Senior UX Designer | Candy Crush Saga

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer | Candy Crush Saga

Company: Xbox Media Solutions (Formerly Activision Blizzard Media)

Location: Stockholm, Sweden (with potential for London, UK or Barcelona, Spain)

Job Type: Full time

Category: UX Design / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic vision and execution of User Experience (UX) design for core player value systems within Candy Crush Saga.

• Drive innovation and player engagement through rigorous design methodology, focusing on progression, rewards, and long-term retention.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product, Game Design, UI, Art, Data, and Engineering, to deliver cohesive and impactful player experiences.

• Utilize data and user research to inform design decisions and iterate on features to optimize player satisfaction and business goals.

• Advocate for the player, ensuring a high-quality, fun, and meaningful experience at every touchpoint.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for the Candy Crush Saga franchise, a globally recognized mobile game. The emphasis on "Player Value" and systems like "progression, rewards, streaks, challenge loops" indicates a focus on monetization and retention strategies within a free-to-play (F2P) mobile gaming context. The "Senior" title implies a need for strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to mentor or guide less experienced designers.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and define the UX strategy for player value systems, encompassing progression, reward mechanics, daily streaks, challenge loops, onboarding flows, and overall engagement strategies.

• Spearhead the discovery phase for complex, player-facing initiatives, translating ambiguous problems, player insights, and product constraints into clear, actionable design direction.

• Design comprehensive end-to-end player experiences, developing detailed user flows, interactive prototypes, and functional specifications, and ensuring design quality throughout the development lifecycle.

• Foster strong partnerships across Product Management, Game Design, UI Design, Art, Data Science, and Engineering teams, facilitating alignment and ensuring feasibility and excellence in design execution.

• Leverage user research findings and data analysis to inform design iterations, validate hypotheses, and continuously improve the player experience over time.

• Act as a primary advocate for the player perspective, championing user needs and maintaining a high standard for long-term design quality and integrity within the game.

• Contribute to the overall product strategy by identifying opportunities for player value enhancement through innovative UX solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic and ownership-driven role. "Own UX strategy" and "Lead discovery and problem framing" indicate a need for proactive leadership and the ability to define direction rather than just execute. The emphasis on "bridging crafts and seniority levels" suggests a requirement for strong communication and collaboration skills to influence diverse stakeholders.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Psychology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• Extensive senior-level experience (5-10 years recommended) in UX design, with a significant focus on the casual mobile gaming industry.

• Proven track record of designing and shipping successful, engaging features or systems for free-to-play (F2P) mobile games.

• Demonstrable experience with systems thinking and a rigorous, user-centered design methodology. Required Skills:

• UX Design Expertise: Deep understanding of UX principles, user-centered design processes, and best practices for mobile interfaces.

• Systems Thinking: Ability to conceptualize and design complex, interconnected game systems that drive player motivation and retention.

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Proficiency in creating low-fidelity wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes using industry-standard tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

• User Research & Data Analysis: Experience collaborating with UX Researchers and Data Analysts to gather insights, interpret player behavior data, and validate design decisions.

• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional ability to communicate design rationale, build consensus, and manage expectations with diverse stakeholders across product, engineering, art, and leadership.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative environment and ensuring design alignment.

• Problem Framing: Skill in dissecting complex problems, identifying root causes, and defining clear, actionable design challenges.

• Communication & Facilitation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and facilitate productive design discussions and workshops.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific game loops and engagement mechanics common in casual and puzzle games.

• Familiarity with A/B testing methodologies for optimizing UX and player engagement.

• Understanding of monetization strategies within the F2P mobile gaming market.

• Experience mentoring junior designers or leading design initiatives.

• Familiarity with game development pipelines and iterative design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level is inferred from "Senior UX Designer" and the scope of responsibilities. The emphasis on "casual gaming industry" and "systems thinking" is critical, as is the need to balance "player needs, design craft, and product goals." The "rigorous design methodology" suggests a need for structured problem-solving and execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Present 2-3 detailed case studies showcasing your UX design process from problem identification to solution implementation and outcome.

• Systems Design Examples: Include examples demonstrating your ability to design complex, interconnected systems, particularly those related to player progression, economy, or engagement loops.

• Player-Centricity: Evidence of how player needs and motivations were at the forefront of your design decisions.

• Data-Informed Iteration: Showcase instances where you used user research or data analytics to iterate on designs and improve outcomes.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Describe your role in cross-functional teams and how you navigated diverse perspectives to achieve design goals.

Process Documentation:

• Problem Framing & Discovery: Examples of how you've approached defining problems and framing opportunities for new features or system improvements.

• User Flow & Wireframing: Comprehensive examples of user flows, wireframes, and information architecture you've developed.

• Prototyping & Testing: Demonstrations of interactive prototypes and insights gained from user testing or A/B testing.

• Specification & Handoff: Documentation of how you've clearly communicated design specifications to development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Designer role, especially in gaming, a portfolio is paramount. The emphasis here is on showcasing the process and impact, not just final visuals. "Systems Design Examples" and "Player Value" focus are crucial given the role's specific domain.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX Designers in Stockholm, Sweden, with an estimated 5-10 years of experience in the gaming sector, the salary range is likely to be between SEK 550,000 - SEK 850,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Stockholm, the demand for specialized UX talent in the gaming industry, and the seniority of the role. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.

• Generous paid time off and holiday allowance.

• Pension and retirement savings plans.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.

• Relocation assistance (if applicable for international candidates).

• Access to King's internal game library and employee events.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or stock options. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be offered, but the role is primarily on-site, requiring core hours for team collaboration and project synchronization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on location (Stockholm), experience level (Senior, 5-10 years), and industry (Gaming). Benefits are typical for a large tech/gaming company. The "On-site" nature dictates the working hours context.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Mobile Gaming / Interactive Entertainment. King is a leading force in the mobile gaming space, known for its highly successful and enduring titles like Candy Crush Saga.

Company Size: Large (Part of Microsoft, with significant global presence). King employs over 2,000 employees across multiple international studios.

Founded: King was founded in 2003, with a long history of innovation in the gaming industry. Its acquisition by Activision Blizzard in 2016, and subsequently by Microsoft in 2023, positions it within a massive entertainment and technology ecosystem.

Team Structure:

• Player Value Team: This specific team likely focuses on features and systems that directly impact player motivation, retention, and monetization.

• Cross-functional Pods: The Senior UX Designer will operate within a pod structure, collaborating closely with Product Managers, Game Designers, UI Artists, Data Analysts, and Engineers.

• Reporting: The role likely reports into a Lead UX Designer, Head of UX, or a Director of Product Design, with direct collaboration with Product and Game Design leadership.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Decisions are heavily informed by player data, A/B testing, and user research insights.

• Agile Development: Iterative development cycles are common, with a focus on continuous improvement and rapid prototyping.

• Player-Centricity: A core philosophy that puts player experience and enjoyment at the forefront of all design and development efforts.

• Collaborative Design: Emphasis on open communication, feedback loops, and shared ownership within cross-functional teams.

Company Website: https://king.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: King's "Making the World Playful" mission is central to its culture. Being part of Microsoft adds a layer of corporate structure and resources, while King maintains its distinct identity in mobile gaming. The emphasis on data and player-centricity is typical of successful F2P game studios.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor. This role is for an experienced designer who can operate with significant autonomy, drive strategic initiatives, and potentially mentor others.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will report to a design leadership role (e.g., Lead UX Designer, Design Director) and work collaboratively within cross-functional game development teams.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on player engagement, retention, and the overall success of Candy Crush Saga by shaping the core player experience and value systems. This influence contributes directly to revenue generation through player lifetime value.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Tracks: Potential to move into Lead UX Designer, Design Manager, or Director roles, managing teams and overseeing larger design strategies.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like player progression systems, monetization UX, or live operations design.

• Cross-Franchise Mobility: Opportunities to contribute to other King titles or potentially leverage skills within other Microsoft gaming studios.

• Skill Development: Access to internal training, external conferences, and workshops focused on cutting-edge UX design, game design, and emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation means this role is beyond execution and requires strategic contribution. Growth opportunities in gaming often involve moving from individual contribution to leadership or deeper specialization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office spaces designed for creative work and team interaction. King's offices are known for their vibrant and social atmosphere.

Office Location(s): Stockholm (primary), with potential for roles or collaboration with teams in London, UK, and Barcelona, Spain.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hubs: Office layouts likely include open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and breakout spaces to facilitate spontaneous and planned collaboration.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, hardware, and internal development tools.

• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with a diverse, international team of creative and technical professionals.

Work Schedule: Primarily on-site in Stockholm, requiring adherence to standard working hours for effective team collaboration and project execution. While flexibility may exist, the collaborative nature of game development often necessitates presence during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of Stockholm, London, and Barcelona suggests these are key hubs for King and potentially for this role or its collaborators, indicating an international and dynamic work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and understanding of the role.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A significant portion of the interview will involve presenting a curated portfolio showcasing relevant case studies, with in-depth discussion on your design process, decision-making, and impact.

• Design Challenge/Exercise: You may be given a take-home assignment or an in-person exercise to assess your problem-solving skills, design thinking, and ability to apply your methodology to a specific game design problem.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Product, Game Design, Data, and Engineering to evaluate collaboration skills, technical understanding, and ability to align with different disciplines.

• Leadership Interview: A final interview with senior management to assess strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit with King's culture and vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your experience with systems design, player value, and mobile gaming UX. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you faced, your design decisions, and the measurable outcomes.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your design methodology, how you used research and data, and your iterative approach. Show your thinking, not just final screens.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics or evidence of how your designs improved player engagement, retention, or other key performance indicators.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your choices, trade-offs, and how you would approach similar challenges in the future.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a challenge, thoroughly research Candy Crush Saga's existing mechanics, player base, and business goals.

• Focus on Core Mechanics: Anticipate challenges related to progression, monetization, live events, or player retention.

• Structure Your Approach: Outline your problem-solving steps clearly: understanding the brief, research, ideation, solution proposal, and justification.

• Be Pragmatic: Consider technical constraints and business objectives alongside player needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Senior UX role in a major gaming company will be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on portfolio and practical application of skills. The "design challenge" is a common element.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable), Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision.

• Wireframing: Balsamiq, Axure RP, or integrated tools within Figma/Sketch.

• Collaboration Platforms: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Confluence, Jira.

• Version Control (for assets): Git (less common for designers directly, but awareness is beneficial).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI, Looker, or internal analytics dashboards.

• A/B Testing Platforms: Optimizely, internal testing frameworks.

• User Research Tools: UserTesting.com, Maze, specialized in-game analytics tools.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to core UX design, but awareness of how CRM and marketing automation impact player communication and journeys can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the de facto standard for many modern design teams, especially in tech and gaming. Proficiency in at least one major design suite and collaboration tools is essential. An understanding of how data is used is critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player First: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the player community.

• Playfulness: Embracing creativity, fun, and a passion for games in all aspects of work.

• Collaboration: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and teams work together towards shared goals.

• Data-Driven: Using insights and evidence to inform decisions and measure impact.

• Excellence: Striving for high quality in design, execution, and player experience.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration between design, product, engineering, art, and data teams is fundamental.

• Iterative Feedback: Regular design reviews, critiques, and feedback sessions are integral to the process.

• Open Communication: Encouraging direct and honest communication to resolve challenges and align on vision.

• Shared Ownership: Teams work collectively towards the success of the game, with designers playing a key role in shaping the product vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: King's culture is heavily influenced by its product – games. Expect a focus on fun, creativity, and a strong sense of community among employees.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Player Needs with Business Goals: Constantly finding the sweet spot between player delight, engagement, and monetization in a F2P environment.

• Designing for Scale: Creating experiences that are intuitive and engaging for hundreds of millions of diverse players globally.

• Evolving Player Expectations: Keeping pace with new trends, player demands, and competitive pressures in the mobile gaming market.

• Complexity of Systems: Managing the intricate web of interconnected features and systems within a long-standing, popular game.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences: Attendance at leading UX and game design conferences (e.g., GDC, UX Brighton, IxDA events).

• Internal Workshops & Training: Access to King's internal programs covering design techniques, game design principles, and leadership skills.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from and be mentored by experienced design leaders within King and Microsoft.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining deeper insights into game design, data science, and engineering through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working on a massive, live-service F2P game. The growth opportunities are significant due to King's scale and its parent company, Microsoft.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach redesigning the core progression system for Candy Crush Saga to increase long-term player retention?"

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder requirements. How did you reach a resolution?"

• "Walk us through a complex game system you designed. What were the key considerations and outcomes?"

• "How do you use data and user research to inform your design decisions in a live-service game environment?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working on Candy Crush Saga specifically?"

• "How do you embody King's value of 'Playfulness' in your work?"

• "Describe your ideal collaboration style with Product Managers and Game Designers."

• "How do you measure the success of your UX designs beyond quantitative metrics?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the 'Why': Clearly articulate the problem you were solving and the business/player objectives.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals extensively – flows, wireframes, prototypes, and final designs.

• Explain Your Decisions: For every design choice, explain the rationale behind it, referencing user needs, data, or constraints.

• Be Honest About Challenges: Discuss trade-offs, what didn't work, and what you learned from failures.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, provide metrics that demonstrate the positive impact of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will probe your strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of the mobile gaming F2P landscape, especially concerning player motivation and retention.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating your experience with mobile gaming UX, systems design, and player engagement strategies. Prioritize case studies that highlight your problem-solving process and measurable impact.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to include keywords such as "UX Design," "Mobile Gaming," "Systems Thinking," "F2P," "Player Value," "Progression Systems," and "Prototyping." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and rationale clearly. Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail and be ready for a potential design challenge focused on core game mechanics. Research Candy Crush Saga's current features and player experience.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with King's mission ("Making the World Playful"), its history, its other games, and its culture. Understand how your design philosophy aligns with theirs.

⚠️ 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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