Lead Level Designer

Founded in 2000, Frogwares is an independent gamedev studio, based in Kyiv, Ukraine. 

Thanks to the cooperative work of talented teams, our games are available for major platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Best known for the popular Sherlock Holmes series and The Sinking City, we aim to create immersive single-player experiences that stay with players after they put down the gamepad. With millions of players worldwide, Frogwares continues to develop a rich portfolio for the new generation of gamers.

For more information, visit www.frogwares.com

What are you working on?

• Genres: Action, Adventure
• Platforms: PC, Console

For which tasks (responsibilities)?

Frogwares is currently looking for a highly skilled and passionate Lead Level Designer to join our team for its upcoming title — The Sinking City 2.

What kind of professional are we looking for?

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in level design for video games, with at least 2 years in a lead level designer role on a project similar to The Sinking City 2 (ideally survival horror genre).

• Proven track record of shipping successful titles on console/PC platforms.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with team members and the clear articulation of design concepts and intentions.

• Strong leadership abilities, with experience mentoring and motivating team members.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Proficiency in Unreal Engine.

• Excellent understanding of level design fundamentals and the role of level design in the overall player experience.

• Proficiency in creating map layouts at all stages of development – from initial sketches to fully realized levels.

• Understanding aesthetic and functional roles of the environment;

• Ability to clearly pitch and iterate gameplay ideas;

• Extensive knowledge of current survival horror titles

• Creative problem-solving skills;

• Level of English - Upper Intermediate +;

• Experience with task and bug trackers;

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of level designers, providing guidance, feedback, and support throughout the development process.

• Close cooperation with stakeholders and with other teams to make sure levels created contribute to and enhance the gameplay and game narrative.

• Translate high-level design concepts into detailed level layouts, ensuring a balance of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat encounters.

• Prototype and iterate on gameplay spaces to optimize player engagement and pacing.

• Work closely with environment artists to ensure that levels are visually stunning and technically optimized.

• Oversee the implementation of gameplay mechanics, scripted events, and interactive elements within levels.

• Establishing quality benchmarks and driving the team to reach them.

• Overseeing the creation and maintenance of detailed, comprehensive documentation.

• Contributing to the creation and constant improvement of pipelines and processes.

• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in level design and survival horror games.

• Organizing and managing the production work related to the levels you are responsible for, coordinating departments work;

Why do we enjoy working here?

• An exciting project where you can develop professionally;

• Intellectually stimulating work environment and peers;

• Agile atmosphere with no bureaucracy and hierarchy;

• Secured compensation level, paid vacations/sick leaves;

• Regular reviews/feedback and development support;