UX Designer (Pokémon GO, Monster Hunter Now, Pikmin Bloom or New Title)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer (Pokémon GO, Monster Hunter Now, Pikmin Bloom or New Title)

Company: Scopely

Location: JP - Tokyo, Japan

Job Type: Full-time

Category: UX/UI Design, Game Development

Date Posted: June 01, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end UX design for innovative, real-world interactive mobile experiences, focusing on player engagement and intuitive design.

• Develop comprehensive UX flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes to visualize and refine complex design concepts for player-facing features.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Engineers, Product Managers, User Researchers, and Artists, to co-create unique and engaging gameplay experiences.

• Drive design validation through mockups and prototypes, ensuring a player-centric approach from concept to implementation within a hybrid work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the job description and company context, this role is situated within Niantic's UX Design team, which is a subsidiary of Scopely. The focus is on geolocation-based mobile games, emphasizing real-world interaction, exploration, and player connection. The hybrid work arrangement requires specific days in the office.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the UX design process for player-facing experiences within assigned geolocation-based mobile game titles, from initial concept through to final implementation.

• Craft detailed UX flows, interactive wireframes, and high-fidelity prototypes to clearly articulate interaction design, user journeys, and overall design concepts.

• Develop comprehensive design documentation, including specifications, to communicate design intent and ensure a shared understanding among all stakeholders.

• Actively participate in brainstorming sessions, feature planning, and team rituals to contribute innovative ideas and shape the product's strategic direction.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with Engineering, Product Management, User Research, Art, and other cross-functional teams, ensuring seamless integration of UX design into the development lifecycle.

• Conduct design validation through the creation of mockups and prototypes, gathering feedback to iteratively refine and enhance user experiences.

• Translate design concepts into visually compelling and intuitive user interfaces that align with the game's aesthetic and functional requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a full-cycle UX design role within game development, requiring a blend of strategic thinking, creative execution, and cross-functional collaboration. The need for specific days in the office suggests a focus on in-person collaboration and team synergy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Computer Science, or a related field is highly beneficial.

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in UX/UI design is required, with a demonstrable track record in mobile application or game development.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in leading UX design efforts from concept to implementation for player-facing mobile experiences.

• Expertise in developing user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes for design validation and refinement.

• Strong visual design skills with professional proficiency in industry-standard design tools, specifically Figma.

• Demonstrated ability to create sketches and designs for effective design validation and prototyping.

• Experience in mobile application or game development, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within these domains.

• Fluency in Japanese and/or English, with the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

• Adaptability and flexibility to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment, with a strong aptitude for practical problem-solving.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically with geolocation-based mobile games.

• Familiarity with user research methodologies and the ability to integrate user feedback into the design process.

• Understanding of game design principles and mechanics.

• Additional experience with other design and prototyping tools beyond Figma.

• Experience working within an Agile development framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a need for practical, hands-on UX/UI design experience, particularly within the mobile gaming sector. Proficiency in Figma is a non-negotiable requirement, and bilingualism in Japanese and English is a significant asset, reflecting the Tokyo-based nature of the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3 years of professional UX/UI design work, with a strong emphasis on mobile application interaction design.

• Detailed case studies demonstrating your ability to conceptualize, design, and iterate on user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.

• Examples of visual design work that highlight your aesthetic sensibilities and proficiency with design tools.

• Evidence of design validation through mockups and prototypes, illustrating how you tested and refined design concepts.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you document design specifications and communicate UX intent clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Demonstrations of your workflow for iterating on designs based on feedback from user research, product managers, and engineers.

• Case studies that illustrate your approach to problem-solving within the context of mobile game design challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role. It should not only showcase design skills but also the process by which those designs were conceived, validated, and refined, with a clear emphasis on mobile and gaming applications.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While a specific range is not provided, for a Mid-level UX Designer (2-5 years experience) in Tokyo, Japan, with expertise in mobile game design and Figma, the estimated annual salary is ¥6,000,000 - ¥9,000,000 JPY. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for UX/UI designers in major tech hubs in Japan, considering the specialized skills required for game development and the hybrid work model.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance and welfare programs.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

• Access to cutting-edge tools and technologies in game development.

• Collaborative and innovative work environment fostering creativity.

• Potential for bonuses and performance-based incentives.

• Contribution to globally recognized and beloved mobile game titles.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement requiring 3 days per week in the Tokyo office (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays). Flexibility may be provided based on project needs and team agreements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general market data for UX designers in Tokyo. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and negotiation. The hybrid model is a key factor in the work arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Mobile Gaming & Interactive Entertainment. Scopely is a leading player in the global video game industry, known for its diverse portfolio of successful mobile titles. Niantic, its subsidiary, is renowned for pioneering augmented reality and location-based games.

Company Size: Scopely is a large organization, employing thousands of people globally. Niantic, while a subsidiary, also operates as a significant entity within the gaming space. This scale offers opportunities for broad impact and collaboration across various teams and projects.

Founded: Scopely was founded in 2011. Niantic was spun out of Google in 2015. This history indicates a company with established experience and a strong track record in developing and operating live-service games.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design team is part of Niantic, likely comprising specialists in UX/UI, interaction design, and visual design, focused on specific game titles or platform features.

• This role will report to a UX Design Lead or Manager within Niantic, with close collaboration with Product Managers, Engineers, and Artists on a dedicated game development team.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Designs are informed by player data, user research findings, and A/B testing results to drive informed decisions and optimize player engagement.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Employs agile methodologies and iterative design processes to manage complex projects efficiently, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality experiences.

• Automation & Efficiency: Leverages design tools and collaboration platforms to streamline the design process and enhance team productivity.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is likely to be fast-paced, innovative, and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making and player-centric design. The hybrid model and the nature of game development mean that teamwork and communication are paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-level, suitable for designers with 2-5 years of hands-on experience. It involves leading UX design for specific features or titles, requiring a good degree of autonomy and problem-solving ability, but still within a supportive team structure.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will report to a UX Design Lead or Manager within Niantic. They will work closely with Product Managers and collaborate extensively with Engineers, Artists, and User Researchers on a dedicated game development team.

Operations Impact: UX Designers at Niantic/Scopely directly influence player experience, engagement, and retention. Their work is crucial for the success of games like Pokémon GO and Monster Hunter Now, impacting millions of players globally and contributing significantly to the company's revenue and market position.

Growth Opportunities:

• UX Design Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas such as AR/VR design, gameplay mechanics, or player onboarding for geolocation-based games.

• Team Leadership: Potential to grow into a Senior UX Designer role, mentoring junior designers and leading larger design initiatives or feature sets.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: The ability to move into related roles such as Product Management or User Research, leveraging a deep understanding of player needs and design principles.

• Skill Development: Access to internal and external training, workshops, and conferences to stay abreast of the latest UX design trends, tools, and technologies in the gaming industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within the specialized field of game UX design, with potential for advancement and cross-disciplinary exploration within a leading interactive entertainment company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Tokyo, Japan, and operates on a hybrid model. This means a combination of remote work and in-office collaboration.

Office Location(s): Tokyo, Japan. Specific details regarding the office address and amenities would typically be provided during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model, with mandated office days (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays), is designed to foster in-person collaboration, spontaneous brainstorming, and team cohesion. This is crucial for intricate game design discussions.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Designers will have access to industry-standard design software (Figma), prototyping tools, and collaboration platforms necessary for remote and in-office teamwork.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design critiques, and cross-functional sync-ups will be part of the daily routine, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement requires presence in the Tokyo office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with flexibility for remote work on other days. This structure aims to balance focused individual work with essential team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment in Tokyo is a key aspect, requiring candidates to be comfortable with both remote and in-office collaboration, specifically on designated days.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience alignment.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focusing on your background, motivations, and understanding of UX design principles within the gaming context.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: This is a critical stage where you will present your portfolio, discuss your design process, and potentially complete a design exercise or case study relevant to mobile game UX. Expect to elaborate on your decision-making, problem-solving approach, and collaboration skills.

• Cross-Functional Team Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues from engineering, product management, and art teams to evaluate your collaborative abilities and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest 3-5 projects that best highlight your mobile UX/UI design skills, interaction design capabilities, and experience with Figma.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, your design process (research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing), the solutions you implemented, and the measurable impact or outcomes.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your decision-making rationale, how you used Figma effectively, and how you iterated based on feedback or data.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and clearly demonstrates your understanding of user flows and interaction design for mobile applications.

• Game/Mobile Focus: Prioritize projects directly related to mobile applications or games, especially those involving complex interactions or unique user journeys.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to designing for real-world interactions and geolocation features.

• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, focusing on player experience and business objectives.

• Familiarize yourself with Niantic's existing games (Pokémon GO, Pikmin Bloom, etc.) and understand their UX strengths and potential areas for improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily relies on the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate their design process and rationale. Expect practical assessments and discussions centered on mobile game UX challenges.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Mandatory for UX/UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is essential.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, experience with other prototyping tools for advanced simulations or user testing may be beneficial.

• Design & Illustration Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) might be used for asset creation or supplementary tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Firebase, Amplitude, GameAnalytics) is advantageous for understanding player behavior and informing design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not primary UX tools, understanding how user data is managed and how CRM systems might integrate with player feedback loops can be helpful.

• Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana, or Trello is expected for team workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the cornerstone tool for this role. Proficiency with it is non-negotiable. Familiarity with game analytics tools will be a strong plus for demonstrating a data-informed design approach.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A core value at Niantic, emphasizing the player's experience as the primary driver for all design decisions. This means understanding player motivations, needs, and pain points.

• Innovation & Exploration: A culture that encourages pushing boundaries, particularly in the realm of real-world interactive experiences and augmented reality.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Strong emphasis on working effectively within cross-functional teams, valuing diverse perspectives, and building cohesive working relationships.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing player data, user research, and analytics to inform design choices and measure their impact.

• Adaptability & Agility: The ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, responding quickly to new challenges, technologies, and player feedback.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with engineers, product managers, artists, and user researchers. This involves active participation in meetings, design reviews, and shared problem-solving sessions.

• Iterative Design Culture: A process that encourages continuous feedback, iteration, and refinement of designs based on input from various stakeholders and user testing.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment that promotes sharing best practices, insights, and learnings across the team and broader organization through presentations, documentation, and informal discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes innovation in real-world gaming, strong collaboration, and a player-first approach, all within a hybrid work setting.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for the complexities of real-world interactions and location-based gameplay, which can be unpredictable compared to purely virtual environments.

• Balancing the needs and expectations of a diverse global player base with varying technical capabilities and cultural contexts.

• Iterating on designs within a fast-paced development cycle while maintaining a high standard of quality and user experience.

• Effectively communicating complex UX concepts and design rationale to a variety of stakeholders, including those with non-design backgrounds.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to workshops and courses on AR/VR design, advanced prototyping, and user research methodologies relevant to immersive experiences.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend leading game development and UX conferences to network and learn about emerging trends.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior designers or to mentor junior team members, fostering leadership and skill development.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Learning opportunities to understand game mechanics, engineering constraints, and product strategy more deeply.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities to tackle unique design challenges in a cutting-edge field, with ample avenues for professional growth and skill enhancement within the gaming industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you designed a complex user flow for a mobile application. What was the problem, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on process, Figma usage, and user impact.)

• "How do you approach balancing player needs with business objectives in game design?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and data-informed decision-making.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about designing for geolocation-based games like Pokémon GO or Monster Hunter Now?" (Showcase genuine interest in Niantic's mission and games.)

• "How do you prefer to collaborate with engineers and product managers during the design process?" (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem statement, your specific contributions, the design process (ideation, wireframing, prototyping, user testing), the final solution, and the impact