UX Designer (Games)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer (Games)
Company: Blazing Griffin
Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom (Hybrid/Remote options available)
Job Type: 6 Month Contract
Category: Game Design / User Experience Operations
Date Posted: December 19, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: Hybrid/Remote Possible

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on shaping the player experience for upcoming game titles, acting as a critical link between intricate game mechanics and player comprehension.
• The UX Designer will be responsible for translating high-level design objectives into intuitive, accessible, and satisfying user interfaces and interactions.
• A key aspect of this position involves close collaboration with Game Designers, UI Artists, and Programmers to ensure seamless integration of UX principles throughout the development lifecycle.
• The role requires a strong emphasis on user-centric problem-solving, transforming complex gameplay systems into user-friendly interfaces and advocating for accessibility best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "UX Designer (Games)," the responsibilities and required skills strongly indicate a focus on User Experience within the gaming industry. The role is operational in nature, focusing on the design and implementation of user interfaces and interactions that directly impact player engagement and satisfaction. This is not a traditional GTM or RevOps role but requires operational excellence in design execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design & Prototype: Create and refine low-to-high fidelity wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes to effectively communicate design intent and user journeys to the development team.
• Player-Centric Problem Solving: Analyze complex gameplay systems and mechanics, translating them into intuitive, accessible, and satisfying user interfaces that enhance player comprehension and engagement.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely and collaboratively with Game Designers to align UX with narrative pacing and gameplay loops, and with UI Artists to ensure that the final visual implementation adheres to aesthetic standards and brand guidelines.
• User Research & Testing: Plan, execute, and analyze results from usability testing sessions; gather and interpret player feedback to identify friction points, iterate on designs, and continuously enhance player immersion and satisfaction.
• Documentation & Standards: Develop and maintain clear, comprehensive, and up-to-date UX documentation, including style guides and interaction specifications, to serve as a crucial reference for the entire development team.
• Accessibility Advocacy: Champion and implement accessibility best practices (e.g., text resizing, colorblind modes, input remapping) to ensure the games are playable and enjoyable for the widest possible audience, reflecting a commitment to inclusive design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to design and a deep understanding of the game development process. The focus on user research, iteration, and documentation highlights the operational rigor required for this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: No specific educational degree is mandated, but a strong academic foundation in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is beneficial. Practical experience and a robust portfolio are prioritized over formal education.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2-5 years of professional experience as a UX Designer, with a significant portion of this experience specifically within the video game industry.
• Alternatively, a very strong portfolio showcasing relevant personal game projects that demonstrate a deep understanding of UX principles applied to gaming.
• Experience working on social party and puzzle games across PC, console, and mobile platforms is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• UX Design Expertise: Solid understanding of information architecture, interaction design, user-centered design principles, and user journey mapping.
• Prototyping & Wireframing: Proficiency in creating detailed user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes to visualize and test design concepts.
• Design Tool Proficiency: Expertise in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or Axure.
• Game Engine Familiarity: Demonstrated understanding of how UI/UX is implemented within game engines, with specific familiarity with Unity.
• Communication Skills: Excellent ability to articulate design decisions, rationale, and technical specifications clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders, including non-designers.
• User Research & Analysis: Experience in planning and conducting usability testing, analyzing qualitative and quantitative player feedback, and translating insights into actionable design improvements.

Preferred Skills:

• Game Engine Knowledge: Bonus points for familiarity with Unreal Engine and its UI implementation tools (e.g., UMG).
• Motion Design & Micro-interactions: Experience with motion design principles or creating engaging micro-interactions to enhance user experience.
• Scripting/Implementation: Basic understanding of scripting or UI implementation concepts within Unity or Unreal Engine.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and specific game industry experience suggests that practical application and demonstrated skill in game UX are paramount. The "Nice-to-Have" section provides clear indicators for candidates looking to differentiate themselves.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated UX Process: Showcase a clear, repeatable UX design process from research and ideation through to wireframing, prototyping, testing, and iteration.
• Case Studies: Present detailed case studies of past projects (ideally game-related) that highlight your problem-solving approach, design decisions, and the impact of your UX work on player experience or game metrics.
• Information Architecture: Evidence of strong information architecture skills, demonstrating how you structure complex information and navigation systems logically and intuitively.
• Interaction Design: Examples of well-designed interactive elements and systems that are functional, engaging, and aligned with game mechanics.
• Tool Proficiency Showcase: Include examples that demonstrate your mastery of key design tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD.

Process Documentation:

• User Flow Diagrams: Clear diagrams illustrating user journeys and interaction paths within a game context.
• Wireframes & Prototypes: Functional wireframes and interactive prototypes that effectively communicate layout, navigation, and interaction mechanics.
• Usability Test Reports: Documentation of usability test plans, findings, and how feedback led to design improvements.
• Style Guides & UI Specifications: Examples of documentation that define UI elements, visual styles, and interaction behaviors for development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX role in the gaming industry, the portfolio is critical. It needs to go beyond just visual mockups and demonstrate a deep understanding of the user experience design process, particularly as it applies to interactive entertainment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a 6-month contract position in Glasgow, Scotland, a competitive hourly or daily rate is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for mid-level UX Designers in the UK games industry, a rate of approximately £30 - £50 per hour, or £240 - £400 per day, would be a reasonable estimate, depending on experience and specific skills. This would equate to an annualized salary range of roughly £60,000 - £80,000 if the contract were to be extended to a full-time, permanent role.

Benefits:

• Annual Leave: 33 days per year (pro-rata for contract duration).
• Contractual Allowances: Additional allowances for Appointments, Compassionate, and Dependents leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Access to support through Health Assured.
• Health & Wellness: Bike to Work scheme, Eye care contributions, Free Yoga membership for Reset Yoga (in Glasgow).
• Family Support: Enhanced Parental Leave and Pay.
• Flexibility: Flexible working arrangements where possible.

Working Hours: While not explicitly stated, standard full-time working hours in the UK are typically 37.5 to 40 hours per week. Given the mention of flexible working, there may be some adaptability in start/end times, but core collaboration hours will likely need to be met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary figures are estimates based on UK market rates for contract UX Designers in the gaming sector. The benefits listed are standard for Blazing Griffin employees and are typically pro-rated for contract staff, though specific contractual terms should be confirmed.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development. Blazing Griffin is an established studio known for creating engaging and innovative game experiences. Company Size: Blazing Griffin is a medium-sized company, likely employing between 50-200 individuals. This size often fosters a collaborative environment where individuals can have a significant impact. Founded: While the exact founding date isn't provided, Blazing Griffin has been operating for a considerable period, indicating stability and a mature development process.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will join the Game Design team, reporting to a Lead Designer or Head of Design.
• This role involves close, daily interaction with Game Designers, UI Artists, Programmers, and potentially Producers.
• The team operates with a collaborative, agile methodology, emphasizing iterative development and cross-disciplinary input.

Methodology:

• Iterative Design: The team likely follows an agile, iterative design process, incorporating feedback and testing throughout development.
• Data-Informed Decisions: While not explicitly stated, user research and testing data will be crucial for informing design decisions and prioritizing improvements.
• Collaborative Tools: Expect to use a range of project management, communication, and design collaboration tools to facilitate workflow and team synergy.

Company Website: https://blazinggriffin.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely values creativity, collaboration, and a player-first approach. A medium-sized studio often offers a good balance between structured processes and the ability for individual contributions to shine.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level, contract UX Designer role. It's focused on execution and applying established UX principles within the specific context of game development. The role offers the opportunity to deepen expertise in game UX and contribute directly to product quality.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will report to a Lead Game Designer or a Design Manager. They will work closely with a cross-functional team comprising other designers, artists, and engineers.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is directly tied to the player experience. By creating intuitive and engaging interfaces, they will influence player satisfaction, retention, and potentially monetization (depending on game type). Effective UX design can reduce player frustration, improve onboarding, and contribute to positive reviews and word-of-mouth marketing.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to become a specialist in UX for specific game genres (e.g., party games, puzzle games) or platforms.
• Technical Skill Development: Potential to gain deeper knowledge of game engine UI implementation (Unity/Unreal) and possibly basic scripting.
• Portfolio Enhancement: A successful contract can significantly bolster a UX Designer's portfolio with high-profile game titles.
• Networking: Opportunity to build professional relationships within the game development industry in Glasgow and beyond.
• Potential for Extension/Full-Time: While a contract, successful performance could lead to an extension or conversion to a full-time role, depending on company needs and budget.

📝 Enhancement Note: This contract role is a solid opportunity for a mid-level UX designer to gain valuable experience in the games industry and contribute to notable titles. Growth is primarily through skill enhancement and portfolio building, with the possibility of longer-term engagement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Blazing Griffin offers a hybrid work model, allowing for a mix of in-office and remote work. The office environment is likely designed to foster collaboration and creativity. Office Location(s): Glasgow, Scotland. The specific office address is G41 1EJ, which is in the Southside area of Glasgow.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely includes meeting rooms and open areas conducive to team discussions, design critiques, and brainstorming sessions.
• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary hardware, software licenses (Figma, etc.), and potentially development builds for testing.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for spontaneous collaboration with colleagues, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. The hybrid model allows flexibility while maintaining team connection.

Work Schedule: The role specifies a 6-month contract. While flexible working is mentioned, core hours for team collaboration will likely be established. A typical 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility in daily start/end times where feasible.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid and remote options provide significant flexibility, which is attractive for operations professionals who need to balance focused work with team collaboration. Candidates should clarify expected in-office days with the hiring manager.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review, focusing on CV and portfolio relevance to game UX.
• Technical Interview: Discussion of UX principles, design process, and problem-solving skills. This may involve a whiteboard exercise or discussion of past projects.
• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, walking through 2-3 key case studies to demonstrate their skills, process, and impact.
• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Assessment of cultural fit, collaboration style, and understanding of the role's responsibilities.
• Potential Practical Test: A short design challenge or task to assess practical application of skills.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant projects (ideally game-related).
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, design, testing), your design decisions, and the outcome/impact.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, user flows, prototypes, final UI) to illustrate your work.
• Highlight Process Over Polish: While polished visuals are good, demonstrating a robust and thoughtful design process is more critical for UX roles.
• Address Accessibility: If possible, showcase how you've considered accessibility in your designs.
• Tailor to Blazing Griffin: Research Blazing Griffin's games and mention how your skills and approach align with their style and player base.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If a practical challenge is given, ensure you understand the game mechanics or player goals it's designed to address.
• Focus on Process: Even with limited time, articulate your thought process, assumptions, and how you would approach solving the problem using UX methodologies.
• Prioritize: Identify the most critical aspects of the challenge and focus your efforts there.
• Communicate Clearly: Be prepared to explain your decisions and rationale verbally and/or visually.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is a critical stage. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design thinking and process in depth, linking their work directly to player experience and game objectives.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly preferred), Sketch, Adobe XD, Axure. Proficiency in at least one is essential.
• Wireframing & User Flows: Tools like Balsamiq, Miro, or built-in features within Figma/Sketch/XD.
• Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence, or similar project management and communication platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Feedback Platforms: Tools for collecting and analyzing player feedback (e.g., surveys, forums, playtesting software).
• Analytics Tools: Familiarity with game analytics platforms is a plus, though not explicitly required for this role.

CRM & Automation: (Not directly applicable to this UX role, but understanding of how player data might inform design is beneficial).

Game Engines:

• Unity: Essential familiarity for UI/UX implementation.
• Unreal Engine: A bonus, particularly with its UI implementation tools like UMG.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is highly valued in modern UX design. Familiarity with Unity's UI system is crucial for understanding implementation constraints and opportunities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A core value focused on understanding and prioritizing the player's experience above all else.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively with diverse disciplines to achieve common goals.
• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to game design and player engagement.
• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality, polished game experiences.
• Iteration & Adaptability: Willingness to embrace feedback, test ideas, and adapt designs based on learnings.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: The UX Designer will be a key integration point, ensuring design thinking is applied across disciplines.
• Constructive Feedback: An environment where feedback is given and received openly and constructively to improve designs.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights, best practices, and learnings across the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Blazing Griffin likely fosters a passionate, collaborative environment where individuals contribute to a shared vision of creating excellent games. A proactive and communicative approach will be highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Player Needs with Business Goals: Ensuring that UX decisions meet player expectations while also aligning with project scope, technical constraints, and business objectives.
• Translating Complex Mechanics: Effectively simplifying intricate game systems into intuitive user interfaces without losing the depth or intended player experience.
• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Communicating design rationale and trade-offs clearly to various stakeholders with different priorities.
• Working within Contract Limitations: Delivering high-impact UX within a defined 6-month contract period.
• Adapting to Evolving Game Designs: Staying flexible as game mechanics and features evolve throughout the development cycle.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening Game UX Expertise: Gaining hands-on experience with specific game genres and platforms.
• Technical Implementation Insights: Learning more about how UI/UX is implemented in Unity/Unreal Engines.
• Industry Best Practices: Exposure to current trends and best practices in game UX design.
• Cross-Functional Learning: Understanding the workflows and challenges of other disciplines like programming and art.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a focused opportunity to tackle specific challenges within game UX design, providing valuable experience for career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your process for designing a new player onboarding flow for a complex RPG." (Prepare to discuss research, wireframing, prototyping, testing, and iteration).
• Problem Solving: "Imagine players are struggling to understand a core combat mechanic. How would you use UX design to address this?" (Focus on identifying the root cause, proposing solutions, and how you'd validate them).
• Collaboration: "Describe a time you had to present UX designs to a team that didn't fully understand the value of UX. How did you gain their buy-in?" (Highlight communication, empathy, and data-driven arguments).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why Blazing Griffin?" Research their games (e.g., "The Ship" series, "Dread Nautical," "Stargrave") and discuss what excites you about their portfolio and studio culture.
• "How do you stay up-to-date with UX trends in the gaming industry?" Be ready to discuss industry publications, conferences, or influential designers/studios.
• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs?" Emphasize an open, iterative mindset.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Outcome/Impact.
• Visuals: Use clear, high-quality visuals. Annotate where necessary to explain specific design choices.
• Narrative: Tell a compelling story about how you solved a problem and the impact of your solution.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time; aim for 5-7 minutes per case study.
• Engagement: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your choices and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your portfolio and your ability to articulate your UX decision-making process. Be ready to defend your choices with logic and data-driven reasoning.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused UX Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Utilize the provided link on the Blazing Griffin careers page (https://blazinggriffin.bamboohr.com/careers/120).
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience and skills directly relevant to game UX design, focusing on wireframing, prototyping, user research, and collaboration. Use keywords from the job description.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., via a personal website or PDF) and prominently features your strongest game UX projects. Structure case studies clearly, showing your process and impact.
• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear communication of your design process and rationale. Be ready to discuss your work in detail.
• Research Blazing Griffin: Understand their games, company mission, and any recent news to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.