About KIMARU Talent: Founded in 2020, KIMARU Talent partners with VCs, founders, and executives to recruit top-tier talent for gaming studios and tech startups. "KIMARU" is a Japanese verb meaning "to decide (a victory)," which reflects our belief that every great hire moves a company closer to its next win. We believe that business growth starts with great people. With deep expertise in startup recruitment, we're proud to support our clients in making critical hiring decisions as they scale.
Role Summary:
We're looking for a visionary Game Director with a deep understanding of mobile game design. This is a great opportunity to step into a leadership role where your creative direction, design instincts, and team leadership will shape a game already gaining traction in the market.
Key Responsibilities:
- Define and drive the game vision in partnership with studio leadership, ensuring alignment across design, art, engineering, and production.
- Lead and mentor a cross‐functional team of designers and developers.
- Guide the evolution of game systems, mechanics, and content based on user data, player feedback, and market trends.
- Own the overall game economy, retention systems, and progression loops to ensure long‐term engagement.
- Set creative priorities and make high‐level product decisions that balance innovation, fun, and business outcomes.
- Collaborate with product, marketing, and UA teams to support live operations and player growth.
What We're Looking For:
- 8+ years of experience in game development, with a focus on mobile free‐to‐play.
- Proven track record in a Game Director, Creative Director, or Lead Designer role on successful mobile games.
- Strong grasp of game economy design, monetization strategies, and player lifecycle management.
- Data‐informed mindset: ability to interpret analytics and translate insights into design decisions.
- Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with a passion for mentoring creative teams.
- Experience with live ops, content pipelines, and feature roadmapping.
Game Director in Ottawa employer: KIMARU Talent
KIMARU Talent is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, perfect for those passionate about shaping the future of gaming and tech. Located in a vibrant startup ecosystem, we offer our employees unparalleled growth opportunities, mentorship from industry leaders, and the chance to make a significant impact on product development. Join us to be part of a collaborative team that values creativity and strategic thinking, ensuring every contribution drives our clients' success.
