We’re developing a goofy, stealth-focused 3D platformer about a headless chicken navigating a chaotic farm world filled with evil farmers, sneaky stealth encounters, traversal challenges, and physics-driven chaos. The tone is silly, intense, and proudly weird - think Octodad meets Little Nightmares - but we’re still aiming for expert-level polish, especially in how the game plays.

We’re looking for an experienced and passionate 3D level designer to help improve and redesign our existing Demo Level. The level is already built and fully playable; this role is about making it better, not starting from scratch.

This is a small, short-term, paid indie contract, ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on level design work and wants to meaningfully improve a real, playable game.

Initial Demo Trailer: Mark the Headless Chicken – A Headless Adventure Begins (Demo Announcement Trailer)

Project Scope

• Contract-based, fully remote
• Short-term engagement
• Part-time, flexible schedule
• Fixed-fee payment: $400 USD
• Scope-based delivery (not hourly)

This is intended to be a fixed-scope, fixed-fee contract rather than a time-based engagement. The Demo Level already exists and the goal is a focused improvement pass, so we’d prefer to align on scope and effort directly with the designer and make sure everyone is comfortable with what’s expected before starting.

We recognize that different designers work at different speeds. Our intent is for this to be opt-in, clearly agreed on beforehand, and scoped in a way that feels fair to both sides.

What You’ll Do

• Work directly in Unreal Engine 5 to improve an existing Demo Level
• Refine level layout, flow, and pacing
• Strengthen stealth spaces and traversal beats through smart spatial design
• Improve gameplay readability and player guidance
• Make lighting improvements to support clarity, mood, and navigation
• Design around existing enemy AI and farm animal AI systems (layout only - no AI code)

This is hands-on, in-engine level design work, focused on gameplay, layout, and player experience - not environment art or programming. 

How We’ll Work

• We will playtest the level beforehand and agree on actionable level improvements and changes. We’ll align early on priorities, then you’ll execute independently
• You’ll work directly inside the project using Unreal Engine 5
• Version control is handled via Perforce
• We will have check-ins and progress reviews for the level. Final delivery is a clean Perforce submit (plus a brief walkthrough if helpful)

Who You Are

• A 3D level designer with experience working on platformers or adventure games
• Someone who enjoys and is comfortable improving and refining existing content
• Comfortable working directly in Unreal Engine
• Strong instincts for stealth, traversal, pacing, and player flow
• Able to work independently, stay organized, and make smart design decisions
• Passionate about games, especially smaller or experimental projects

Shipped games or strong in-engine portfolio work are a big plus, but not required if your work speaks for itself.

How to Apply

Please send:

• A short intro about yourself
• A portfolio or examples of 3D level design work (in-engine preferred)
• Confirmation that you’re comfortable with a $400 fixed-fee, short-term contract
• Confirmation that you’re comfortable working in Unreal Engine and Perforce

Applications missing this information will not be considered.