Lead Game Designer

Our Game Studio transforms ideas into the magic of play. From the beginning, we take a custodian’s approach that forms the foundation of the games and entertainment properties we create. As passionate, accomplished world-builders, we thrive on developing interactive stories that can be enjoyed by people around the world. With experience working on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and web browsers, our studio team knows the process inside out, from start to finish.

In 2012, Wētā Workshop formed its Game Studio to create the world’s first mixed-reality game, Dr. Grordbort’s Invaders. Set amongst rayguns, rocket ships and deadly robot miscreants imagined by our friend and colleague Greg Broadmore, we were approached by Rony Abovitz, founder of Florida-based company Magic Leap, to bring this extraordinary world into people’s homes. Following rave reviews on its release, we developed three more games: Dr. Grordbort’s Boosters, The Society of (NOT) Getting Along Nicely and Raygun Arena. Wētā Workshop has been nominated for both Visual Effects Society Awards and DICE Awards and has received a New Zealand Game Award and a Wellington Gold Award.

Our next title is due for release in July 2025 - Tales of the Shire. In this storybook return to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, you live the cosy life of a Hobbit as you set forth in Bywater. Though not yet established as an official village, you’ll play a big part in helping the quaint town flourish. Greet comfort at the door as you decorate your own Hobbit-hole, tend to your garden, fish at clear ponds, forage wild fruits and herbs, and trade with townsfolks.

Our workplace is flexible, inclusive, supportive ... and dog friendly!

Help develop our game based in Middle-earth within Wētā Workshop’s game studio.
Fun, collaborative team that looks out for each other.
Full-time role with flexible work-life balance arrangements.

Specialists in creating rich worlds of wonder and telling immersive stories. For over 30 years, Wētā Workshop has been pushing the boundaries, earning multiple awards for our ground-breaking work in film and games.

Based in Wellington, NZ we work with the biggest names in the entertainment industry to deliver unforgettable experiences to our fans the world over.

We’re looking for a Lead Game Designer to join our game studio! You will be responsible for leading a team to design systems and features that deliver on the core vision of our games.

You’ll bring your understanding of game design principles to our game, which is different to any other Middle-earth title on the market!

What will you be doing?

Working closely with other Leads to ensure exceptional quality across the gameplay, environment design and storytelling of our games.
Leading and designing the game systems and features that deliver on the core vision of our games.
Overseeing and managing the design scope, sprint goals and the production to ensure all deadlines and milestones are met in a timely manner.
Managing the design team members which includes regular 1:1’s, training, and development initiatives.
Championing Wētā Workshop’s strategic initiatives, establishing team goals and processes and contributing to a safe and awesome team environment.
Leading excellent health, safety and wellbeing practices.

What we’re looking for from you

Shipped 2+ games as a Senior or Lead Game Designer.
7+ years’ experience working as a professional Game Designer.
Proven experience managing and leading teams.
Proactive and enthusiastic team member with a passion for playing and making games.
Experience in Unity and prototype level competency in C#.
Familiar with life simulation, RPG or narrative games.
Previous experience developing PC and console games.

What we can offer you

A unique and inspiring working environment
Flexible working arrangements so you can work in a way that’s best for you and create a work-life balance.
Private crew screenings of movies that we've worked on and social events throughout the year
Our studio is dog friendly, so feel free to bring them along. We can assure you they’ll get lots of pats to keep them happy.
Each Friday we have a social get together in the late afternoon. We also have social events throughout the year.
Professional development opportunities so you can continue to grow and blossom.
Dedicated management focused on your growth.
Free fruit and coffee, including a variety of milks to cater for all dietary preferences.

Our Culture

Our vision is to be a successful global arts and entertainment company ... making imaginary worlds a reality.
Our core values are: creativity, courage, community, kindness, excellence and kotahitanga
We’re a fun, collaborative team, who look out for and support one another.
As a creative business, we know that inspiration is achieved by working with people who have a range of experiences and perspectives.
We strive to create a culture of belonging, where our team members feel welcome, supported and diversity is celebrated. After all, games are for everyone.

Sound like you?

If you think you meet 60% of the requirements – we encourage you to apply now – we are reviewing applications as they come in!

You must have the right to live and work in NZ to apply for this job.

Successful applicants require a satisfactory Ministry of Justice Criminal Convictions check

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