Lead Game Designer for MMO Development - Remote

Overview

Argus Labs is building the next generation of massively multiplayer online (MMO) games by empowering players with the extensive freedom to build, extend, and influence the game worlds they inhabit. Our approach is centered around World Engine, our state-of-the-art onchain game server framework.

In Short

• Own the vision and design of major game systems including progression, economy, combat balance, and core loops tailored to a hardcore MMO audience.
• Lead and mentor game studio team, providing direction, feedback, and support in alignment with creative and product goals.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product managers, engineers, artists, narrative, and LiveOps teams to drive cohesive gameplay experiences.
• Establish and enforce high design standards through documentation, peer reviews, and rapid prototyping.
• Strong Excel skills, game scripting (Lua, Python), or system simulation tools.
• Familiarity with Unity or Unreal Engine and live telemetry tools.
• Design and manage systems that support long-term engagement, including live events, seasonal content, monetization loops, and in-game economies.
• Work closely with stakeholders to set KPIs, analyze player data, and optimize experiences based on live telemetry and player feedback.
• Own and iterate on content cadence strategies to sustain player retention, progression, and meaningful investment over time.
• Be an advocate of the needs and motivations of our highly-engaged, competitive audience through regular community listening and player research.

Requirements

• 5+ years of professional game design experience, including 2+ years in a leadership or senior role.
• Shipped at least one live game with a strong LiveOps component (MMO, ARPG, looter shooters, or other long-tail online titles strongly preferred).
• Deep understanding of systems design, player motivation, and game balance—especially in games with progression, classes, skills, or gear-based mechanics.
• Proven experience designing for hardcore audiences—you know what makes min-maxers tick and how to craft meaningful high-skill gameplay loops.
• Strong familiarity with data-driven design—you can translate dashboards and player metrics into actionable design changes.
• Excellent communicator, collaborator, and mentor. You can clearly articulate design intent to both creatives and technical stakeholders.
• Passion for MMO-style games, sandbox systems, and community-driven game worlds.

Benefits

• A note for the game industry veterans: no crunch :-)
• Flexible PTO (2 weeks required) + holidays
• 100% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance (US)
• 401k (US)
• Up to $1500 desk set-up stipend
• Well-being allowance
• Company retreats