Principal Game Designer (Genre Specialist)

Overview

As Lead Game Designer in the Game Research Center, you will shape the next generation of shooter, SOC, and multiplayer gameplay for Tencent’s overseas portfolio. You’ll define minute-to-minute gameplay systems, balance long-term engagement, and set design benchmarks. You’ll collaborate with global teams, influence industry standards, and help identify opportunities for evergreen franchises. This is a high-impact role that combines hands-on design leadership with strategic direction and industry representation.

Responsibilities

• Define and refine top-tier gameplay experiences across controls, movement, and feedback across visual, audio, and haptic channels
• Build scalable combat systems including melee, ranged, physics-based interactions, and balance
• Lead innovative game modes (asymmetrical gameplay, PvPvE extraction, dynamic objective loops) ensuring accessibility and replayability
• Analyze global shooter, SOC, and MOBA titles to create reusable design frameworks and benchmarks
• Collaborate with project teams to solve design problems in GaaS, gameplay innovation, and economy balance
• Review prototypes and milestone builds to ensure global-market fun and distinctiveness
• Represent the company at industry events to strengthen Tencent’s design reputation

Key requirements

• 10+ years in game design; at least 5 years as lead designer or core systems owner on large-scale projects
• Proven success in at least two: shooter, SOC/survival, or multiplayer online games
• Experience with major global IPs or live game franchises
• Strong industry recognition via thought leadership or conference talks

• Fluent English for global collaboration
• Structured thinking to convert ideas into design documents and models
• Clear communication and collaborative mindset, practical and supportive
• Systems design from the ground up for long-term player engagement
• Deep understanding of gameplay loops: progression, survival, combat, extraction
• Expertise in 3C feel: responsiveness, combat impact, camera and audiovisual feedback

Full job description from WhatJobs. Apply for this role →