Senior UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer

Company: Relic

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Job Type: Permanent Full-Time

Category: Game Development - User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI)

Date Posted: 2026-09-14

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Define and design intuitive, engaging, and accessible user experiences for PC, handheld, and console strategy titles.

• Translate complex game systems and mechanics into clear and navigable in-game HUDs and gameplay interactions.

• Champion user experience principles throughout the game development lifecycle, balancing design, art, and player expectations.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including art, design, and engineering, to iterate on and refine UI/UX solutions.

• Architect the organization and presentation of information to players, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable player journey.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a game development studio, specifically focusing on strategy titles. The emphasis on "complex systems" and "intuitive, engaging, and accessible experiences" highlights the need for a Senior UX Designer who can bridge the gap between intricate game mechanics and player comprehension. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for strong remote collaboration skills alongside in-office presence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop detailed wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes to visualize and test front-end, in-game HUD, and gameplay interaction designs.

• Design the logic, layout, and flow of in-game user interface elements, ensuring ease of understanding and navigation for diverse player bases.

• Integrate user feedback and playtest results into design iterations to optimize player engagement and satisfaction.

• Understand and embody the vision of various game systems, translating them into effective and compelling UI solutions.

• Act as the primary architect for information architecture within the game, ensuring logical structure and clear presentation of content and features.

• Provide constructive feedback on UI/UX elements to other team members and actively solicit feedback on own designs.

• Document design specifications and rationale clearly to ensure alignment with development teams and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to UX design, from initial concepting (wireframes, user flows) to detailed execution (layout, logic). The inclusion of "balancing the needs of design, art, player expectations, and gameplay" indicates a need for a strategic thinker who can navigate competing priorities and deliver holistic solutions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 5-10 years of professional UX/UI design experience, with a significant portion dedicated to game development or interactive digital media. Proven experience taking titles from concept to completion is crucial.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience designing and prototyping control schemes for PC, handheld, and console platforms.

• Proven ability to design the logic, layout, and flow of complex in-game user interfaces.

• Strong working knowledge of industry-standard interaction design tools such as Figma or Adobe XD.

• Demonstrated proficiency in various UX design methodologies: contextual inquiry, card sorting, user journeys, persona development, wireframing, and prototyping.

• Foundational graphic design skills, including strong understanding of spacing, layout, typography, and imagery.

• Excellent communication and documentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex design decisions clearly and concisely.

• Ability to understand and translate complex game systems into intuitive user experiences.

• A curious mindset with a proactive desire to learn and grow within the gaming industry. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience working on strategy or Real-Time Strategy (RTS)-like titles.

• Experience supporting live service games or working on titles post-launch, including live operations.

• Experience with data analysis and visualization tools such as Microsoft Excel and Tableau.

• Familiarity with WPF, XAML, and Microsoft Blend for UI development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "concept to completion" experience and the specific mention of control schemes for multiple platforms (PC, handheld, console) are critical indicators of the required seniority and breadth of experience. The inclusion of both Figma and Adobe XD suggests a need for adaptability with design tools.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio link is mandatory in the application.

• Showcase a strong track record of UX and interaction design work, particularly for games or complex interactive systems.

• Highlight high-level problem-solving capabilities through case studies that demonstrate your design process and impact.

• Include examples of wireframes, prototypes, user flows, and final UI implementations.

• Demonstrate your ability to translate complex mechanics into user-friendly interfaces. Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation demonstrating your approach to user research, including examples of contextual inquiry, card sorting, and persona development.

• Showcase your workflow for creating wireframes, prototypes, and user journeys.

• Present examples of how you have iterated on designs based on feedback and data.

• Include documentation that illustrates how you have balanced design, art, player expectations, and gameplay considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates must be prepared to articulate their design process, showcase problem-solving skills, and demonstrate a tangible impact on user experience through their work. The emphasis on "high-level problem-solving" suggests a need for analytical and strategic thinking, not just execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $93,500 - $127,500 CAD per year. This range is based on the provided data for British Columbia, reflecting the Senior UX Designer role and experience level. Actual compensation will be determined by various factors including candidate knowledge, skills, competencies, and business needs.

Benefits:

• Extended benefits package: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.

• RRSP/DPSP matching program: Employer contributions to retirement savings plans (subject to eligibility).

• Annual paid holiday studio closure: Planned downtime for all employees.

• Health and Wellness Spending Account: Annual allowance for health and wellness-related expenses.

• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): Access to confidential support services for mental health, financial well-being, family care, and more.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

While the standard work week is 40 hours, the hybrid arrangement may offer some flexibility in scheduling, subject to team needs and project deadlines. Collaboration during core business hours will be essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided and falls within industry standards for a Senior UX Designer in a major Canadian city like Vancouver, especially within the competitive game development sector. The benefits package is robust, emphasizing employee well-being and long-term financial security, which are attractive to experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Game Development (Strategy Titles). Relic Entertainment has a long-standing reputation for developing genre-defining strategy games like Warhammer: Dawn of War, Homeworld, Company of Heroes, and Age of Empires IV. The studio is now independent, aiming for greater player focus and innovation.

Company Size: Likely mid-sized to large, given the history and scope of their titles. This size typically allows for dedicated specialized teams like UX/UI, while maintaining a collaborative environment.

Founded: 25 years ago, indicating a mature studio with deep experience in game development. The recent independence suggests a dynamic period of growth and strategic evolution.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI team is a specialized unit within the larger game development structure.

• This role reports into a lead or manager within the UX/UI discipline.

• Collaboration is expected with game designers, artists, engineers, producers, and QA testers. Methodology:

• Data-driven design: Utilizing player data, analytics, and playtesting feedback to inform design decisions.

• Iterative design process: Employing agile methodologies for continuous refinement and improvement of UI/UX.

• Cross-functional collaboration: Working closely with diverse disciplines to ensure cohesive game development.

• User-centric approach: Prioritizing player experience and accessibility in all design phases.

Company Website: https://www.relic.com/ (Assuming this based on domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: Relic's long history and recent independence suggest a company culture that values both established expertise and forward-thinking innovation. The emphasis on strategy games implies a player base that appreciates depth and complexity, requiring UX designers who can manage intricate systems.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior UX Designer. This level indicates a high degree of autonomy, the ability to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and significantly influence the direction of UX/UI for major game titles. It requires strategic thinking and a proven track record of successful project delivery.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a UX Lead, Director of UX/UI, or potentially a Game Director, depending on the studio's organizational structure. The role involves close collaboration with various department leads.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX Designer's impact is critical to player engagement, retention, and overall game success. By creating intuitive and enjoyable interfaces, they directly influence how players interact with game systems, learn mechanics, and perceive the game's quality and depth. This role is instrumental in translating gameplay vision into a playable reality.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into a Lead UX Designer or UX Manager role, overseeing teams and strategic design direction.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like player research, accessibility design, or console UX.

• Cross-Disciplinary Growth: Transition into related roles such as Game Design, Product Management within gaming, or UX Research leadership.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, contributing to the growth of the UX discipline within Relic.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies significant responsibility. Growth opportunities are likely focused on leadership, specialization within UX, or potentially broader roles within game design or product management, leveraging their deep understanding of player interaction.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. This suggests a mix of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility, requiring strong self-management and communication skills.

Office Location(s): Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This is a major hub for the gaming industry, offering access to a rich talent pool and vibrant tech community.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative studio environment: Opportunities for spontaneous interaction, brainstorming, and knowledge sharing with colleagues.

• Access to necessary tools and technology: Likely equipped with powerful workstations and software licenses for design and development.

• Dedicated UX/UI team space: May have a specific area for the UX/UI team to foster focused work and collaboration.

• Proximity to other game development disciplines: Facilitates seamless communication and integration with art, engineering, and design teams.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and team agreements. The hybrid model allows for a balance between structured work and personal life.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, requiring candidates to be comfortable with both in-office collaboration and remote autonomy. Vancouver's status as a gaming hub is also a significant draw.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and mandatory portfolio link.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A dedicated session to walk through selected portfolio pieces, discuss design choices, problem-solving approaches, and impact. Expect questions about your process, rationale, and how you handled challenges.

• Technical/Design Challenge: A practical exercise, potentially involving a UX problem related to game design, requiring wireframing, prototyping, or a design critique. This assesses practical skills and design thinking.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with potential team members (e.g., Game Designers, Artists, Leads) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and final alignment with the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those that showcase strategy game UX or complex system design.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, design, testing), the challenges faced, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Showcase Process: Include wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and rationale behind key design decisions. Explain why you made certain choices.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: Focus on how you tackled complex design challenges and arrived at effective solutions.

• Tailor to Relic: If possible, briefly touch upon how your skills and experience align with Relic's history of strategy games.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Game Mechanics: Familiarize yourself with common mechanics in strategy games (RTS, turn-based, etc.) and potential UX challenges associated with them.

• Practice Design Exercises: Work through common UX design challenges, focusing on rapid ideation, wireframing, and clear articulation of solutions.

• Prepare for Critiques: Be ready to present your work and defend your design decisions, as well as provide constructive feedback on hypothetical designs.

• Communicate Effectively: Practice explaining technical design concepts and your thought process clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a mixed audience of designers, developers, and producers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the gatekeeper for this role. Candidates must be prepared to deeply articulate their process and problem-solving skills, not just present finished work. The interview process is likely multi-stage, assessing technical skills, collaboration, and cultural fit.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Interaction Design: Figma, Adobe XD (strong proficiency required).

• Prototyping: In-tool prototyping (Figma/XD) and potentially dedicated tools like InVision or Axure RP.

• Wireframing: Tools integrated within Figma/XD or dedicated software.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis: Microsoft Excel (required), Tableau (preferred).

• User Behavior Analysis: Experience with tools that track player interaction within games (specific tools may vary, but understanding the concept is key).

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to core UX design in game development, but understanding of how player data is managed and utilized is beneficial. Game Development Specific:

• Game Engines: Familiarity with engines like Unity or Unreal Engine can be beneficial for understanding technical constraints.

• Scripting/Markup: WPF, XAML, Microsoft Blend (preferred, indicating potential use in UI implementation).

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and Adobe XD is explicitly stated as required. The "bonus" skills point towards a potential need for familiarity with data analysis tools like Excel and Tableau, and even specific UI development technologies like WPF/XAML, suggesting the role may interface closely with implementation details.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the player, ensuring their experience is paramount.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect across all disciplines.

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

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the exploration of new ideas to push the boundaries of strategy gaming.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture of learning, feedback, and iteration to constantly refine designs and processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with game designers to understand system intent, artists to ensure visual fidelity, and engineers to manage technical feasibility.

• Open Feedback Loops: Encouraging an environment where constructive feedback is regularly shared and acted upon by all team members.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in design reviews, sharing insights, and contributing to the collective knowledge base of the team.

• Agile and Iterative: Embracing a flexible approach to design that allows for adaptation and refinement based on ongoing development and testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely revolves around passion for gaming, a commitment to quality, and a collaborative spirit essential for complex game development projects. The emphasis on player experience and continuous improvement is key for a UX role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Complexity and Usability: Designing intuitive interfaces for deep, complex strategy game systems that appeal to both core and new players.

• Cross-Platform Consistency: Ensuring a cohesive and effective user experience across PC, handheld, and console platforms, each with unique input methods and screen real estate.

• Iterative Design Under Pressure: Adapting designs based on evolving game mechanics, player feedback, and development timelines within a fast-paced studio environment.

• Technical Constraints: Working within the technical limitations of game engines and development pipelines without compromising core UX principles.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend major gaming and UX conferences (e.g., GDC, UXPA) to stay abreast of trends.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like accessibility, user research methodologies, or advanced prototyping.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior mentors within Relic or industry-wide to guide career development.

• Internal Workshops & Training: Regular sessions focused on new tools, techniques, and best practices in game UX and design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges stem from the inherent complexity of strategy games and the need to deliver a polished experience across multiple platforms. Growth opportunities are tied to both deepening UX expertise and potentially expanding into broader game development leadership roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex game system you've designed UX for. What were the main challenges, and how did you approach making it intuitive for players?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and impact).

• "How do you balance the needs of game design, art direction, player expectations, and technical constraints when designing UI/UX?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and collaboration).

• "Walk us through a user journey or a specific interaction flow you designed for a past project. What was your rationale behind the key decisions?" (Showcase your detailed design thinking and documentation skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working at Relic, and what excites you about our approach to strategy games?" (Research Relic's history, recent independence, and current projects).

• "How do you approach giving and receiving feedback within a cross-functional team like art, design, and engineering?" (Highlight your collaborative and communication skills).

• "How do you stay current with UX best practices and emerging trends in the gaming industry?" (Showcase your passion for continuous learning). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, clearly present the Problem, Your Role, Process, Solution, and Results/Impact. Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) extensively.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story about your design journey, emphasizing your problem-solving skills and how you arrived at the final solution.

• Metrics: Quantify your impact whenever possible. If direct metrics are unavailable, discuss qualitative outcomes or anticipated benefits.

• Engagement: Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your work and engage in a collaborative discussion about your design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on portfolio walkthroughs and answering behavioral questions that probe your design process, collaboration skills, and strategic thinking within the context of game development.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link, ensuring your resume and a portfolio link are included.

• Portfolio Customization: Carefully select projects that best showcase your UX/UI design expertise in gaming, particularly for complex systems or strategy titles. Tailor your portfolio presentation to highlight how your skills align with Relic's games.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your experience with UX/UI design tools (Figma, Adobe XD), methodologies (wireframing, prototyping, user journeys), and experience with PC, handheld, and console platforms. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving strategies, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail and potentially complete a design challenge.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Relic Entertainment's history, its portfolio of strategy games (e.g., Company of Heroes, Homeworld, Age of Empires IV), and its recent status as an independent studio. Understand their commitment to player experience.

⚠️ 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.