PeopleFun is an award-winning creator of mobile games for players across the globe. We are part of AppLovin, a publicly traded company, with world-class projects, resources, and infrastructure. PeopleFun is a Dallas-based game studio founded and led by game industry veterans, where game developers thrive on collaboration, creativity, teamwork, and fun. Our games are played by over 25 million players each month, and we have a number of exciting mobile games in development to fuel the future growth of PeopleFun.
We believe in bringing People together through Fun by creating the best in class social features and communities in our games that enables our players to engage deeply with other players. Secondly we endeavor to bring our studio teammates together by creating the very best game teams that foster healthy collaboration, incredible productivity, and life-long professional relationships.
Candidates who reside or will reside in the following locations are eligible for this role: California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington State.
Job Summary
We’re looking for a Senior Game Designer to help shape new mobile game concepts from the ground up. You will be a core contributor to a fast-moving, small team in pre-production. Your focus will be on gameplay mechanics, systems, and player flow, ensuring what we build resonates with our players and stands up in a competitive market. You’ll collaborate with game designers, artists, engineers, and product leaders to shape compelling player experiences that are grounded in competitive insights and player motivations.
The ideal candidate brings deep experience with mobile F2P design, excels at breaking down games analytically, and thrives in environments where speed, iteration, and clarity are essential. This role requires strong design execution, clear communication, and a proactive, collaborative mindset.
Responsibilities
- Design and collaborate in prototyping gameplay systems for new mobile game ideas in the casual puzzle space.
- Pitch new game concepts informed by market benchmarks and player motivations.
- Deconstruct top-performing games and identify actionable insights for differentiation or refinement.
- Translate ideas into clear documentation, wireframes, and feature specs.
- Work closely with artists, engineers, and product management to bring features to life in prototype form.
- Iterate fast using data, internal feedback, and playtests to evolve your work.
- Shape compelling, testable game loops.
- Maintain focus on scope and feasibility, delivering impactful design work that supports iterative learning.
Requirements
- 5+ years of professional game design experience, ideally with 1–2 shipped F2P mobile titles.
- Track record of taking early-stage game ideas from pitch to prototype.
- Strong understanding of game systems, loops, player progression, and retention drivers.
- Ability to dissect games analytically and communicate findings clearly.
- Excellent cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.
- Comfortable working in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.
- Deep understanding of the casual mobile puzzle space and related genres.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Unity or similar engines.
- Experience developing projects from scratch, taking them from concept to a fully realized product.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including comfort with live metrics and player data.
- Familiarity with tools for prototyping, user flow, or mockups.
PeopleFun provides a competitive total compensation package with a pay for performance rewards approach. The expected base pay range for this [CA-based or North America-based] position is $90,000-$160,000. Base compensation at PeopleFun is based on a number of factors, including market location, and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Depending on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical and other benefits.
Benefits
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
- Performance Bonuses
- 401K Match Policy
- Flexible PTO Policy
- Wellness Stipend
- Free Lunch each Friday
- Generous Parental Leave & Family-Friendly Culture
- Annual Credits for Professional Development & In-App Purchases
PeopleFun is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about EEO rights as an applicant here.