Senior Content Designer, DCUO

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Game System Designer, DCUO
Company: Ravenwake Games
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Job Type: Full Time, Regular
Category: Game Design Operations / GTM (Go-to-Market for Game Content)
Date Posted: May 8, 2026
Experience Level: 7+ Years (Mid to Senior Level)
Remote Status: Remote (within BC, Canada)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design, document, and implement narrative and combat-driven content for an action-based multiplayer RPG, specifically for DC Universe Online (DCUO).
• Focus on rapid iteration, clear communication, and robust collaboration with cross-disciplinary partners across art, engineering, QA, and production.
• Leverage a strong creative mindset alongside an understanding of live game content, operational constraints, and the ability to deliver production-ready documentation.
• Directly implement and manage the content's data layer within the game database, ensuring alignment with design intent and technical specifications.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of game systems through tuning recommendations and post-launch adjustments, a critical aspect of ongoing live operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is framed as a "Game System Designer" but the responsibilities clearly align with a specialized Content Designer role within a live-service game, emphasizing the operational aspects of content creation, implementation, and maintenance. The focus on DCUO suggests a need for deep understanding of established game mechanics and narrative.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design new player-facing content that seamlessly integrates with existing content standards, core gameplay loops, and narrative delivery systems for DCUO.
• Produce clear, actionable, and production-ready design documentation, encompassing detailed content specifications, level design layouts, user flow diagrams, boss mechanics, and moment-to-moment gameplay sequences.
• Collaborate closely with art, engineering, quality assurance, and production teams to ensure content is appropriately scoped for all disciplines and implemented to precise specifications, managing the operational pipeline.
• Develop prototypes and lightweight design proofs to proactively assess content risks, validate design concepts, and demonstrate value to stakeholders.
• Implement the content's data layer directly within the game database, which includes creating new entries, updating existing tables, validating data structures, and ensuring all values align with design intent and engineering constraints.
• Support content implementation through regular reviews, meticulous Jira ticket management, and proactive cross-team communication to maintain project velocity.
• Provide data-driven tuning recommendations and execute post-launch adjustments as needed to optimize player experience and game balance, a key function of live game operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility for implementing the "data layer directly in the game database" is a critical operational task. This goes beyond typical design documentation and requires a hands-on approach to content management within the game's backend systems, similar to data operations or content operations in other industries.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Not explicitly specified, but relevant degrees in Game Design, Computer Science, or related fields are typically advantageous. Experience: Over 7 years of professional experience in game design, with a significant portion dedicated to designing or maintaining content in a shipped Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) game.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Unreal Engine 3, visual scripting, or equivalent game development environments.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies, crucial for rapid iteration and collaborative workflows.
• Demonstrated ability to write concise, production-ready documentation suitable for development teams.
• Expertise in content, gameplay, and level design for persistent, live game environments.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the capacity to propose and evaluate multiple solutions to design challenges.
• Proven experience working effectively within cross-disciplinary teams, fostering strong collaborative relationships.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience designing or maintaining content specifically within DC Universe Online (DCUO).
• Familiarity with database management principles and direct data manipulation within game databases.
• Experience with user flow design and creating intuitive player journeys.
• Ability to create and analyze lightweight design prototypes to validate concepts effectively.
• Skill in defining and implementing boss mechanics and complex combat encounters in an RPG context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "7+ years' experience in game design" and "Previous professional MMO game development experience" positions this as a senior role. The emphasis on Unreal 3 suggests a need for deep technical understanding of the game's engine, aligning with operations roles that require system-level knowledge. The "data layer implementation" suggests a need for database interaction skills, a common requirement in operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of at least one significant content design project for a shipped MMO, detailing the design process from concept to implementation.
• Documentation samples that demonstrate clarity, conciseness, and production-readiness, including examples of game design documents, level layouts, or mechanic breakdowns.
• Evidence of implementing or directly managing game data, ideally with examples of database entries, configurations, or system tuning.
• Case studies highlighting problem-solving skills, detailing challenges faced and the solutions implemented, with a focus on efficiency and player experience improvements.
• Examples of collaboration with art, engineering, or QA, demonstrating effective communication and integration of feedback.

Process Documentation:

• Detailed documentation of the workflow for designing, implementing, and iterating on new game content within a live-service environment.
• Examples of process optimization strategies employed to improve development efficiency, reduce bugs, or enhance player engagement.
• Documentation illustrating how data was used to inform design decisions, tune gameplay, or validate content effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role involving direct database implementation and live game operations, a portfolio showcasing practical application of design principles within a technical framework is essential. This includes demonstrating an understanding of the development pipeline and how content moves from concept to live deployment, akin to GTM operations for product launches.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $95,000 - $105,000 CAD per year.

Benefits:

• Full-time employment with regular status.
• Remote work option within British Columbia, Canada, offering flexibility.
• Access to the resources and stability of Enad Global 7, a global leader in video game development.
• Opportunity to work on iconic franchises and contribute to beloved game worlds.
• Collaborative team environment with opportunities for professional development.
• [Specific benefits such as health insurance, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and potential for performance bonuses would typically be expected for a full-time role of this level, though not explicitly listed.]

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule (assumed 40 hours per week), with flexibility inherent in the remote work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and falls within the typical mid-to-senior level compensation for game designers in major Canadian tech hubs like Vancouver. The remote-only within BC constraint is a key operational detail for candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development and Publishing. Ravenwake Games is part of Enad Global 7, a company with a rich history in PC and console gaming, known for developing and managing long-standing MMORPGs. Company Size: Ravenwake Games is a studio within Enad Global 7, which is a global entity. Specific studio size is not listed, but Enad Global 7 employs a significant number of people across various international studios, indicating a robust operational infrastructure. Founded: Enad Global 7 has a long history, with some of its foundational studios operating for decades (e.g., Daybreak Game Company, which publishes DCUO, has roots going back to the 1990s). Ravenwake Games is a newer studio within this established ecosystem.

Team Structure:

• The Content Designer will report to the Creative Director, indicating a hierarchical structure focused on creative leadership and vision.
• The role requires close collaboration with art, engineering, quality assurance (QA), and production teams, highlighting a matrixed, cross-functional operational model common in game development.
• The emphasis on "teaming up" and "cross-disciplinary partners" suggests a highly collaborative and integrated development environment.

Methodology:

• Agile development process experience is required, indicating an iterative approach to content creation and implementation, with a focus on continuous feedback loops and rapid adjustments.
• The "rapid iteration" and "clear communication" requirements point to a dynamic and responsive operational workflow.
• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the need for "tuning recommendations and post-launch adjustments," suggesting an analytics-informed approach to live game operations.

Company Website: https://www.ravenwakegames.com/ (Note: This is a placeholder, as the provided URL was null. A real company URL would be inserted here).

📝 Enhancement Note: Being part of Enad Global 7 provides access to established operational frameworks and resources, but also means adhering to the standards and culture of a larger organization. The focus on live-service games like DCUO implies a mature operational framework for content delivery and player support.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Game Designer role. It demands significant experience (7+ years) and the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy in designing, documenting, and implementing complex game content, including direct database interaction. This signifies a level where individuals are expected to mentor junior staff, lead content initiatives, and contribute to strategic game design decisions.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Creative Director. This structure suggests a clear line of authority for creative vision and design direction, with the designer being a key contributor to executing that vision. Collaboration will extend across multiple departments, demonstrating the interconnectedness of operations.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on player engagement and retention through the design and implementation of new content, narrative, and combat mechanics. Successful content delivery is critical for the ongoing success and monetization of a live-service MMO like DCUO, directly influencing revenue streams and community satisfaction. A well-executed content pipeline is a core operational function for sustained game health.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of MMO content design, such as narrative integration, combat mechanics, or live operations tuning.
• Leadership: Progress into Lead Content Designer or even Associate Creative Director roles, taking on more responsibility for team management and strategic direction.
• System Design: Transition to broader Game System Designer roles, influencing core mechanics and overarching game architecture.
• Cross-functional Advancement: Leverage database implementation skills to move into more technical design or even specialized operations roles within game development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of creative design and direct data implementation positions this role for unique growth. Candidates with this blend of skills can potentially move into specialized roles that bridge design and technical operations, a valuable niche in the gaming industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Remote-only within British Columbia, Canada. This signifies a distributed team structure that relies heavily on digital collaboration tools and asynchronous communication. Office Location(s): The role is designated as remote, meaning there is no central office requirement within BC. This offers significant flexibility for employees based within the province.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While remote, the emphasis on "teaming up" and "cross-disciplinary partners" indicates a strong culture of virtual collaboration, likely utilizing platforms like Slack, Discord, Microsoft Teams, and project management tools such as Jira.
• Tools & Technology: Access to Unreal Engine 3, internal game databases, and various documentation and communication tools will be essential. The ability to work effectively with these tools is paramount to the operational success of the role.
• Team Interaction: Regular virtual meetings, stand-ups, and design reviews will facilitate interaction and ensure alignment across distributed team members.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time work hours (estimated 40 hours/week) with the flexibility afforded by a remote arrangement. The nature of live game development may occasionally require adjustments to accommodate critical deadlines or urgent issues, a common operational reality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-only nature within a specific province necessitates strong self-discipline and excellent digital communication skills. Candidates should be comfortable with asynchronous workflows and managing their work environment effectively to maintain productivity and collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience and fit with the role's requirements.
• Technical/Design Interview: Likely to involve in-depth discussions about your experience with Unreal 3, MMO design, and specific content creation projects. You may be asked to walk through portfolio examples and discuss your design process.
• Portfolio Review & Case Study: A dedicated session to present and discuss your portfolio. This may include a design challenge or case study related to creating content for a live-service RPG, focusing on your approach to documentation, data implementation, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Discussions with the Creative Director and potentially other team members to assess your communication style, problem-solving approach, and ability to integrate into the team's collaborative dynamic.
• Final Interview: Potentially with higher-level management to discuss career aspirations and finalize offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Relevance: Prioritize projects that demonstrate experience with MMOs, action RPGs, narrative design, combat mechanics, and direct content implementation or data management.
• Document Your Process: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process you followed (including documentation and collaboration), the solutions you implemented, and the results or impact.
• Highlight Technical Skills: Include examples of your documentation, particularly detailed design specs, and if possible, demonstrate your ability to work with game engines or data structures.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to illustrate the success of your designs (e.g., player engagement, retention, specific feedback).
• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to articulate your design decisions, explain challenges, and discuss how you collaborated with other disciplines and managed feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Game: Thoroughly research DC Universe Online: its lore, gameplay mechanics, existing content, and target audience.
• Focus on Live Ops: Prepare to discuss how you would approach designing content for a live-service game, considering ongoing player needs, technical constraints, and the need for iterative updates.
• Data-Driven Approach: Be ready to discuss how you would use data and analytics to inform your design choices and tune content post-launch.
• Communication is Key: Practice articulating your ideas clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a mixed audience of designers, engineers, and producers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on direct database implementation, candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their comfort and proficiency with technical aspects of content management, not just pure creative design. This is a key differentiator for operations-focused roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Game Engine: Unreal Engine 3 (or equivalent), with a strong emphasis on visual scripting capabilities.
• Documentation & Collaboration: Jira (for task management and bug tracking), Confluence (or similar for wiki-style documentation), Slack/Discord/Microsoft Teams (for real-time communication).
• Data Management: Direct access and implementation within the game's proprietary database system. Proficiency with SQL or similar database query languages may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Internal game analytics tools for tracking player behavior, content engagement, and performance metrics.
• Tools for creating and interpreting reports on player feedback and game health.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a traditional CRM role, understanding how player accounts and data are managed within the game's backend is crucial.
• Automation may be relevant in terms of scripting or templating content creation processes within the engine or database.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Unreal Engine 3 is a hard requirement. The mention of "implementing the content's data layer directly in the game database" indicates a need for technical skills beyond typical game design, potentially including database querying or manipulation. This is a critical operational component of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A deep commitment to creating engaging and enjoyable experiences for players, informed by player feedback and data.
• Collaboration & Respect: A culture where diverse perspectives are valued, and team members communicate candidly and respectfully to achieve shared goals.
• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A dedication to high-quality work, meticulous attention to detail, and a passion for creating polished, production-ready content.
• Adaptability & Iteration: A willingness to embrace agile methodologies, iterate on designs based on feedback and data, and adapt to evolving project needs.
• Efficiency & Pragmatism: A focus on delivering effective solutions within technical and schedule constraints, demonstrating a practical approach to game development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Synergy: Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers work hand-in-hand with artists, engineers, QA, and producers, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Constructive Feedback: A culture that encourages open dialogue and the constructive exchange of feedback, with an emphasis on continuous improvement of both designs and processes.
• Proactive Communication: A need for proactive updates, clear articulation of design intent, and transparent reporting on progress and potential roadblocks to ensure smooth workflow operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The phrase "speaks their mind candidly and respectfully, can seamlessly integrate their ideas with others, and continually incorporates feedback" highlights a specific type of collaborative culture that values directness and continuous improvement, essential for efficient operations in a creative field.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Technical Constraints: Designing compelling content that adheres to the established lore, gameplay systems, and technical limitations of Unreal Engine 3 and the game's database.
• Rapid Iteration and Live Game Demands: Adapting to the fast-paced nature of live game development, requiring quick turnaround times for content creation, implementation, and post-launch adjustments.
• Cross-Disciplinary Alignment: Ensuring seamless integration of content design with art, engineering, and QA, managing dependencies and resolving conflicts effectively.
• Maintaining Content Quality at Scale: Producing a high volume of polished, bug-free content that meets player expectations for a long-standing MMO.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Gaining deeper expertise in Unreal Engine 3's scripting and data management capabilities.
• Live Operations Mastery: Developing advanced skills in tuning, player feedback analysis, and post-launch content strategy.
• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Broadening understanding of art pipelines, engineering challenges, and production methodologies through close collaboration.
• Mentorship: Learning from senior designers and the Creative Director, potentially mentoring junior content creators.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges listed are typical for live-service game development but are particularly relevant to operations roles that bridge creative and technical execution. The growth opportunities emphasize skill development within the context of ongoing game development and operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you designed a complex combat encounter or boss mechanic for an MMO. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure it was both engaging and technically feasible?" (Focus on problem-solving, technical constraints, and collaboration).
• "How would you approach designing a new questline for DCUO that integrates existing lore and characters while introducing new gameplay elements? Walk us through your documentation and implementation process." (Focus on design documentation, data implementation, and creative integration).
• "Imagine a piece of content you designed is not performing as expected post-launch. What steps would you take to diagnose the issue, propose solutions, and implement adjustments?" (Focus on live operations, data analysis, and iterative improvement).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on DC Universe Online specifically, and what do you admire about its current content or systems?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest).
• "How do you handle constructive criticism or differing opinions from team members during the design process?" (Assess collaboration and conflict resolution skills).
• "Describe your experience working within an Agile development framework. How do you ensure your work stays aligned with project goals and deadlines?" (Understand your process and operational efficiency).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly stating the game, your role, the scope of your contribution, and the key outcomes.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, videos, diagrams) to illustrate your designs. For database implementation, consider showing examples of data structures or configurations (if permissible).
• Highlight the "How": For each project, explain your design process, the tools you used, how you collaborated with others, and how you handled challenges.
• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success or impact of your work.
• Focus on Operations: Emphasize how your work contributed to the smooth operation and successful deployment of content, especially in a live-service context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your experience with Unreal Engine 3 and any direct database work you've done. Be ready to articulate how your design decisions impact the game's operational stability and player experience in a live environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Game System Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 7+ years of game design experience, specifically emphasizing your work on shipped MMOs and any experience with Unreal Engine 3 or similar engines. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your content design, documentation, and any direct data implementation skills. Ensure your portfolio demonstrates your ability to work within established game systems and collaborate effectively.
• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review your knowledge of Unreal Engine 3, Agile methodologies, and common MMO design challenges. Be ready to discuss your experience with database implementation.
• Research Ravenwake Games and DCUO: Understand the company's mission, its place within Enad Global 7, and the specific context of DC Universe Online to articulate your passion and fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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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