Jazz Games is an independent studio creating games with a strong focus on high-quality gameplay systems that deliver genuine player enjoyment. We care less about the number of mechanics and more about how they interact with each other and give players room to experiment.

We are currently working on our first project — Bird Them Up, a 3D top-down auto-shooter.

We already have a Lead Game Designer and are looking for talented designers to strengthen and elevate our gameplay. We offer competitive pay and expect quality, efficiency, and unconventional thinking when it comes to game mechanics.

Your Responsibilities

You will be responsible for core gameplay, mechanics, and game systems.

Together with other game designers, you will propose, design, brainstorm, and implement ideas related to:

• Character stats and progression
• Weapons and their upgrades
• Perks, upgrades, and build synergies
• Additional mechanics that enhance the player experience
• New system concepts that strengthen the overall gameplay

You will also work with:

• Progression curves
• Difficulty scaling
• Readability of effects and upgrades
• Writing clear, concise, and practical design documentation

You will collaborate closely with programmers and artists, quickly testing hypotheses in-game and keeping only what truly works.

What Matters to Us

1. At least 2 years of experience in game design (Indie / AA experience is a strong plus).

2. Strong understanding of systems design:

• Character stats and parameters
• Synergies
• Risk vs Reward
• Meta-progression
• Understanding the emotional sine wave of player experience (phases of player dominance vs. game dominance, and how to design around them)
• Understanding what makes games boring vs. engaging
• Ability to think in gameplay loops and buildcrafting

3. Love for games

4. Broad gaming experience and awareness

5. Ability to clearly explain why a mechanic works — or why it doesn’t

Big Plus If You Have Experience With

• Build-oriented games, complex upgrade systems, and game balance.
• Prototyping skills (AI tools or any other tools).

Our Design Values

• Gameplay Over Features. If a mechanic doesn’t increase player enjoyment — it doesn’t belong in the game.
• Honesty With the Player. Upgrades and systems must be clear, effects must be readable, and player choices must be meaningful and impactful.
• We Love Iteration. We test fast. We cut fast if it doesn’t work. If it works — we refine and improve it.