Studio Design Director
Smoking Gun InteractiveVancouver, British Columbia, Canada • Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Posted August 29, 2025
150000 - 170000 CAD year
Full Time
About the Company
Smoking Gun Interactive, a Keywords Studio, is an industry-leading game development studio founded in 2007 by award-winning industry veterans. SGI is fearless in creating IP and boldly partners with renowned brands to develop a wide range of world-class, immersive titles and interactive experiences that resonate with strategy gamers worldwide and entertain millions of casual players every day. At Smoking Gun experience matters, and our team shares a passion to innovate in the game space by building groundbreaking features and embracing new technology. Above all, we strive for the highest level of quality possible in every project and we collaborate with partners who are firmly aligned with these goals. Every day, we are inspired to build games and new concepts with a tight-knit team of creative, talented, and genuinely amazing people. Want to join us? Check out our careers page!
Job Description
Smoking Gun Interactive (SGI) is seeking a passionate and visionary Studio Design Director to lead the design direction of their game development projects. The role involves championing design quality, fostering talent, and influencing the product vision. This is a full-time remote position based in Vancouver, Canada, with the expectation to relocate to the Greater Vancouver Area.
Requirements
- 10+ years of experience in a Design Leadership role on mobile, PC or console products.
- Shipped at least three titles of AAA quality in a Design Leadership role.
- Deep understanding of game systems, level design, progression, player psychology.
- Expertise in Premium and Freemium game mechanics, KPI’s, and monetization strategies.
- Proven experience in pitching, landing and developing game ideas from conception to market.
- Strong ability to drive vision and communicate it across teams.
- Experience managing and mentoring diverse design teams.
- Proficiency in modern game engines and collaborative tools.
- Strong presentation and storytelling skills.
- Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and handle multiple tasks.
- Willingness to push the envelope and innovate within game parameters.
Benefits
- 15 days vacation leave
- 5 paid days personal leave
- 7 paid sick days
- 5 paid parental leave days
- Life Insurance & Accidental Death & Dismemberment
- Dependent Life Insurance
- Long Term Disability (LTD)
- Extended Healthcare Benefit
- Dental Care
- RRSP matching
- Training & Development