Video Game Designer (Gameplay Design & Mechanics Development) - Volunteer Role

Video Game Designer (Gameplay Design & Mechanics Development)
The Donovan’s Venom (501c3 Nonprofit)
Department: Interactive Media Studio (Game Development)
Location: Remote
Position Type: Volunteer Role
Reports To: Lead Video Game Designer / Director of Interactive Media Studio
Position Overview
The Video Game Designer (Gameplay) is responsible for designing and refining core gameplay mechanics, player interactions, and moment-to-moment experiences within game projects.
This role focuses on how the game feels to play—ensuring mechanics are responsive, engaging, and aligned with the overall game design.
Operating at the intersection of gameplay design, interaction design, and implementation , this role is critical to delivering a fun, intuitive, and immersive player experience.
Key Responsibilities
Core Gameplay Design Design gameplay mechanics such as:
Movement
Controls
Combat (if applicable)
Player interactions
Ensure mechanics are intuitive and engaging

Player Experience & Feel Focus on moment-to-moment gameplay feel
Improve responsiveness and control
Enhance player interaction quality

Prototyping & Iteration Develop and test gameplay prototypes
Experiment with mechanics and interactions
Iterate based on feedback and testing

Gameplay Balance & Tuning Adjust gameplay elements for:
Difficulty
Responsiveness
Fairness
Improve pacing and player experience

Unity & Implementation Support Work within Unity (or similar engine) to:
Implement mechanics
Test gameplay interactions
Collaborate with developers on functionality

Design Documentation Create and maintain:
Gameplay documentation
Mechanics descriptions
Ensure clarity for development teams

Cross-Functional Collaboration Work with:
Developers (implementation)
Artists (visual feedback and alignment)
UX/UI teams (player interface and interaction)
Ensure cohesive gameplay experience

Playtesting & Feedback Integration Participate in playtesting sessions
Analyze feedback
Refine gameplay mechanics accordingly

Problem-Solving & Constraints Adapt gameplay based on:
Technical limitations
Scope constraints
Balance creativity with feasibility

Continuous Improvement Improve gameplay quality over time
Stay current with game design trends
Enhance player engagement

Volunteer Commitment Expectations
Estimated Commitment: 8–12 hours per week
Flexible schedule
Participation in game development meetings required
Fully remote

Minimum Qualifications
1–3 years of experience in:
Game design
Gameplay design
Interactive systems
Understanding of:
Core gameplay mechanics
Player interaction design

Preferred Qualifications
Experience with:
Unity or similar game engines
Experience working on game projects (academic, indie, or professional)
Experience in collaborative or remote teams

Core Competencies
Gameplay Design
Designs engaging and responsive mechanics
Focuses on player interaction

Player Experience
Improves gameplay feel and usability
Enhances engagement

Problem Solving
Adjusts gameplay based on feedback
Resolves design challenges

Collaboration
Works with developers and artists
Aligns gameplay with overall design

Attention to Detail
Ensures precision in mechanics
Maintains clarity in documentation

Adaptability
Iterates designs based on testing
Adjusts to evolving requirements

Work Environment
Fully remote
Collaborative game development environment
Creative and iterative workflow

Important Disclaimer
This is a volunteer position and does not constitute employment.
We are onboarding individuals who are ready to contribute immediately.
Please only apply if you are prepared to begin within the next 14 days.