Associate Game Designer

Are you an avid gamer interested in designing awesome games? Stardock is currently seeking a talented Associate Designer to create and implement gameplay systems in new and existing franchises. The ideal candidate has experience in evaluating game mechanics and designing 4X strategy games, has a passion for the art of balancing and pacing in games, is not afraid of scripting, and loves PC strategy and simulation games. This is a salaried, full-time position at our Plymouth, Michigan office. Primary Responsibilities Include: Translate high-level product goals into fun game mechanics in collaboration with the team. Use in-house tools and editors to implement game mechanics. Script events, AI behaviors, and game mechanics. Balance gameplay and resolve gameplay bugs. Develop and interpret design documents. Engage in playtesting, adapting design based on feedback. Stay abreast of trends in PC strategy games. Education and/or Experience Desired: Bachelor's Degree in Game Design, Computer Science or relevant field. Passion for PC strategy and simulation games and an understanding of their mechanics. Familiarity/interest in history, anthropology, science fiction. Technical enough to use in-house tools and editors for implementing design elements. Well developed writing and communication skills. Solid communication skills with colleagues, management, and stakeholders. Able to read, update, and write design documents. LUA scripting, XML, or programming experience (or willingness to learn). Established understanding of existing Stardock franchises preferred (i.e. Sins of a Solar Empire, Galactic Civilizations, etc.).