Senior Game UX Designer

Activision
Full-timeWarsaw, Poland

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Game UX Designer

Company: Activision

Location: Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland

Job Type: Other

Category: Game Development / UX Design

Date Posted: April 20, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • Spearhead the design of intuitive, player-centric user interfaces (UI) and user experiences (UX) for a new intellectual property (IP) within the gaming industry.

  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including game designers and artists, to translate gameplay concepts into seamless and engaging player flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.

  • Drive innovation in interaction design, pioneering new approaches to elevate the overall player experience and enhance gameplay immersion.

  • Partner with engineering teams to implement UI systems directly within major game engines, ensuring technical feasibility and optimal performance.

  • Develop and maintain comprehensive design documentation, style guides, and best practices to ensure cohesive team communication and consistent design execution across the project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly for a "Senior Game UX Designer" focused on a "new IP" at Activision, indicating a significant opportunity to shape foundational design elements for a novel gaming experience. The emphasis on "player-centric interfaces that elevate the player experience" suggests a strong focus on user research, usability testing, and iterative design processes within a AAA gaming development context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Design and iterate on player flows, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes that effectively balance aesthetic appeal with functional usability, ensuring alignment with game design and artistic vision.

  • Lead the conceptualization and implementation of innovative interaction design patterns to enhance player engagement and satisfaction.

  • Work directly with engineering teams to integrate UI elements into game engines, providing clear specifications and supporting the development process.

  • Create and meticulously maintain detailed design documentation, including style guides, UI specifications, and asset libraries, to ensure consistency and facilitate effective communication among development teams.

  • Conduct user research and usability testing, analyzing feedback to drive informed design decisions and continuously improve the player experience.

  • Champion best practices in UI/UX design within the development team, fostering a culture of user-centricity and design excellence.

  • Collaborate with artists to ensure visual consistency and high-quality execution of UI assets that align with the game's overall art direction.

  • Contribute to the strategic direction of the game's user experience, proactively identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design leadership and hands-on execution. The requirement to "pioneer new interaction design approaches" and "implement UI in partnership with engineering teams" suggests a senior-level role with significant autonomy and technical depth, especially concerning game engine integration.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Computer Science, or a related field is highly beneficial.

Experience: 5-10 years of proven UI/UX design experience, with a strong emphasis on game development or complex software applications.

Required Skills:

  • Proven UI design experience in games, applications, or software development, demonstrating a strong portfolio of shipped titles or complex projects.

  • Expertise in industry-standard design tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar for wireframing, prototyping, and visual design.

  • Hands-on experience with major game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) for UI system implementation and rapid prototyping.

  • Proficiency in scripting languages relevant to game development or UI implementation.

  • Understanding of architectural patterns, specifically the Model-View-ViewModel (MVVM) pattern, and its application in UI development.

  • Strong presentation skills with the ability to effectively lead design discussions, articulate design rationale, and manage feedback constructively.

  • Exceptional attention to detail and a rigorous commitment to delivering high-quality, polished user interfaces.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with 3D creation software such as Cinema 4D, Blender, or 3DS Max for asset creation or scene setup.

  • Knowledge of C++ programming, particularly as it relates to game development and engine integration.

  • Familiarity with user research methodologies and usability testing best practices in a gaming context.

  • Experience designing for cross-platform (PC, console, mobile) gaming experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "hands-on experience with major game engines, implementing UI systems and creating fast prototypes" and "proficiency in scripting languages" alongside "understanding of MVVM architecture patterns" points to a need for practical, technically-minded designers who can bridge the gap between concept and implementation within a game development pipeline. The inclusion of specific 3D software and C++ as "bonus points" suggests these are highly valued complementary skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UI/UX design projects, with a significant focus on game development or interactive applications.

  • Detailed case studies demonstrating your process from concept to completion, including user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final visual designs.

  • Evidence of problem-solving skills, illustrating how you addressed specific design challenges and iterated based on feedback or user testing.

  • Examples of UI implementation within game engines or similar interactive environments.

Process Documentation:

  • Demonstrated ability to document UI/UX design processes, including user journey mapping, information architecture, and interaction design specifications.

  • Examples of creating and maintaining design systems or style guides that ensure brand consistency and streamline development.

  • Documentation related to integrating UI elements within development pipelines, including collaboration with engineering and art teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior nature of the role and its focus on a new IP, the portfolio should emphasize strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to drive design decisions from inception. Demonstrating experience with game engine integration and technical feasibility is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: In accordance with Ontario pay transparency legislation, this role is exempt from salary-range disclosure due to its expected compensation level, which is anticipated to be mid-to-above $200,000 annually for Grade 16 or 17 positions.

Benefits:

  • Extended health plan, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.

  • Life insurance and supplemental life insurance options.

  • Critical illness insurance coverage.

  • Access to legal services.

  • Relocation assistance may be provided if the company requires a geographic move for the position.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime during critical development phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of exemption from salary disclosure due to high compensation level, coupled with the mention of "Grade 16, 17 or Mid Above 200k" for Ontario postings, indicates a very competitive salary package for this senior role. The benefits listed are robust, covering health, life, and legal support, with relocation being a significant perk for candidates needing to move.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development and Publishing. Activision is a major player in the global entertainment industry, known for creating and managing some of the most popular and enduring gaming franchises.

Company Size: Activision is a large, publicly traded company with thousands of employees worldwide. This scale implies robust infrastructure, established processes, and significant resources dedicated to game development.

Founded: Activision was founded in 1979, giving it a long history and deep experience in the video game market. The "new IP" project suggests a commitment to innovation and expansion beyond established franchises.

Team Structure:

  • The UI/UX design team is likely integrated within a larger game development studio, working closely with dedicated game designers, artists, engineers, and producers.

  • Reporting structure would be to a Lead UX Designer, Art Director, or a Game Director, with significant collaboration expected across disciplines.

Methodology:

  • Data-driven design processes, leveraging analytics from existing titles and user feedback to inform design decisions for the new IP.

  • Iterative design and development cycles, involving rapid prototyping, playtesting, and continuous refinement based on team and player input.

  • Agile or hybrid development methodologies are likely employed to manage complex projects and adapt to evolving requirements.

Company Website: https://careers.activision.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Activision's status as a major AAA game publisher suggests a highly professional, results-oriented, and performance-driven development environment. The creation of a "new IP" indicates a forward-looking culture that values innovation and risk-taking within established operational frameworks.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level position, implying significant autonomy, responsibility, and leadership within the UI/UX design discipline for the new IP. It requires not only expert design skills but also the ability to mentor junior team members and influence project direction.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Game UX Designer will likely report to a Lead UX Designer, Art Director, or Game Director. They will work closely with engineering leads and art leads on a day-to-day basis.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is direct and substantial, shaping the fundamental player experience of a new game title. Successful UX design is critical for player acquisition, retention, and overall game success, directly influencing revenue and brand perception.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Leadership progression into Lead UX Designer or UX Director roles for future projects.

  • Specialization within UX, such as UX research, interaction design, or UI architecture.

  • Opportunity to contribute to multiple AAA titles and expand expertise across different game genres and platforms.

  • Potential for mentorship and team management responsibilities as the new IP project matures.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a "Senior" role within a major studio like Activision, the growth path is clear, offering opportunities for increased leadership, specialization, and broader project influence. The chance to define the UX for a "new IP" is a significant career milestone.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is described as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment within Activision's development studios.

Office Location(s): Warsaw, Poland. This location suggests a vibrant European hub for game development, potentially offering diverse talent and market insights.

Workspace Context:

  • A collaborative studio environment designed to foster creativity and teamwork, with dedicated spaces for design, art, and engineering.

  • Access to state-of-the-art hardware, software, and game development tools essential for high-fidelity UI/UX design and prototyping.

  • Opportunities for regular in-person interaction with team members, facilitating rapid ideation, feedback, and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, but the demanding nature of game development, especially for AAA titles, often necessitates flexible hours and potential overtime during crunch periods leading up to milestones and releases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Warsaw points to a collaborative, in-person work culture typical of major game studios. The emphasis on "new IP" development implies an environment that encourages innovation and creative exploration, supported by robust technical infrastructure.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and experience.

  • Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: A session where you present your portfolio, detailing your design process, problem-solving approach, and specific contributions to past projects. This will likely include technical questions about game engines, scripting, and UI implementation.

  • Design Challenge/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a design exercise or case study, either on-site or as a take-home assignment, to evaluate your practical design skills and approach to specific problems.

  • Team/Cultural Fit Interviews: Meetings with potential team members, including other designers, artists, and engineers, to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural alignment.

  • Hiring Manager Interview: A final discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Lead UX Designer or Director) to confirm fit, discuss long-term vision, and address any remaining questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects, focusing on those demonstrating UI/UX for games or complex interactive systems.

  • Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, prototyping, testing, implementation), the challenges you faced, and the final outcome or impact.

  • Highlight Technical Skills: Explicitly mention your experience with Figma, game engines, scripting, and MVVM architecture within your project descriptions or a dedicated skills section.

  • Showcase Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., "improved player retention by X%", "streamlined task completion time by Y%"). For a new IP, focus on the rationale and expected impact.

  • Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and professionally presented.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand Game Design Principles: Familiarize yourself with core game mechanics, player psychology, and common UI patterns in modern games.

  • Practice Problem Solving: Be ready to tackle hypothetical design challenges related to player onboarding, menu navigation, HUD design, or in-game feedback systems.

  • Articulate Your Process: Clearly explain your thought process, decision-making rationale, and how you would approach solving the given problem, referencing your portfolio experience.

  • Consider Technical Constraints: Think about how your design solutions would be implemented within a game engine, considering performance and technical limitations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "new IP" means interviewers will be looking for candidates who can not only execute but also innovate and shape foundational design. Be prepared to discuss your vision for player experience and how you would approach undefined challenges.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, and visual design, expected to be the primary tool for UI asset creation and iteration.

  • Game Engines (Unreal Engine, Unity): Hands-on experience implementing UI systems and creating fast prototypes within these engines is a critical requirement.

  • 3D Creation Software (Cinema 4D, Blender, 3DS Max): Beneficial for creating UI assets or understanding 3D environments, though not strictly mandatory.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Game Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools used to track player behavior, engagement, and retention (e.g., internal Activision tools, or common industry platforms).

  • Usability Testing Software: Tools for recording and analyzing user sessions, gathering feedback on UI/UX effectiveness.

CRM & Automation:

  • While not directly a CRM role, understanding how player data and feedback loops inform design decisions is important.

  • Project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Asana) are standard for managing development workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack revolves around industry-standard design tools (Figma) and the actual development platforms (Game Engines). Proficiency in both is key, highlighting the need for designers who understand the technical realities of game development.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Player-Centricity: A fundamental belief that the player's experience is paramount, driving all design decisions towards creating enjoyable and engaging interactions.

  • Innovation & Creativity: Encouragement to explore new ideas, push boundaries in interaction design, and contribute to the creation of unique gaming experiences.

  • Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams, valuing input from designers, artists, engineers, and producers to achieve shared goals.

  • Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering polished, high-quality products that meet the high standards expected of AAA gaming titles.

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing analytics, user feedback, and testing to inform design choices and measure the impact of UI/UX solutions.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional integration: Actively participating in team meetings, reviews, and discussions with engineering, art, and game design to ensure seamless integration of UI/UX.

  • Constructive Feedback Culture: Openness to receiving and providing feedback, fostering an environment where ideas are debated respectfully to arrive at the best solutions.

  • Agile and Iterative: Embracing flexible workflows that allow for rapid iteration, adaptation, and continuous improvement throughout the development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: Activision's culture, as suggested by its mission and the nature of game development, likely emphasizes passion for gaming, a drive for excellence, and strong collaborative spirit. For this role, values around innovation and player focus will be particularly important.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Defining a New IP: Establishing a unique and compelling UI/UX identity for a brand-new game without existing player expectations or established design language.

  • Balancing Innovation and Usability: Pushing creative boundaries while ensuring the interface remains intuitive and accessible to a broad player base.

  • Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Effectively communicating and collaborating with diverse teams (art, engineering, design) who may have different priorities and technical constraints.

  • Technical Implementation: Translating complex UI/UX designs into functional systems within a game engine, potentially requiring creative solutions to overcome technical limitations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Interaction Design: Opportunity to explore and implement cutting-edge interaction paradigms for next-generation gaming experiences.

  • Game Engine Proficiency: Deepening expertise in implementing UI within specific game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity.

  • Leadership and Mentorship: Developing leadership skills by guiding junior designers and influencing project direction.

  • Industry Exposure: Potential to attend industry conferences or internal workshops focused on UX trends, game design, and emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge and opportunity lie in shaping something entirely new. This role offers a unique chance to define the user experience for a flagship title from its inception, providing immense creative freedom and significant professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your process for designing a completely new UI system for a game that has no established visual identity." (Focus on research, ideation, prototyping, and iteration for a new IP.)

  • "How do you balance innovative interaction design with the need for intuitive usability for a broad audience?" (Discuss user-centric approaches, testing, and iterative refinement.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What excites you about working on a new IP at Activision?" (Show enthusiasm for the challenge of creating something new and the opportunity to impact a major franchise.)

  • "How do you approach collaborating with game designers and artists who may have different visions for the player experience?" (Emphasize communication, compromise, and finding shared goals.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your specific role and contributions, the design process, key decisions and rationale, and the outcome.

  • Emphasize Process Over Polish: While visuals are important, focus on explaining how you arrived at your solutions, showcasing your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.

  • Highlight Technical Integration: Specifically point out aspects of your portfolio that demonstrate experience with game engines, scripting, or technical implementation challenges.

  • Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed questions about any aspect of your presented work, including your design choices, user testing insights, and technical considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior nature and the "new IP" focus, interviewers will probe your ability to innovate, lead, and translate ambitious ideas into tangible, functional game experiences. Demonstrating a structured, player-focused, and technically aware design process is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

  • Submit your application through the Activision Careers portal via the provided link.

  • Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with UI/UX design specifically in the gaming industry, emphasizing your work with game engines, scripting, and the Figma tool. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Contributed to the UI design of X shipped titles").

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your ability to design intuitive player experiences, including wireframes, prototypes, and final designs. Ensure it demonstrates your experience with game engines and technical implementation.

  • Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, articulating your design process, problem-solving skills, and how you would approach designing for a new IP. Be ready to discuss your experience with MVVM architecture and scripting.

  • Research Activision: Familiarize yourself with Activision's major franchises, their approach to player experience, and any recent news or announcements regarding new projects or technologies. Understand their commitment to innovation and player-centricity.

⚠️ 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.


Application Requirements

Requires proven UI design experience in games or software and expertise in design tools like Figma. Candidates must have hands-on experience with game engines, proficiency in scripting, and an understanding of MVVM architecture.