Game Designer for a fast growing game studio with a viking/history strategy game

Gamucatex Copenhagen Full-time Internship

Salary Unpaid

Do you dream of crafting innovative gameplay experiences that bring history to life? Are you fascinated by the Vikings and the idea of designing engaging mechanics for a historically accurate game? Join GAMUCATEX, where you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the gameplay of our card-based strategy game set in a rich, historical universe.

We’re seeking Game Designers who are passionate about storytelling through gameplay and ready to collaborate with a talented and diverse team of developers, artists, and historians to bring this vision to life.

About us
Welcome to GAMUCATEX – the indie startup fueled by a burning passion to weave history into enchanting gaming experiences! While our heart is in Copenhagen, our diverse team spans the entire globe. We are passionate about history and games, and you'll definitely have the opportunity to learn everything you're willing to know with us. We thrive on collaboration, creativity, innovation, and pure passion. Always ready to lend a hand, we're dedicated to crafting games that resonate and invite you to cozy up for a hygge-filled evening of entertainment. 🎮✨ Join us on this epic journey where gaming meets history!

About our game
Tectonicus: On The Edge Of War, synthesizes mechanics of turn-based strategies, auto-battlers and card games. To succeed, you are to use strategic thinking when placing heroes, commanders and units on the board, as well as building synergic decks that emphasize each faction’s unique strengths.

Apart from online and local PvP battles, Tectonicus will be featuring a full-scale story mode. The player will be called to restore the historical truth lost in contradicting accounts and theories, rewritten history and scholars’ disputes, by reincarnating significant battles and living through them as warlords, across centuries.

About your Department
You will be joining the Game Design Department, which serves as the creative heart of the startup. This team is responsible for shaping the core gameplay experience, designing innovative mechanics, and ensuring the game's vision aligns with our mission of blending historical accuracy with engaging entertainment. Your work will involve close collaboration with other departments, including Art, Development, and History, to bring our game world to life.

Together, we strive to craft immersive, fun, and balanced experiences that captivate players and resonate with our growing community.

About your role
We are looking for talented team members who can contribute to designing and refining gameplay experiences that captivate our players. This includes creating and balancing core game mechanics, crafting engaging missions, and collaborating with artists, developers, and history consultants to bring the game's vision to life.

Your work will help craft the overall game experience, ensuring it remains true to our vision while providing an enjoyable and immersive experience for players.

Responsibilities:
As a Game Designer at GAMUCATEX, your responsibilities will include:

• Collaborating with the Producer and Game Director daily, as well as artists and game developers, to ensure the creative vision is executed effectively.
• Designing engaging and immersive gameplay mechanics and meta-game features, careful management of them from concept and documentation through prototyping, refinement, and release.
• Developing and maintaining design documentation to align with project progress and clearly convey concepts to relevant departments.
• Establishing creative goals and deliverables for the Art and Development teams, as well as coordinating with the History department daily.
• Assisting in quality assurance by verifying features are implemented correctly and maintaining game quality.
• Continuously proposing and implementing improvements to features, levels, and gameplay to enhance the product.
• Participate in weekly Game Design meetings and contribute to brainstorming sessions.
• Engaging with and understanding our growing community to tailor the game experience to their needs.

About you
You have either graduated from or are currently pursuing studies in game design or a related field, with a strong foundation in designing gameplay mechanics, crafting engaging player experiences, and translating creative ideas into actionable designs.

You are a problem-solver at heart, capable of identifying opportunities to enhance the gameplay experience and showcasing our game’s unique features in ways that resonate with players.

You are also a collaborative team player who thrives in multidisciplinary and diverse environment. Our team includes game developers, narrative designers, artists, business developers, and historians, so being able to bridge diverse expertise and contribute your own perspective is essential.

It’s a bonus if you’re eager to get involved in cross-functional projects, such as applying for funding, organizing playtests, or participating in events to showcase the game. As we are an indie studio with a passion for crafting unique gaming experiences, an interest in or knowledge of indie games and their development process is highly advantageous.

Skills and Requirements:

• You are currently pursuing or have completed a bachelor’s, master’s degree, or equivalent in game design, interactive media, or a related field.
• You have practical experience designing gameplay systems, mechanics, and features, and possess a solid understanding of how to create engaging player experiences.
• Knowledge of Game Design concepts (e.g., gameplay, core game loops, balancing, reward systems, player retention mechanics).
• A strong understanding of card games and/or city-builder games.
• You can communicate effectively in English both written and verbal, as that is our company's corporate language.
• The ability to collaborate effectively with diverse departments, including those who are new to game development.
• The ability to work within deadlines and multi-task.

Pluses:
Experience in the following areas would be a great bonus:

• Proficiency in Unity or experience with other game engines.
• Prior experience working in a video game studio and familiarity with industry practices.

Details
This position is full-time and you are requested to commit between 30-37 hours a week.

The position is primarily On-Site with Remote Flexibility on Thursdays.

As we are currently seeking funding, the position will be unpaid but can contribute to an internship.

Our offices are located in three locations: Copenhagen at Amager/Nørrebro and Frederiksberg.

Application Process
We will review applications on an ongoing basis. Therefore early applications are encouraged.

• Deadline: 15th January 2025.
• Interviews: Online interviews will take in December/January.
• Start Date: As soon as possible.

What we offer you (and perks)

• Comfortable Workspace: Equipped office space with board games, docking stations (computer not provided), and a tea kitchen with free coffee/tea.
• Dynamic Learning Environment: Immersive, creative workspace within an entrepreneurial ecosystem alongside other startups. Handcrafted onboarding day and process for a seamless team integration.
• Flexible Work Arrangements:
  • Liberal holiday, sick leave, and childcare days.
  • Menstrual and menopause leave.
  • Remote work options for a healthy work-life balance.
  • Breaks for recreational activities, including game sessions.
• Career Support and Development: Time off for training and career growth. Involvement in organizational improvements, processes, culture, policies, the work environment and beyond.
• Challenging but Collaborative Atmosphere: Engaging position within an interdisciplinary global team. A workplace with high satisfaction among the team members and where it is okay to ask for help as there are no stupid questions. Varied and stimulating challenges with no two days alike. Recognition – your work is showcased in your portfolio and our games are enjoyed worldwide.
• Community and Team Building: Corporate events and team-building activities. Supportive, friendly team fostering a creative playground where experimentation is encouraged.

At GAMUCATEX, we are devoted to cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that each team member brings. Our commitment to an inclusive recruitment process ensures equal opportunities for all applicants. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life to apply. Join us in fostering a workplace where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their best.

For more information or questions please contact us at [email protected] or phone number +45 25722969