Principal Game Designer at Zynga
Company: Zynga
Location: Austin, TX; Bay Area, CA; Carlsbad, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: $123,200 – $182,360 per year
About Zynga
Zynga is a global leader in interactive entertainment, bringing people together through the power of play. As part of Take-Two Interactive, Zynga has achieved over 6 billion downloads worldwide across 175+ countries.
The company’s diverse portfolio includes popular titles like FarmVille™, Words With Friends™, Zynga Poker™, CSR Racing™, Empires & Puzzles™, and many more. With teams across North America, Europe, and Asia, Zynga continues to innovate and deliver engaging gaming experiences.
Job Overview
Zynga is seeking a highly experienced Principal Game Designer to lead system design and gameplay development for a new mobile game. This role involves owning core systems, collaborating across disciplines, and driving innovative design solutions to enhance player engagement.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop large-scale game systems and features
- Create detailed user experience stories and design documentation
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to build and prototype gameplay systems
- Develop models and balancing sheets for complex game mechanics
- Design and balance content to ensure optimal player experience
- Improve tools and workflows for efficient game design pipelines
- Advocate for high-quality design standards across the studio
- Lead brainstorming sessions and pitch innovative game ideas
- Analyze player feedback and in-game metrics to refine systems
- Stay updated with industry trends and best practices in game design
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 6 years of experience in game design or related field
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Expertise in mathematics, systems design, and game balancing
- Deep knowledge of game mechanics, pacing, and player engagement strategies
- Ability to translate market data and player insights into design solutions
- Passion for gaming and strong understanding of industry trends
- Experience shipping at least 2 games
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field is preferred but not mandatory.
Benefits
- Competitive salary with bonus and equity opportunities
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program
- 14 paid holidays annually
- 15–25 days of paid vacation or discretionary time off
- Up to 10 paid sick days per year
- Paid parental and compassionate leave
- Mental health and wellness support programs
- Family planning support and commuter benefits
- Fitness-related reimbursements