Refactor Games
Core Game Designer (Unreal Engine 5 / Sports) at Refactor Games Santa Monica, CA
Refactor Games, Santa Monica
Overview
Core Game Designer (Unreal Engine 5 / Sports) job at Refactor Games. Santa Monica, CA. Refactor Games is a AAA sports video game studio . We are developing the next generation of professional football (soccer) video games using Unreal Engine 5 .
We are looking for a Core Game Designer to own the design of core moment-to-moment gameplay for our football game. If you know what makes a pass feel great in EA FC, why ball physics matters in Pro Evo, or why a well-designed first-touch mechanic can make or break immersion, this is the job for you.
Experience:
- 3+ years developing games for console and/or PC, ideally sports or competitive multiplayer.
- At least 1 shipped high-quality football game or a similar sports game.
Responsibilities
- Design and iterate on core gameplay systems : player control, ball physics, shooting, passing, skill moves, dribbling, defending, collisions, player interactions.
- Work closely with engineers and animators to prototype and refine gameplay mechanics.
- Own tuning of player attributes, input responsiveness, animation transitions, and gameplay balance.
- Study and deconstruct the best football games on the market.
- Ensure authenticity , fluidity , and fun in every on-pitch interaction.
Requirements
- Deep knowledge of football video games (EA FC, Pro Evo, UFL, Football Manager, etc.).
- Passion for real-world football: player behaviors, tactics, styles of play.
- Proven experience designing and tuning core gameplay in Unreal Engine 5.
- Ability to analyze player feedback and telemetry data to refine gameplay.
- Experience shipping at least one football or sports title (or demonstrable equivalent experience).
Pluses
- Knowledge of broadcast camera angles and camera behavior for sports games.
- Experience tuning AI difficulty, skill systems, and input latency mitigation.