UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer

Company: Smoking Gun Interactive

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Game Development / UX Design

Date Posted: June 24, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote (BC-based candidates preferred)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creation of intuitive and engaging player experiences for video games, focusing on seamless user journeys and interactive design.

• Translate complex game mechanics and player flows into user-friendly interfaces through wireframing, prototyping, and visual design.

• Drive design decisions through a combination of qualitative user research and quantitative data-driven insights to ensure player-centricity.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including game developers, product managers, and stakeholders, to align design vision with business objectives and technical feasibility.

• Contribute to the establishment and enforcement of design standards and best practices within the studio to elevate the overall quality of game experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes a strong understanding of game design principles and player psychology, specifically for mobile and casual games, indicating a focus on user engagement and retention strategies within the gaming industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop detailed wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs that effectively communicate user experience concepts and functional requirements for game features.

• Design and refine core game mechanics, player progression systems, and user interface (UI) elements to enhance player engagement and satisfaction.

• Plan and execute user research initiatives, including surveys, interviews, and usability testing, to gather player feedback and identify areas for design improvement.

• Implement a continuous design iteration process, leveraging user feedback, playtest data, and analytics to optimize the player experience post-launch.

• Work in close partnership with game developers, providing clear design specifications and assets, and actively participating in technical discussions to ensure accurate implementation of UX designs.

• Collaborate with product managers and other stakeholders to define project requirements, understand market opportunities, and translate business goals into effective UX solutions.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a comprehensive design system and style guides to ensure consistency and quality across all game titles.

• Proactively research and report on emerging UX trends, new technologies, and innovative design patterns within the gaming industry to inform future design strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires not only design execution but also a strategic contribution to establishing design standards, suggesting a need for a candidate who can influence and mentor others in design best practices within the studio.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in User Experience Design, Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field.

Experience: A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in UX design, specifically for mobile or web applications, with a demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality user experiences.

Required Skills:

• Wireframing & Prototyping: Proficiency in creating low-fidelity wireframes and interactive prototypes to visualize user flows and test design concepts.

• Visual Design: Strong aesthetic sense and ability to create visually appealing and intuitive user interfaces.

• User Research: Experience in planning and conducting user research, including interviews and surveys, to gather player insights.

• Game Mechanics & Player Flow Design: Understanding of how to design engaging game mechanics and intuitive player journeys.

• User Interface (UI) Design: Expertise in designing user-friendly and accessible interfaces for digital products.

• Figma Proficiency: Advanced skills in Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and UI design.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Competency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and other relevant tools for asset creation and manipulation.

• Game Development Principles: Foundational knowledge of game development processes and common design patterns in video games.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present design concepts and collaborate with diverse teams.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex design challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Usability Testing: Experience in planning and executing usability tests to identify and resolve user experience issues.

• Data Analysis: Ability to interpret user data and analytics to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Casual Game Design: Experience designing for casual game genres, understanding their unique player engagement loops and monetization strategies.

• Generalist Game Design Background: A broader understanding of game design principles beyond just UX, including systems design or level design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "effectiveness when these materials are not available" for user research and data analysis suggests that the candidate must also possess strong intuition and a proactive approach to design, relying on their experience and understanding of player behavior even without explicit data.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated UX Process: Showcase a clear and comprehensive UX design process, from initial concept and research through to final design and iteration.

• Case Studies: Include 2-3 detailed case studies that highlight complex design challenges, your problem-solving approach, and the resulting user experience improvements.

• Visual Design Examples: Present a range of visual design work, demonstrating your ability to create aesthetically pleasing and functional interfaces.

• Prototyping Examples: Include interactive prototypes that effectively communicate user flows and interaction design.

• Impact Metrics: Where possible, quantify the impact of your designs with relevant metrics (e.g., increased engagement, reduced drop-off rates, improved task completion).

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Provide examples of how you have mapped out and optimized user workflows for digital products.

• System Implementation: Detail your experience in working with development teams to ensure the accurate implementation of designed systems and interfaces.

• Performance Analysis: Showcase how you have used data and user feedback to analyze the performance of a design and drive iterative improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should strongly emphasize the candidate's ability to articulate their design process and demonstrate tangible outcomes, particularly how their UX contributions have positively impacted player engagement and game success metrics.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $90,000 CAD per year.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off: 10 days of vacation leave, 5 paid personal leave days, and 7 paid sick days annually.

• Insurance: Comprehensive coverage including Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Dependent Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability (LTD).

• Health & Wellness: Extended Healthcare Benefits and Dental Care coverage.

• Retirement Savings: RRSP/DPSP matching program to support long-term financial planning.

• Work Flexibility: Options for Hybrid working or fully Remote work arrangements, catering to personal work preferences.

• Professional Development: Access to Training & Development programs to foster continuous learning and skill enhancement.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, typically around 40 hours per week, with the flexibility offered by remote work arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is based on the provided information and is considered competitive for a UX Designer role with 2-5 years of experience in the Vancouver, BC market, reflecting the cost of living and industry standards for game development. Benefits are robust, indicating a commitment to employee well-being and long-term financial security.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Game Development / Interactive Entertainment. Smoking Gun Interactive (SGI), a Keywords Studio, specializes in creating original intellectual property (IP) and partnering with renowned brands to develop immersive, world-class titles for strategy and casual gamers.

Company Size: Part of Keywords Studios, a global leader in game development services, suggesting a large, well-established organization with extensive resources and reach, while SGI itself operates as a distinct studio.

Founded: Founded in 2007, SGI brings together award-winning industry veterans, indicating a culture built on experience, innovation, and a deep understanding of the gaming landscape.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design team is likely integrated within larger game development teams, collaborating closely with Game Designers, Artists, and Programmers.

• Reporting structure would typically involve a Lead UX Designer or a Design Director, with direct reporting lines to manage project-specific responsibilities.

• Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, requiring effective communication and partnership with production, engineering, and QA departments to ensure cohesive game development. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on leveraging player feedback, analytics, and user research to inform design decisions and iterate on game features.

• Agile Development: Likely operates within an Agile or iterative development framework, requiring flexibility and continuous feedback loops.

• Player-Centric Approach: A core philosophy centered on understanding and meeting player needs and preferences to create compelling and enjoyable experiences.

Company Website: https://www.smokingguninc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: As part of Keywords Studios, SGI benefits from a global network and resources, while maintaining a studio-specific culture that values innovation and expertise in game creation. The emphasis on "fearless creation of IP" suggests a culture that encourages bold ideas and creative exploration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This UX Designer role is positioned at a mid-level, typically requiring 2-5 years of experience. It involves significant individual contribution and problem-solving, with opportunities to influence design direction on specific game features or systems.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will report to a Lead UX Designer or Design Director, working within project-specific teams that include game designers, developers, and artists. This structure facilitates direct collaboration and feedback integration.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is direct and critical to player engagement, retention, and overall game satisfaction. By creating intuitive interfaces and seamless player flows, they directly influence the success of game titles, contributing to player base growth and positive market reception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX design, such as player onboarding, monetization UX, or accessibility design.

• Leadership Development: Potential to advance into Lead UX Designer roles, mentoring junior designers and overseeing design strategy for larger projects.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to various aspects of game development, including game design, art direction, and technical implementation, fostering a holistic understanding of the creation process.

• Industry Engagement: Proactive engagement with industry conferences and communities to stay abreast of the latest UX trends and best practices in gaming.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for specialization within UX design for games, with potential to grow into leadership positions, making it an attractive opportunity for dedicated UX professionals looking to build a career in the gaming industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the role is advertised as fully remote, the preference for candidates within the greater Vancouver area suggests potential for occasional in-person collaboration or access to a physical studio space, possibly for key meetings or team events. The company structure within Keywords Studios may also offer access to larger office facilities if needed.

Office Location(s): Primarily remote, with a strong preference for candidates located in British Columbia, Canada, and ideally within the greater Vancouver area. This allows for potential in-person collaboration and aligns with local talent pools.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Tools: Expect extensive use of digital collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Miro, Jira) for communication, brainstorming, and project management in a remote setting.

• Design Software: Access to industry-standard design software such as Figma and Adobe Creative Suite is essential.

• Team Interaction: Regular virtual meetings, design reviews, and playtesting sessions will be crucial for team interaction and feedback exchange.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. While remote, maintaining consistent availability during core working hours for collaborative activities is important. Flexibility in scheduling may be possible, but alignment with team schedules for critical meetings and development sprints is necessary.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on BC-based candidates for a remote role suggests a potential benefit for local team synergy, tax incentives, or compliance with provincial labor laws, while still offering the flexibility of remote work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with role requirements.

• Design Challenge/Exercise: A practical exercise to evaluate UX design skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of game design principles. This may involve designing a specific feature or refining an existing concept.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates walk through their portfolio, explaining their design process, rationale, and the impact of their work.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with hiring managers, lead designers, and potentially other team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and technical expertise.

• Final Interview: May involve a discussion with senior leadership or HR to finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Your Process: Clearly articulate your thought process, research methods, and design iterations for each project.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Explain how your design decisions led to positive outcomes for the user or business.

• Tailor to Gaming: Highlight projects that demonstrate your understanding of game mechanics, player psychology, and the unique challenges of designing for interactive entertainment.

• Visual Storytelling: Use clear visuals, diagrams, and concise text to effectively communicate your design solutions.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you would approach specific problems in a game development context.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Game Context: If given a challenge, quickly grasp the game's genre, target audience, and core mechanics.

• Focus on User Needs: Prioritize player experience and address the core problem identified in the challenge.

• Structure Your Solution: Present a logical and well-reasoned approach, outlining your steps and design rationale.

• Consider Constraints: Acknowledge technical or production constraints that might influence your design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is expected to be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on evaluating practical design skills through a portfolio review and a potential design challenge, alongside assessing cultural fit and collaborative capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, and UI design, serving as the primary collaborative design platform.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop and Illustrator for creating and editing visual assets, icons, and graphics.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma's capabilities, additional tools like Adobe XD, InVision, or Axure may be used for more complex interactive prototypes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Game Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like GameAnalytics, Unity Analytics, or custom in-house solutions for tracking player behavior and game performance.

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or advanced spreadsheet functions for analyzing and presenting data insights.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Tools such as Jira, Asana, or Trello for task management, bug tracking, and workflow coordination within development teams.

• Collaboration Platforms: Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Discord for real-time communication and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is paramount, as it's the industry standard for collaborative design. Experience with game-specific analytics platforms would be a significant advantage, demonstrating an understanding of how to measure UX impact in a gaming context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and prioritizing player needs, ensuring every design decision enhances the player experience.

• Collaboration & Communication: Fostering an environment where open communication, constructive feedback, and cross-functional teamwork are highly valued.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging bold ideas and creative problem-solving to push the boundaries of game design and player engagement.

• Data-Informed Decisions: Utilizing research, analytics, and feedback to guide design strategies and validate design choices.

• Quality & Polish: A dedication to delivering high-quality, polished user experiences that meet or exceed player expectations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with developers, artists, producers, and product managers to ensure a cohesive and unified game vision.

• Iterative Design Culture: Embracing feedback loops and rapid iteration to refine designs based on playtesting and data.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values a blend of creative freedom and disciplined execution, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and a shared passion for creating exceptional gaming experiences.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Player Needs with Business Goals: Effectively reconciling diverse player feedback and business objectives (e.g., monetization, retention) into cohesive UX solutions.

• Designing for Diverse Audiences: Creating experiences that appeal to both hardcore strategy gamers and casual players, requiring an understanding of different player motivations and preferences.

• Rapid Iteration in a Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to evolving game designs and tight production schedules while maintaining a high standard of UX quality.

• Remote Collaboration Effectiveness: Ensuring seamless communication and design alignment across distributed teams and time zones.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply cutting-edge UX methodologies, such as AI-driven personalization, advanced user journey mapping, and behavioral economics in game design.

• Game Design Immersion: Deepen understanding of game mechanics, systems design, and narrative integration through close collaboration with game design teams.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to experienced designers and industry veterans for guidance and career development support.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Support for attending relevant conferences (e.g., GDC, UXPA) and specialized training to enhance skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for the game industry, requiring adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities are geared towards advancing both UX expertise and broader game development knowledge.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a new game mechanic's user flow, from initial concept to implementation." (Focus on research, iteration, and collaboration.)

• "How would you approach designing a tutorial for a complex strategy game to onboard new players effectively?" (Highlight understanding of player onboarding, progressive disclosure, and feedback mechanisms.)

• "Imagine a situation where player feedback conflicts with a core design vision. How would you navigate this situation?" (Emphasize data-driven decision-making, stakeholder management, and finding common ground.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Smoking Gun Interactive and Keywords Studios, and why do you want to work in the gaming industry?" (Research company values, recent projects, and industry trends.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with game developers and artists who may have different priorities?" (Discuss your communication style, empathy, and focus on shared goals.)

• "How do you measure the success of your UX designs in a game development context?" (Prepare examples of metrics like retention, engagement, completion rates, and player satisfaction.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Frame each project as a narrative – problem, your role, your process, solution, and outcome.

• Highlight Your Process: Clearly show how you arrived at your solutions, not just the final designs. Emphasize research, iteration, and user testing.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, use data to demonstrate the positive results of your design work.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to discuss specific design decisions, challenges, and alternative approaches you considered.

• Showcase Game-Specific Thinking: Demonstrate an understanding of UX principles as applied to games, not just general web/app design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of UX principles within the specific context of game development, highlighting problem-solving skills, collaborative spirit, and the ability to drive player-centric design.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UX process, problem-solving skills, and visual design capabilities, prioritizing those relevant to mobile or casual games if possible. Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates your design thinking and the impact of your work.

• Optimize Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description (e.g., Wireframing, Prototyping, Figma, User Research, Game Mechanics, Player Flows) and quantify achievements with specific metrics where applicable. Tailor your resume to emphasize your game design or interactive entertainment experience.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, focusing on storytelling, clearly explaining your design process, and being ready to answer in-depth questions about your decisions and outcomes.

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with Smoking Gun Interactive's games, company culture, and their position within Keywords Studios. Understand their target audience and any recent news or announcements to demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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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