Blue Shift Games Ltd
Game Designer
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Blue Shift Games | London (Hybrid/Remote considered)
Blue Shift Games is an independent studio building Speed Switch, an original transmedia IP set in a cyberpunk world of combat racing, corporate power, and rebellion. The universe spans a game (a combat racing RPG), a self-published comic series already in print and distributed through Gosh Comics in London, and animation development.
The founding team brings AAA production pedigree (LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, LEGO Fortnite Odyssey, DmC: Devil May Cry) together with award-winning comics talent.
We are currently building a vertical slice of Speed Switch to support a funded, structured investment pitch. This is a rare chance to shape the core gameplay identity of a new IP from the ground up, working directly with the founder and a small, senior, highly capable team.
The Role
We're looking for a Game Designer to own gameplay design for the vertical slice: a tight, high-quality proof of concept that demonstrates Speed Switch's combat racing loop, RPG progression hooks, and world identity within a focused scope. You will work closely with the Creative Director, artist, and developers to translate established worldbuilding into playable, feel-first mechanics.
This role is scoped specifically for the vertical slice phase, with the opportunity to grow into a permanent design lead role as the project moves into full production, contingent on funding.
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What You'll Do
- Design and document the core combat racing loop: character handling, combat systems, and how the two interact moment to moment.
- Define RPG progression systems (upgrades, character abilities, loadouts) at a scope appropriate for a vertical slice.
- Build and iterate on level/track design for the slice's demo environment.
- Balance and tune mechanics through playtesting, using rapid iteration rather than heavy documentation.
- Translate the setting's narrative and worldbuilding into design decisions, working closely with the writer to keep gameplay and story aligned.
- Collaborate directly with engineering and art to keep design ambitions grounded in what's achievable within the slice's scope and timeline.
- Contribute to pitch materials where design clarity is needed: mechanic breakdowns, systems diagrams, or short design pillars a non-technical investor can follow.
What We're Looking For
- 3+ years of professional game design experience, with at least one shipped title (any platform).
- Hands-on experience with either combat systems or racing/vehicle systems; experience with both is a strong plus.
- Comfort designing in a small team environment where you'll prototype, document, and playtest largely on your own initiative.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain design decisions to non-designers.
- Experience working in Unreal Engine (preferred) or a comparable engine used for rapid prototyping.
- A genuine interest in cyberpunk, combat racing, or RPG genres, and enthusiasm for building something new rather than iterating on an established franchise.
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Nice to Have
- Experience designing for a vertical slice or investor-facing demo specifically.
- Familiarity with transmedia IP development (game plus comics/animation continuity).
- Prior experience at a AAA studio or a successful indie launch.
- Interest in or knowledge of tabletop, comics, or animation storytelling.
What We Offer
- A senior, direct collaboration with the founder and creative leads, not a large studio hierarchy.
- Creative ownership over core systems in a brand-new IP.
- The opportunity to grow with the project into full production if the vertical slice secures funding.
- Flexible working arrangements suited to a lean, focused team.
How to Apply
Please send a CV, a portfolio or design case study (playable builds strongly preferred), and a short cover letter on why Speed Switch's world and genre appeal to you.
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