate hypotheses and inform design decisions.

• Explore and integrate emerging technologies, such as AI tooling, to enhance design methodologies and player engagement strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for maintaining and evolving the core gameplay loop of a highly successful free-to-play mobile game. The focus on "core gameplay features on the gameboard" indicates a deep dive into the most engaging aspects of the game, requiring a strong understanding of player psychology in the context of match-3 mechanics and monetization strategies. The emphasis on AI tooling suggests a forward-thinking approach to design and player interaction optimization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the UX design process for core gameplay features on the Candy Crush Saga gameboard, ensuring strategic alignment with the game's creative vision, player needs, and overarching business objectives.

• Develop comprehensive design documentation, including wireframes, user flows, copywriting, low-fidelity sketches, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes, to effectively communicate design concepts.

• Foster a cohesive and exceptional overall gameplay experience through close collaboration with other UX design peers.

• Partner with Game Designers, UI Designers, Artists, and Software Developers to conceptualize and deliver robust design solutions for identified problem and opportunity spaces.

• Analyze competitor games to extract actionable insights and work in tandem with UX Researchers, Data Analysts, and Product Managers to validate design hypotheses and translate player insights into meaningful improvements.

• Proactively research and propose innovative opportunities, best practices, AI tooling applications, and UX theories to enrich the team's methodological toolkit and drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "drive the UX design of core gameplay features on the gameboard" implies significant ownership and strategic input. The requirement to "ensure alignment with the game's creative vision, player needs, and business goals" highlights the need for a balanced approach, considering both player satisfaction and commercial objectives inherent in free-to-play games. The mention of "copywriting" indicates that the role involves more than just visual design, encompassing the textual elements that guide and engage players.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, or a related field is often preferred in UX design roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: 2-5 years of demonstrated success in UX design, with a strong emphasis on free-to-play mobile game development.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in UX design for free-to-play mobile games, with a strong portfolio showcasing relevant projects.

• Exceptional communication skills, including strong oral, written, and interpersonal abilities, essential for effective copywriting and articulating design rationale.

• Proficient in design thinking methodologies, with validated experience in designing engaging gameplay experiences, particularly for match-3 genre games.

• Solid understanding of technical constraints, game optimization strategies, and the implementation process within game development pipelines.

• Mastery of the prototyping tool Figma, with hands-on experience in creating wireframes, user flows, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Familiarity with and keen interest in copywriting, emerging AI tools (e.g., Figma Make), and freemium monetization best practices.

• Highly creative mindset with a demonstrated ability to generate innovative and impactful "wow" factor ideas for player experiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other design and prototyping tools beyond Figma.

• Familiarity with user research methodologies and the ability to conduct or collaborate on user testing sessions.

• Basic understanding of game analytics and how to interpret data to inform design decisions.

• Previous experience working on large-scale, globally recognized mobile titles.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards in UX design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level suggests this is not an entry-level position but requires a solid foundation and proven track record. The emphasis on "free-to-play mobile games" and "match-3 games" is highly specific and critical; candidates without this specialization may not be a strong fit. The explicit mention of "Figma" and "AI tooling" indicates a current and future-focused technology stack.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your UX design process for free-to-play mobile games, with a strong preference for match-3 titles.

• Each case study should clearly articulate the problem, your design process, the solutions you implemented, and the quantifiable impact or outcomes achieved.

• Include examples of wireframes, user flows, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes relevant to core gameplay mechanics.

• Demonstrate proficiency with Figma within your portfolio examples.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of structured design thinking and problem-solving methodologies applied to game design challenges.

• Examples of iterative design processes, including user feedback integration and design refinement cycles.

• Documentation of collaboration with engineering and art teams to ensure design feasibility and successful implementation.

• Specific examples of how data and user research insights were incorporated into the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role. The emphasis on "quantifiable impact or outcomes" means candidates should be prepared to discuss metrics, even if approximate, demonstrating how their designs improved player engagement, retention, or monetization. The inclusion of "AI tooling" or "Figma Make" in case studies would be a significant advantage.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a UX Designer with 2-5 years of experience in London, UK, specializing in mobile gaming, the estimated salary range is £50,000 - £75,000 per annum. This range accounts for the specific skills, the high-demand nature of game UX design, and the cost of living in London.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and public holiday allowance.

• Pension scheme with employer contributions.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health and well-being support.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or stock options.

• Access to King's internal game development resources and playtesting opportunities.

• On-site amenities may include subsidized food, gym access, or wellness programs (specifics vary by office location).

Working Hours: Standard full-time role, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility often available. Adherence to an agile methodology may require occasional adjustments to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from industry salary aggregators (e.g., Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary) for UX Designers in London, with adjustments for the specialized mobile gaming and free-to-play sector. Benefits are typical for a company of this size and industry, especially after acquisition by Microsoft, implying robust offerings.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Interactive Entertainment / Mobile Gaming. King is a pioneer in the mobile gaming space, known for its casual, accessible, and highly engaging free-to-play titles. The acquisition by Microsoft further solidifies its position within a major global technology and entertainment ecosystem.

Company Size: King is a large organization, part of Microsoft. This implies a blend of a dynamic, game-studio feel with the structure and resources of a major corporation. For operations professionals, this means opportunities for both specialized impact within a game team and potential for broader career paths within the larger Microsoft entity.

Founded: King was founded in 2003, bringing over two decades of experience in the gaming industry. This long history signifies a wealth of institutional knowledge, established processes, and a deep understanding of player engagement and market evolution.

Team Structure:

• The UX design team is likely integrated within specific game development studios or product teams, such as the Candy Crush Saga team. Expect a mix of individual contributors and potentially leads, working directly on game features.

• Reporting structures will likely flow up through design leadership to product or studio heads, with close alignment to Game Design and Development leads.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, with a strong reliance on player data, A/B testing results, and UX research findings to inform design iterations.

• Agile development methodologies are standard, allowing for rapid iteration, flexibility, and continuous improvement.

• A focus on player-centric design ensures that player needs, motivations, and experiences are at the forefront of all design efforts.

Company Website: http://king.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Making the World Playful" mission statement and the emphasis on "Kingsters" suggest a culture that values fun, creativity, and employee well-being. The integration into Microsoft will likely bring enhanced operational rigor and access to cutting-edge technology and internal mobility opportunities, while retaining the core gaming studio culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level UX Designer position, requiring 2-5 years of experience. It signifies a level where individuals are expected to operate with significant autonomy on core features, contribute strategically to design direction, and mentor junior team members. The scope involves driving complex design challenges for a flagship product.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will likely report to a Lead UX Designer or a Design Manager within the Candy Crush Saga team. They will work closely with Game Designers and Product Managers, forming a core pillar of the feature development squad.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is direct and significant on player acquisition, engagement, retention, and monetization. By crafting intuitive and enjoyable core gameplay experiences, they directly influence player satisfaction, session length, and conversion rates for in-app purchases, thereby driving the revenue of Candy Crush Saga.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in match-3 game mechanics, free-to-play monetization strategies, or player psychology within gaming.

• Leadership: Progress to Senior UX Designer, Lead UX Designer, or Design Manager roles, taking on greater strategic ownership and team leadership responsibilities.

• Cross-Disciplinary: Explore adjacent roles in Product Management, Game Design, or User Research, leveraging a deep understanding of the player experience.

• Technical Advancement: Develop skills in emerging areas like AI-driven design tools, advanced prototyping, or accessibility standards.

• Studio/Company Mobility: With Microsoft's backing, potential pathways exist to move to other game studios under the Xbox umbrella or into design roles in other Microsoft product divisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a UX Designer in a successful mobile gaming company like King is typically strong, especially within a large entity like Microsoft. The emphasis on "core gameplay features" suggests opportunities to become a subject matter expert in the most critical aspects of the game's success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job posting lists multiple potential locations, including London, Malmö, Barcelona, and Stockholm. Assuming the primary focus is London, it is likely an office-based or hybrid environment. King offices are typically modern, vibrant, and designed to foster creativity and collaboration.

Office Location(s): London, United Kingdom; Malmö, Sweden; Barcelona, Spain; Stockholm, Sweden. The specific office in London is "London - King - Ampersand."

Workspace Context:

• Expect a collaborative open-plan workspace designed to encourage interaction and idea sharing among team members.

• Access to high-performance workstations equipped with industry-standard design software (Figma, etc.) and prototyping tools.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with cross-functional team members through stand-ups, sprint reviews, and informal discussions.

• Environments conducive to focused work, with designated quiet areas or meeting rooms for deeper design sessions.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with flexibility often offered to accommodate personal needs, provided project deadlines are met. Agile sprints may occasionally require focused work periods or attendance at specific team ceremonies outside of standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "London - King - Ampersand" suggests a specific, modern office space. King's offices are known for being creative and employee-friendly, which is a significant draw for design professionals. The hybrid work possibility is common, but the "on-site" indication suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, especially for roles deeply embedded in core game development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, walking through 1-2 key case studies, explaining their process, rationale, and impact. This is crucial for evaluating design thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Technical Interview: Discussions with design peers and/or a Lead UX Designer to delve deeper into design methodologies, specific tool proficiency (Figma), and understanding of mobile game UX principles.

• Cross-Functional Interview: Conversation with stakeholders from Game Design, Engineering, or Product Management to assess collaboration skills and understanding of development constraints.

• Final Interview: Meeting with senior leadership to discuss strategic vision, leadership potential, and overall fit with the company culture and mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentations as compelling narratives. Clearly define the problem, your role and process, the challenges encountered, the solutions developed, and the measurable outcomes.

• Figma Mastery: Be prepared to demonstrate your Figma skills live or discuss specific features and workflows you utilize for prototyping and collaboration.

• Match-3 Focus: Highlight specific design decisions and challenges related to match-3 mechanics, progression systems, and monetization within your case studies.

• Data & Insights: Clearly articulate how player data and research informed your design choices and how you measured success.

• Conciseness: Focus on quality over quantity. Select 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your end-to-end UX process.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a practical design challenge, possibly a take-home assignment or a live whiteboard exercise, focusing on a core game mechanic or player onboarding scenario.

• Problem Solving: Practice breaking down complex problems into manageable design tasks.

• Communication: Hone your ability to articulate design decisions clearly and concisely under pressure.

• AI Tooling: Be ready to discuss your understanding of AI tools in design and how they could be applied to enhance the workflow or player experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is the most critical stage for a UX Designer. Candidates should tailor their presentation to highlight experience directly relevant to free-to-play mobile games and the match-3 genre. Demonstrating an understanding of agile workflows and cross-functional collaboration is also key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, mockups, and collaborative design. Proficiency is a must.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with other advanced prototyping tools may be beneficial for complex interactions.

• Design & Wireframing Software: Tools like Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar can be useful for varied tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools (e.g., SQL, Tableau, Power BI): While not a primary requirement, understanding how to interpret data or collaborate with analysts using these tools is advantageous.

• In-game Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with platforms used to track player behavior and game performance.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to this UX Design role, as it's more focused on the player-facing product. However, understanding how player data is managed and utilized is important.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly mentioned as a required skill, making it the cornerstone of the design technology stack. The emphasis on AI tooling suggests future integration of these technologies into the workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Playfulness: A core value of King, encouraging creativity, fun, and a passion for making games.

• Player-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the player base, ensuring delightful and engaging experiences.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas, technologies (like AI), and methodologies to push the boundaries of mobile gaming.

• Excellence: A pursuit of high quality in all aspects of game development, from design to execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with designers working closely within multidisciplinary "squads" or feature teams.

• Open to feedback and iterative processes, with a culture that encourages constructive critique to elevate the product.

• Emphasis on clear and frequent communication, both within the design team and with partner disciplines.

• Knowledge sharing is encouraged through design critiques, internal presentations, and mentorship.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Making the World Playful" ethos is central to King's culture. For a UX Designer, this translates into an environment that values creativity, user empathy, and a passion for creating fun experiences.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Player Needs and Business Goals: Effectively designing for a massive, diverse player base while also meeting monetization targets in a free-to-play model.

• Iterative Design for Live Games: Continuously evolving and improving core gameplay features in a live, constantly-played game environment, requiring careful consideration of player impact.

• Technical Constraints: Navigating the limitations and opportunities of mobile platforms and game engines to deliver exceptional experiences.

• Integrating New Technologies: Successfully incorporating emerging tools like AI into existing workflows without disrupting established processes or player experience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to workshops and courses focused on advanced UX design, mobile game mechanics, and free-to-play monetization strategies.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend major gaming and design conferences to stay abreast of industry trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship Programs: Guidance from senior designers and leaders within King and Microsoft to foster career growth.

• Exposure to AI: Hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI tooling in design and product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in the dynamic nature of live game operations and the constant need to innovate while maintaining a beloved, established product. Growth opportunities are significant due to the company's scale and focus on professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting player feedback with business objectives. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, compromise, and data-driven decisions.)

• "How would you approach designing a new core gameplay feature for Candy Crush Saga that aims to increase player retention by 10%?" (Think about player motivation, iterative design, and measurement.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about King's mission to 'Make the World Playful' and how does that align with your design philosophy?" (Connect your passion to their mission.)

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you typically work with game designers, engineers, and product managers?" (Highlight teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: For each case study, craft a clear story with a beginning (problem), middle (process/solution), and end (results/impact).

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals of your wireframes, mockups, and prototypes. If possible, include short video clips of interactive prototypes.

• Metrics: Quantify your impact whenever possible. Even estimates or projected outcomes are better than none.

• Figma Demo: Be ready to show specific Figma techniques or features you used, especially those relevant to collaboration or advanced prototyping.

• Conciseness: Stick to the allotted time. Focus on the most impactful aspects of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of creative flair, technical proficiency, strategic thinking, and strong collaboration skills. Demonstrating a clear understanding of the free-to-play mobile game market and King's specific game is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the King careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects directly relevant to free-to-play mobile games, with a strong emphasis on match-3 genres. Highlight your Figma proficiency and any experience with AI design tools.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description, such as "UX Design," "Figma," "Mobile Game Design," "Match-3," "Prototyping," "Agile," and "Copywriting." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear storytelling, design rationale, and measurable outcomes. Prepare to discuss your experience with agile methodologies and cross-functional collaboration.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Candy Crush Saga's current gameplay, recent updates, and King's overall brand and mission. Understand their approach to player engagement and monetization.

⚠️ 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.