Senior Game UX Designer
š Job Overview
Job Title: Senior Game UX Designer Company: Activision Location: Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland Job Type: Other Category: Game Design Operations / UX Design Date Posted: 2026-05-14 Experience Level: Senior (5-10 years) Remote Status: On-site
š Role Summary
- Lead the design and implementation of intuitive, player-centric User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) solutions for a new Intellectual Property (IP) within the gaming industry.
- Drive innovative interaction design approaches to significantly enhance the overall player experience and gameplay immersion.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including game designers, artists, and engineering, to ensure seamless UI integration and execution.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including style guides and flow diagrams, to ensure consistency and clarity across the development team.
- Champion best practices in UI/UX design, contributing to the strategic direction of player interaction and interface development.
š Enhancement Note: This role is categorized under Game Design Operations and UX Design due to its focus on the operational aspects of creating and implementing user experiences within a game development context. The emphasis on collaboration, documentation, and cross-functional execution aligns with operational principles.
š Primary Responsibilities
- Design and iterate on player flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes, balancing aesthetic appeal with functional usability for a new game IP.
- Pioneer and advocate for novel interaction design patterns that push the boundaries of player engagement and satisfaction.
- Partner with engineering teams to implement UI systems within major game engines, ensuring efficient and effective integration.
- Create and meticulously maintain detailed design documentation, including style guides, UI specifications, and asset libraries, to facilitate clear communication and ensure design integrity.
- Proactively identify and address UX challenges throughout the development lifecycle, conducting user research and iterative testing to validate design decisions.
- Lead design discussions, present concepts effectively to stakeholders, and manage constructive feedback to refine UI/UX solutions.
- Ensure adherence to established design principles and brand guidelines throughout the UI development process.
- Contribute to the strategic vision for player experience, influencing game mechanics and feature design through a UX lens.
š Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are inferred from the provided description, emphasizing the "how" and "what" of the role's operational execution. The focus on collaboration, implementation, and documentation highlights the operational backbone of a Senior UX Designer role in game development.
š Skills & Qualifications
Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, Graphic Design, Game Design, or a related field is highly recommended for a Senior role. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.
Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of proven UI/UX design experience is required, with a significant portion dedicated to game development. Experience in application or software development is also valued.
Required Skills:
- Demonstrated expertise in UI/UX design principles and methodologies applied to interactive entertainment.
- Advanced proficiency with industry-standard design tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar for wireframing, prototyping, and visual design.
- Hands-on experience implementing UI systems within major game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) and creating rapid prototypes.
- Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Python, Lua, JavaScript) for UI functionality and prototyping.
- Solid understanding of architectural patterns, specifically MVVM (Model-View-ViewModel), for robust UI development.
- Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale, lead discussions, and manage feedback effectively.
- Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring high-quality and polished user interfaces.
- Excellent cross-cultural and cross-language communication skills, essential for collaboration across global teams and time zones.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with 3D creation software such as Cinema 4D, Blender, or 3DS Max for asset creation or UI integration.
- Knowledge of C++ programming, particularly as it relates to game engine development and UI implementation.
- Familiarity with user research methodologies and usability testing frameworks.
- Experience designing for multiple platforms (PC, console, mobile).
- Understanding of accessibility standards in game design.
š Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level is inferred from the "Senior" title and the breadth of required skills, suggesting a need for seasoned professionals capable of leading design initiatives and mentoring junior team members. The emphasis on specific tools and architectural patterns reflects industry expectations for senior-level operational proficiency.
š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- A curated portfolio showcasing a strong track record of UI/UX design contributions to shipped games or complex interactive applications.
- Demonstrations of the full design process, from initial concept and user research through wireframing, prototyping, visual design, and implementation support.
- Case studies detailing specific design challenges, the problem-solving approach, and the resulting impact on player experience, supported by metrics where available.
- Examples of interaction design, including complex menu systems, in-game HUDs, and player feedback mechanisms.
- Evidence of collaboration with engineering and art teams, illustrating the ability to translate design vision into functional reality.
Process Documentation:
- Showcase examples of detailed design documentation, including user flow diagrams, wireframes, and high-fidelity mockups.
- Include samples of style guides or UI pattern libraries that ensure design consistency and scalability.
- Demonstrate experience in creating and maintaining design specifications for engineering implementation.
š Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for UX design roles, especially at a senior level. The emphasis is on demonstrating not just aesthetic skill but also the ability to execute a design process, collaborate, and deliver tangible, impactful results within a game development pipeline.
šµ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Game UX Designers in major European tech hubs like Warsaw, the estimated salary range for this role is ā¬55,000 - ā¬85,000 annually. This estimate accounts for the "Senior" designation, the specialized skill set in game UX, and the cost of living in Warsaw.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health insurance package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Generous paid time off (PTO) policy, encompassing vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.
- Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.
- Access to the latest gaming hardware and software for development and personal use.
- Relocation assistance for candidates moving to Warsaw.
- Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.
- Potential for stock options or equity, depending on company policy and individual performance.
Working Hours: The standard working hours are expected to be 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. While core hours will be established for team collaboration, there may be flexibility offered, particularly for tasks requiring focused, uninterrupted work. Occasional overtime or weekend work may be required during critical development phases or launch periods, with compensatory time off or pay often provided.
š Enhancement Note: Salary estimations for Warsaw are based on research from reputable job boards and salary aggregators specializing in tech and gaming roles in Poland. The benefits listed are typical for a large, established company like Activision in the tech/gaming sector.
šÆ Team & Company Context
š¢ Company Culture
Industry: Activision operates within the expansive and dynamic Video Game Publishing and Development industry. This sector is characterized by rapid technological advancement, intense competition, and a strong focus on player engagement and community building. The company's mission to deliver iconic brands and unrivaled gaming experiences shapes its operational focus.
Company Size: Activision, as part of Activision Blizzard, is a large enterprise, employing thousands of individuals globally. This scale suggests a structured organizational framework, established processes, and significant resources available for development and innovation. For operations professionals, this means opportunities for large-scale project involvement, access to specialized teams, and potential for career advancement within a robust corporate environment.
Founded: Activision was founded in 1979, making it one of the pioneers in the video game industry. This long history signifies a deep understanding of the market, a legacy of successful franchises, and a stable foundation. For operations roles, this implies a culture that values experience, has refined its development methodologies over time, and is committed to long-term growth and innovation.
Team Structure: The Senior Game UX Designer will likely be part of a dedicated game development studio focused on the "Elsewhere Entertainment" new IP. This team will comprise various disciplines, including game designers, level designers, narrative designers, artists (2D, 3D, UI), engineers (engine, gameplay, UI), QA testers, producers, and project managers. The UX team itself may consist of UX researchers, UX writers, and other UX designers, potentially with a lead or director overseeing the function. Collaboration will be highly cross-functional, with the UX Designer acting as a bridge between player needs, design vision, and technical implementation.
Methodology: Game development at Activision likely employs a blend of agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) for iterative development, alongside more structured project management approaches for large-scale AAA titles. Emphasis will be placed on data-driven decision-making, leveraging player feedback, analytics, and usability testing to inform design and development choices. Workflow optimization will be key to managing complex projects with global teams, ensuring efficient communication and task management.
Company Website: https://careers.activision.com
š Enhancement Note: The company context is derived from the provided job description and general knowledge of Activision as a major player in the gaming industry. The inferred team structure and methodology are typical for large-scale game development projects.
š Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is designated as "Senior," indicating a mid-to-senior level position within the UX design discipline. A Senior Game UX Designer is expected to possess a high degree of autonomy, lead complex design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and contribute significantly to the strategic direction of the player experience. They are key contributors to the operational success of game development by ensuring that user interfaces are not only functional but also intuitive and engaging.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Game UX Designer will likely report to a Lead UX Designer, UX Director, or a Game Design Director. They will work closely with Lead Game Designers, Art Directors, and Lead Engineers to ensure alignment across disciplines. The role involves influencing design decisions and contributing to the overall product strategy.
Operations Impact: The primary operational impact of this role is on the player experience and, consequently, on game success metrics such as player retention, engagement, and commercial performance. By designing intuitive and compelling user interfaces, the Senior Game UX Designer directly contributes to player satisfaction, which is crucial for brand loyalty and long-term revenue generation in the competitive gaming market. Their work ensures that the complex systems and gameplay mechanics of a new IP are accessible and enjoyable for the target audience.
Growth Opportunities:
- Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead design sprints, mentor junior UX designers, and potentially step into a Lead UX Designer role on future projects.
- Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as interaction design, UX research, or UI implementation within advanced game engines.
- Cross-Disciplinary Experience: Gain exposure to other areas of game development, such as gameplay design, narrative design, or technical art, through close collaboration.
- Project Leadership: Take ownership of significant UI/UX features or entire systems for new game titles, influencing their strategic direction.
- Industry Recognition: Contribute to high-profile AAA game titles that gain significant critical and commercial acclaim.
š Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities are inferred based on the "Senior" designation and the typical career progression paths within the game development industry and large organizations like Activision.
š Work Environment
Office Type: The role is based on-site in Warsaw, indicating a physical office environment where collaborative work and in-person interaction are prioritized. This setup is common for game development studios, fostering team cohesion and real-time problem-solving.
Office Location(s): The office is located in Warsaw, Poland. This location offers a vibrant urban environment with a growing technology and creative sector, providing access to talent and a good quality of life. Specific details regarding office accessibility, amenities, and proximity to public transport would be provided to candidates.
Workspace Context:
- Collaborative Spaces: The office likely features open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated project spaces designed to facilitate seamless collaboration between designers, artists, engineers, and producers.
- Advanced Tools & Technology: Access to high-performance workstations, industry-standard design software, game engines, and potentially VR/AR development tools.
- Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team stand-ups, design reviews, brainstorming sessions, and informal discussions to foster a strong sense of team and shared purpose. The environment is expected to be dynamic, fast-paced, and creatively stimulating.
Work Schedule: The typical work schedule is Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week. While core hours are expected for team alignment, there might be some flexibility to accommodate personal needs, provided project deadlines and collaborative requirements are met. The fast-paced nature of game development may occasionally require extended hours, particularly during critical phases like alpha, beta, or pre-launch.
š Enhancement Note: The work environment description is based on typical setups for AAA game development studios, emphasizing collaboration and access to specialized tools, given the on-site requirement and company's stature.
š Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and fit.
- Technical Interview: This may involve a discussion about your design process, problem-solving skills, and experience with specific tools and game engines. You might be asked to walk through a past project in detail.
- Design Challenge/Take-Home Assignment: A practical exercise to evaluate your ability to apply UX principles to a specific game design problem. This could involve creating wireframes, user flows, or a prototype for a given scenario.
- On-site/Virtual Interviews: Multiple rounds of interviews with various team members, including designers, artists, engineers, producers, and potentially leadership. These interviews will assess your technical skills, collaborative approach, cultural fit, and strategic thinking.
- Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you present your most relevant work and case studies, explaining your design process, rationale, and the impact of your contributions.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that demonstrate your skills in UI/UX design for games. Prioritize projects that align with the requirements of this specific role.
- Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your design process (research, ideation, iteration, implementation), your specific contributions, and the outcome/impact. Use visuals effectively to illustrate your points.
- Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with other disciplines (game design, art, engineering) and supported the implementation of your designs.
- Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Clearly indicate the tools you used (e.g., Figma, Unreal Engine) and your level of expertise.
- Address New IP Context: If possible, include a conceptual project or a case study that showcases your ability to design for a new and unfamiliar product.
Challenge Preparation:
- Understand Game UX: Refresh your knowledge of common UI patterns in games, player motivation, and interaction design principles specific to gaming.
- Practice Design Thinking: Be prepared to articulate your thought process for tackling a design problem, from understanding requirements to generating solutions and iterating.
- Prepare for Engine/Scripting Questions: If the challenge involves implementation aspects, be ready to discuss how you would approach it technically, even if you are not expected to code extensively.
- Focus on Player Experience: Always tie your solutions back to how they will benefit the player and enhance their enjoyment of the game.
š Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio advice are tailored to a Senior Game UX Designer role, emphasizing practical application, collaboration, and the ability to articulate design strategy and impact within the context of game development.
š Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
- Figma: Essential for wireframing, interactive prototyping, and visual design collaboration. Proficiency in creating complex components, design systems, and interactive flows is expected.
- Game Engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity): Hands-on experience implementing UI systems, creating fast prototypes, and understanding engine-specific UI workflows is crucial. Familiarity with their respective UI editors and scripting capabilities is vital.
- 3D Creation Software (e.g., Cinema 4D, Blender, 3DS Max): Preferred for asset creation or integration of 3D elements within UI, enhancing visual fidelity and immersion.
Analytics & Reporting:
- While not directly responsible for data analysis, an understanding of how UI/UX impacts player metrics tracked by analytics tools (e.g., player engagement, retention, conversion rates) is important. Familiarity with tools used for tracking player behavior and game performance would be beneficial.
CRM & Automation:
- Not directly applicable to this role's core function, but an understanding of how user feedback from community platforms or support channels can inform UX decisions is valuable.
Other Relevant Tools:
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator): For asset creation and image manipulation.
- Scripting Languages (e.g., Python, Lua, JavaScript): For prototyping UI interactions and potentially working with engine scripting.
- Version Control Systems (e.g., Git): For collaborative asset management and code integration.
š Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack are derived directly from the "Required Skills" and "Bonus Points" sections of the job description, with added context on their application within a game development UX role.
š„ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- Player-Centricity: A core value that emphasizes designing with the player's experience and enjoyment as the top priority in all UI/UX decisions. This drives the operational focus on usability, intuitiveness, and delight.
- Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a culture where cross-functional teams work together seamlessly, sharing knowledge and feedback constructively to achieve common goals. This is critical for integrating UI into the overall game experience.
- Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging the exploration of new ideas and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in game UI/UX design to create unique and memorable player experiences.
- Quality & Polish: A commitment to delivering high-quality, polished interfaces that reflect the standards of Activision's iconic brands. This involves meticulous attention to detail and iterative refinement.
- Data-Informed Design: Utilizing player data, analytics, and user feedback to validate design decisions and continuously improve the player experience.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-Functional Integration: The team operates with a high degree of collaboration between design, art, engineering, and production. The UX designer is expected to be an active participant in all stages of development, providing input and support.
- Feedback Culture: An open and constructive environment for giving and receiving feedback on designs, aimed at collective improvement and achieving the best possible player experience.
- Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, new techniques, and lessons learned across the team and studio to elevate the collective skill set.
š Enhancement Note: Team culture and values are inferred from Activision's stated mission and the nature of AAA game development, emphasizing player focus, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
ā” Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- Designing for a New IP: The inherent challenge of building a user experience from scratch for an unknown brand, requiring significant creativity, research, and strategic foresight without established player expectations.
- Balancing Innovation and Familiarity: Creating novel interaction designs while ensuring they remain intuitive and accessible to a broad audience, avoiding overly complex or alienating mechanics.
- Cross-Disciplinary Alignment: Effectively communicating and integrating UI/UX designs with diverse teams (art, engineering, gameplay design) across different time zones and potentially different languages, ensuring consistency and technical feasibility.
- Iterative Development Cycles: Navigating the demands of rapid prototyping, testing, and iteration inherent in game development, adapting designs based on feedback and evolving project requirements.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Advanced UI/UX Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply cutting-edge UX methodologies, interaction design patterns, and visual design trends specific to the gaming industry.
- Game Engine Mastery: Deepen expertise in implementing UI within specific game engines, potentially exploring advanced features and workflows.
- Mentorship & Leadership: Develop leadership skills through mentoring junior designers and potentially leading small project teams, preparing for future management roles.
- Industry Exposure: Attend industry conferences, workshops, and events to stay abreast of the latest trends in game design and UX.
š Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are identified based on the "Senior" level, the "new IP" context, and the general complexities of AAA game development operations.
š” Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- "Describe a time you had to design a UI for a completely new feature or game mechanic. What was your process, and what were the key challenges?" (Focus on your problem-solving approach, research, and iterative design.)
- "How do you balance player feedback with your own design vision, especially when there are conflicting opinions within the team?" (Highlight your communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills.)
- "Walk us through a complex UI system you designed. What were the technical constraints, and how did you work with engineers to overcome them?" (Emphasize your understanding of implementation and cross-functional collaboration.)
Company & Culture Questions:
- "What excites you about working on a new IP at Activision, and what unique contributions do you believe you can make to the 'Elsewhere Entertainment' project?" (Showcase your research on the company and your strategic thinking.)
- "How do you approach building relationships and collaborating effectively with team members who may have different cultural backgrounds or work in different time zones?" (Demonstrate your cross-cultural communication skills and adaptability.)
- "How do you measure the success of your UI/UX designs in a game development context?" (Focus on player satisfaction, engagement metrics, and contribution to overall game goals.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Structure Your Narrative: For each project, start with the "why" (the problem/goal), then the "how" (your process and solutions), and finally the "what" (the outcome/impact).
- Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes, gameplay clips) to illustrate your design decisions and the final product.
- Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced error rates, increased player retention) to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.
- Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about specific design choices, technical challenges, and your role within the team.
š Enhancement Note: Interview preparation focuses on key areas relevant to a Senior Game UX Designer role, including strategic thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and the ability to articulate design impact within the demanding environment of game development.
š Application Steps
To apply for this Senior Game UX Designer position:
- Submit your application through the Activision Careers portal via the provided link.
- Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most impactful game UX/UI design projects that best demonstrate your skills in wireframing, prototyping, visual design, interaction design, and implementation collaboration. Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates your process, contributions, and the outcomes achieved for each project.
- Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your years of experience, specific expertise in game engines, design tools (especially Figma), scripting languages, and MVVM architecture. Quantify your achievements with data and metrics related to player experience improvements.
- Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on storytelling, problem-solving, and your role in cross-functional collaboration. Be ready to discuss your design rationale and how you would approach challenges on a new IP.
- Research Activision & the New IP: Understand Activision's brand, their commitment to player experience, and any available information about the "Elsewhere Entertainment" project. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest.
ā ļø 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 tools like Figma and major game engines. Proficiency in scripting languages and an understanding of MVVM architecture are essential.