UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer

Company: Smoking Gun Interactive

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Game Development / User Experience Design

Date Posted: September 17, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote (with local residency requirement)

🚀 Role Summary

• Focus on crafting intuitive and engaging player experiences within the game development lifecycle.

• Design and iterate on core game mechanics, player flows, and user interfaces to enhance gameplay.

• Conduct comprehensive user research and leverage data-driven insights to inform design decisions and drive continuous improvement.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including game developers, product managers, and stakeholders, to achieve strategic objectives.

• Contribute to the establishment and maintenance of design standards, ensuring consistency and quality across studio projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of game design principles and the ability to translate player needs into functional and aesthetically pleasing user interfaces, specifically within the context of game development. The "Fully Remote" status with a mandatory "greater Vancouver area" residency implies a hybrid approach where remote work is standard, but occasional in-person collaboration or local presence might be beneficial or required.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop detailed wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs to effectively communicate user experience concepts and game functionality.

• Design and refine game mechanics, player progression systems, and user interfaces (UI) based on established design principles and player feedback.

• Execute user research methodologies, including player interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to gather actionable insights into player needs, preferences, and pain points.

• Drive iterative design processes by analyzing user feedback, A/B testing results, and quantitative data to optimize player experience and engagement metrics.

• Partner closely with game developers to ensure seamless implementation of UX/UI designs, providing clear specifications and ongoing support throughout the development cycle.

• Collaborate with product managers and other stakeholders to align design initiatives with business goals, project timelines, and market demands.

• Contribute to the creation and enforcement of a comprehensive design system and style guides to ensure visual and functional consistency across all game titles.

• Stay abreast of the latest trends in UX/UI design, game development technologies, and emerging design patterns to foster innovation and maintain competitive advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "shipped mobile and PC game title" in the portfolio requirement indicates a need for candidates who have proven experience in delivering complete, market-ready game experiences. The responsibility of "establishing and maintaining design standards" suggests a senior or lead-level expectation for contributing to the team's overall design maturity.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• Minimum of 3 years of dedicated UI/UX design experience within the video game industry.

• Proven track record of successfully shipping at least one mobile game and one PC game title. Required Skills:

• Portfolio: A strong, curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of one shipped mobile and one PC game title is mandatory for consideration.

• Design Tools: Advanced proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD) and Figma.

• User Research & Analysis: Demonstrated experience with user research methodologies, including usability testing, A/B testing, feedback loops, and data analysis to inform design decisions.

• Game Design Principles: Deep understanding of core game design principles, player psychology, and best practices for developing interactive interfaces within game engines.

• Technical Acumen: Familiarity with implementing interactive interfaces within game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) and understanding of game development workflows.

• Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within a fast-paced, agile game development environment.

• Communication: Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale to diverse audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with user research, usability testing, and data analysis, particularly when such materials are not readily available, demonstrating adaptability and problem-solving skills.

• A broad, generalist background in game design, encompassing various aspects beyond just UX/UI.

• Experience working on casual games, understanding their unique design considerations and player demographics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio with shipped titles and proficiency in game engine interface development highlights the specialized nature of this UX role. The preference for experience with limited data suggests a need for designers who can rely on intuition and established design principles when faced with incomplete information.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Shipped Titles: Showcase at least one successfully launched mobile game and one PC game title, demonstrating end-to-end UX/UI design contributions.

• Case Studies: Include detailed case studies for key projects, outlining the design process, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and quantifiable outcomes or player impact.

• Process Documentation: Illustrate your design process, including wireframing, prototyping, user flow mapping, and usability testing methodologies.

• Tool Proficiency: Demonstrate practical application of design tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Suite within your projects, showcasing your ability to create polished assets and interactive prototypes.

• Data Integration: Provide examples of how you have used user research, A/B testing, and data analysis to inform and iterate on your designs, even if limited.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Clearly articulate your approach to mapping and optimizing player journeys and game mechanics through visual aids like flowcharts and diagrams.

• Iterative Design: Detail your methods for incorporating feedback from user research, playtesting, and team reviews into design iterations.

• System Implementation: Explain your experience in translating UX/UI designs into actionable specifications for game developers, ensuring accurate implementation within game engines.

• Metrics & Impact: Quantify the impact of your design decisions through relevant metrics, such as engagement rates, retention, conversion rates, or player satisfaction scores.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, acting as the primary validation of experience. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating a clear, repeatable design process and quantifiable results, even in the context of game development where "results" might be player engagement rather than direct revenue.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

Benefits:

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

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

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

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

• Professional Development: Access to Training & Development opportunities to foster skill enhancement and career growth.

Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week, with flexibility afforded by the remote work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $60,000 - $90,000 CAD is typical for a mid-level UX Designer in the Vancouver tech/gaming market, considering the stated experience level and the provided range. The benefits package is quite comprehensive, reflecting industry standards for full-time roles in Canada, particularly within larger organizations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Game Development (specifically IP creation and brand partnerships for PC and mobile titles).

Company Size: Smoking Gun Interactive is part of Keywords Studios, a large global entity. SGI itself operates as a significant studio within this network. This indicates a blend of studio-level agility and corporate-level resources.

Founded: Founded in 2007, SGI has a substantial history in the game development industry, built by award-winning veterans.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: Likely consists of specialized UX/UI designers, game designers, producers, and quality assurance testers who collaborate closely.

• Reporting: Designers typically report to a Lead UX/UI Designer or a Creative Director, with direct collaboration with Game Directors and Producers.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role emphasizes close partnerships with game developers (programmers, artists) and product managers, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using user research, A/B testing, and data analysis to inform design choices and validate hypotheses.

• Agile Development: Work is conducted within a fast-paced, iterative development environment, requiring adaptability and quick turnarounds.

• IP & Brand Focus: A significant aspect of SGI's work involves creating original Intellectual Property (IP) and partnering with established brands, requiring an understanding of brand guidelines and market positioning.

Company Website: https://www.smokingguninc.com/ (Note: The provided URL https://jobs.workable.com/company/m6gutC9tF25jqsQnBMkSA1/jobs-at-smoking-gun-interactive is for the job platform, not the company's main site.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's affiliation with Keywords Studios suggests access to extensive resources and a global network, while SGI's own history points to a strong creative and experienced foundation. The culture likely balances creative freedom with the structured demands of game development and client partnerships.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level UX Designer. This role is expected to independently manage design tasks for specific features or game mechanics, contribute to the overall design vision, and mentor junior designers over time.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will report to a Lead UX/UI Designer or a Creative Director. They will work closely with Game Directors, Producers, and development teams (programmers, artists).

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's work directly influences player engagement, satisfaction, and retention, which are critical metrics for the success of mobile and PC game titles. Effective UX design can lead to higher player acquisition, longer playtime, and positive word-of-mouth, all contributing to the company's revenue and market standing.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to specialize further in areas like player progression systems, UI animation, or user research methodologies.

• Leadership: Potential to advance into Lead UX Designer or Art Director roles, managing design teams and setting strategic design direction.

• Skill Development: Access to training and development programs, industry conferences, and mentorship to hone skills in new technologies, design techniques, and game genres.

• Cross-Disciplinary Experience: Potential to gain broader experience in game design, product management, or even technical art roles within the Keywords Studios network.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a mid-level role, growth often involves deepening expertise in core UX/UI skills, taking on more complex design challenges, and potentially mentoring junior team members. The connection to Keywords Studios offers a wider array of potential career paths than a standalone studio.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is advertised as "TELECOMMUTE" and "Fully Remote," indicating that the primary work environment is home-based. However, the requirement for applicants to be located in the "greater Vancouver area" suggests that occasional in-person meetings, team events, or access to a physical studio space for specific collaborative sessions might be expected or available.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the requirement for Vancouver residency implies proximity to Smoking Gun Interactive's physical studio location in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Setup: Employees are expected to have a dedicated, productive home office setup conducive to focused design work and virtual collaboration.

• Digital Collaboration Tools: The team relies heavily on digital tools for communication (e.g., Slack, Discord), project management (e.g., Jira, Asana), and design collaboration (e.g., Figma, Miro).

• Team Interaction: While remote, opportunities for team interaction will likely be facilitated through regular video calls, virtual team-building activities, and collaborative design sessions.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week. While remote, maintaining consistent availability during core business hours for the Vancouver time zone (America/Vancouver) is crucial for effective team collaboration and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "remote OK" status combined with a mandatory local residency is a common hybrid model in the tech and gaming industry. It allows companies to leverage a global talent pool while maintaining some level of localized team cohesion and potentially utilizing physical office resources when needed.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of submitted resume and mandatory portfolio. Applications without a portfolio featuring shipped titles will likely be disqualified.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focusing on UX/UI design principles, game design understanding, and proficiency with design tools. May include a portfolio walkthrough.

• Design Challenge: Candidates may be given a take-home design exercise or a live design problem to solve, focusing on game mechanics, player flow, or UI design within a specified timeframe. This assesses problem-solving skills and design methodology.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members (e.g., Lead Designer, Producer, Developers) to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and communication skills.

• Final Interview: Typically with a hiring manager or senior leadership to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and finalize offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Shipped Titles: Ensure your portfolio prominently features at least one mobile and one PC game title with clear descriptions of your specific contributions.

• Showcase Process: For each project, detail your design process: problem identification, research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, iteration, and final implementation.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrates the positive impact of your designs on player experience or game performance.

• Tailor to Role: Emphasize projects and skills that directly align with the responsibilities and requirements of this UX Designer role in the game industry.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use high-quality mockups and clear, concise descriptions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Game Context: If given a design challenge, thoroughly research the company's existing games or target genre to understand the typical player base and design conventions.

• Focus on Core Mechanics: For game-related challenges, prioritize designing for core gameplay loops and player interaction.

• Demonstrate Iteration: Show how you would approach iteration based on feedback, even if hypothetical.

• Articulate Rationale: Be prepared to clearly explain your design choices, the problem they solve, and how they align with player needs and business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio with shipped titles and the potential for a design challenge are standard for UX roles in the competitive game industry. Candidates should be prepared to defend their design decisions with both creative rationale and data-informed insights.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, wireframing, prototyping, and creating design systems.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in Photoshop for asset creation and image manipulation, and Illustrator for vector graphics and UI elements. Adobe XD may also be used for prototyping.

Prototyping & User Research Tools:

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with built-in Figma prototyping or dedicated tools like InVision, Axure, or Marvel.

• User Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms), user testing (e.g., UserTesting.com), and potentially analytics platforms.

Game Development Integration:

• Game Engines: Understanding of how UI/UX designs are implemented within game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine. Familiarity with their respective UI systems is a plus.

• Version Control: Basic understanding of version control systems (e.g., Git) might be beneficial for asset management and collaboration with developers.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Experience with data analysis tools to interpret player behavior, such as Excel, Google Analytics (for web-based components), or specialized in-game analytics platforms (e.g., GameAnalytics, DeltaDNA).

• A/B Testing Platforms: Familiarity with methodologies and tools for conducting A/B tests to optimize UI elements and game mechanics.

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Communication Tools: Slack, Discord, Microsoft Teams for team communication.

• Project Management Tools: Jira, Asana, Trello for tracking tasks, bugs, and project progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The ability to understand and communicate effectively with game developers regarding implementation within game engines is a key differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A core value of designing experiences that prioritize player enjoyment, engagement, and satisfaction.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working closely with diverse teams, sharing ideas openly, and supporting collective goals.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouragement to explore new ideas, push creative boundaries, and contribute to unique game IPs.

• Data-Informed Decisions: A commitment to using research, feedback, and data to guide design choices and measure success.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture of learning, iteration, and striving for excellence in every aspect of game development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to be active participants in team discussions, providing UX/UI input from concept to post-launch.

• Open Feedback: A culture that values constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to continuously improve designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement to share insights, best practices, and learnings through internal presentations, documentation, or informal discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely values a blend of creative passion for gaming and a disciplined, analytical approach to design, driven by the success of their titles and partnerships.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Player Needs with Business Goals: Effectively integrating player desires and feedback with the technical constraints and commercial objectives of the game.

• Rapid Iteration in a Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting quickly to changing project requirements, feedback, and market trends in game development.

• Designing for Diverse Audiences: Creating intuitive experiences that appeal to a broad range of players, from casual to dedicated gamers, across different platforms.

• Remote Collaboration Effectiveness: Maintaining strong communication and creative synergy with team members across different locations and time zones.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX/UI Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply cutting-edge UX/UI methodologies specific to game design.

• Game Design Fundamentals: Deepen understanding of broader game design principles, mechanics, and systems.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Potential to attend relevant industry events (e.g., GDC, IXDA events) for networking and skill development.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced designers and industry veterans within Smoking Gun Interactive and Keywords Studios for guidance and career advice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to the game development industry and remote work, requiring resilience and strong problem-solving skills. Growth opportunities are robust, leveraging the expertise within SGI and the broader Keywords Studios network.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a new game mechanic from concept to implementation. What user research methods would you employ?"

• "How do you handle conflicting feedback from stakeholders or playtesters? Provide an example."

• "Walk me through a challenging UX problem you solved on a shipped game. What was the problem, your solution, and the outcome?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What aspects of Smoking Gun Interactive's games or company culture appeal to you?"

• "How do you see yourself contributing to our design team's culture and collaborative environment?"

• "How do you measure the success of your UX/UI designs in a game development context?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as narratives, highlighting the problem, your approach, your specific contributions, and the results.

• Quantify Everything: Use numbers and data points whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your design decisions.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use high-quality visuals, interactive prototypes, and clear explanations to showcase your work.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, technical constraints, and your thought process during development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a combination of strong design skills, a deep understanding of game development, a collaborative spirit, and the ability to articulate design rationale clearly, backed by evidence from your portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workable link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to prominently feature your experience with shipping mobile and PC game titles, highlighting relevant UX/UI design skills and case studies.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your years of experience in game UX/UI, specific tools proficiency (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite), and any experience with game engines or user research. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, presenting your portfolio projects with a focus on challenges and outcomes, and preparing thoughtful questions for the interviewers.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Smoking Gun Interactive's game portfolio and their role within Keywords Studios. Understand their target audience and design philosophy.

⚠️ 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.