Design Director (f/m/d)

Klang is a game studio exploring the future of humanity through various forms of media. We aim to present deep, meaningful subjects in a way that's captivating, easy-to-digest and entertaining for all ages.

At the heart of Klang is Seed, a large-scale, persistent virtual world that we believe will redefine the MMO landscape and have a positive impact on our species.

We aspire to bring people together through engaging media experiences and by building strong communities.

It's a super exciting project, but in order for us to achieve a goal like this we are going to need a lot of help! From people just like you.

We're in search of a Design Director (f/m/d) who can play a pivotal role in creating, what we believe, will be the first MMO of its kind.

So who would you be working with?

As the Design Director at Klang, you'll lead the Design team and report directly to the Game Director. Your primary role involves converting the SEED vision into practical design strategies and overseeing their execution. You will ensure game systems, content, and controls are cohesive and meet player expectations. Collaborating closely with other department heads, you will streamline design processes and uphold quality, fostering an environment of innovation. Your efforts will directly contribute to the development and success of SEED.

So, what would you be doing?

• Translate the SEED vision into clear, actionable design strategies that resonate with both the design team and other stakeholders.
• Lead the Design team in implementing these strategies, ensuring that all design outputs reflect the intended direction and meet our standards for clarity and accuracy.
• Ensure that game systems, content, and controls seamlessly integrate to deliver the envisioned player experience for our target audience.
• Adapt design strategies based on ongoing player feedback and analytics to continually refine player experience and satisfaction.
• Actively promote and maintain the SEED vision through regular presentations and interactions across the company.
• Cultivate an environment of innovation and experimentation within the design team to stay ahead of industry trends and player expectations.
• Mentor and develop the design team, enhancing their skills and fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning.
• Take ownership and proactively drive the design team's OKRs, aligning with and contributing to the Klang's top-level objectives.
  
  

You could be the person we are searching for if you have:

• 3-5 years of experience as a Lead Game Designer on at least one AAA project, actively participating from pre-production to launch, or experience as a Design/Creative Director on a successful title.
• Proven experience in a creative leadership role within the gaming industry, with a demonstrated ability to oversee and direct complex game development projects.
• Expertise in designing and integrating complex systems to create emergent gameplay experiences.
• Familiarity with the processes and challenges specific to the development of MMOs.
• Strong communication skills, adept at collaboration and effective in conflict management.
  
  

Bonus points for:

• Experience working with genres like multiplayer, management, sandbox, and simulation games.
• Proficiency in Scrum/Agile methodologies, with a track record of implementing these practices to improve team performance and project outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to define and implement OKRs effectively to drive team and project success.
• Experience in an international setting, demonstrating an understanding of and sensitivity to different cultural nuances.
• Experience with live game operations and continuous content delivery, ensuring the game remains engaging post-launch.
• A strong portfolio that includes examples of conceptualizing and executing innovative game features that have significantly enhanced player engagement.
  
  

Our benefits…



Klang HQ (Berlin)

• An opportunity to work on a groundbreaking project with a lot of room for professional and personal development
• Competitive salary and 27 days of paid vacation
• Monthly public transport travel ticket or co-contribution to e-bike/e-moped
• Monthly company co-contributions to private pensions
• Reimbursement for physical health activities
• Employee Assistance Program, including mental health support, legal advice as well as support finding doctor's appointments
• Mental health support
• Flexible office hours (with core hours)
• Monthly team events and activities
• A dog-friendly office, adjustable standing desks, ergonomic chairs, and mobile aircon units for hot summers
• Healthy snacks and drinks in the office
• Virtual Stock Options (VSOP)
  
  

So what can you expect to be working on after starting with us?

In your first 30 Days: Orientation and Assessment

Understanding the Company and Team:

Familiarize yourself with the company culture, mission, and values.

Meet with key stakeholders, including senior leadership and department heads.

Begin building relationships with your team and understand their strengths, weaknesses, and working styles.

Project Familiarization:

Review current projects, including their status, challenges, and upcoming milestones.

Understand the market and audience for SEED and other projects.

Assess existing processes and tools used by the team.

Start leading regular team meetings and one-on-ones.

Initial Assessment:

Identify immediate areas for improvement or concerns that need addressing.

Start formulating ideas for potential changes or innovations.

Learning and Development:

Begin engaging with ongoing industry trends and technologies.

Attend relevant workshops or training if necessary.

In your first 60 Days: Integration and Strategy Development

Team Integration:

Establish trust and open communication channels within your team.

Begin implementing small changes or improvements based on initial assessments.

Strategic Planning:

Develop a clear, flexible strategy for current and upcoming projects.

Set short-term and long-term goals for the team and projects.

Collaborate with other departments to align objectives and resources.

Product Optimization:

Initiate changes to workflows or processes to increase efficiency and quality of delivery.

Implement tools or practices that support team collaboration and productivity.

Feedback Loop:

Establish a system for receiving and integrating feedback from the team and stakeholders.

In your first 90 Days: Implementation and Evaluation

Full-Scale Implementation:

Fully integrate into the role, taking ownership of SEED and team management.

Start executing the strategic plan, adapting as necessary.

Performance Tracking:

Monitor the progress of projects and team performance.

Adjust strategies based on performance data and feedback.

Team Development:

Identify training or development opportunities for team members.

Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Stakeholder Management:

Regularly update stakeholders on project progress and challenges.

Seek feedback and buy-in for major decisions or changes.

In your first 180 Days: Consolidation and Growth

Consolidating Gains:

Review the impact of implemented changes and strategies.

Standardize successful processes and practices across the team.

Innovation and Expansion:

Explore opportunities for innovation within projects.

Plan for scaling up successful projects or starting new initiatives.

Team Empowerment:

Delegate more responsibilities to team members.

Promote leadership from within the team.

Long-Term Vision:

Develop a long-term vision for your role and the projects.

Align this vision with the company's objectives and market trends

If you don't feel that you quite meet all the requirements above, but the position still excites you and you think you would love to work for Klang, reach out! We still want to hear from you.

At Klang, we create products that inspire people to deepen their understanding of the emergent nature of society and collectively envision a better future.

At the heart of Klang is SEED an accessible, persistent world in which players share a history and shape a future. We provide an environment for a broad audience to belong and develop relationships in a society simulation inspired by life itself.

We explicitly encourage applications from applicants from groups underrepresented in games/tech spaces. We value all kinds of backgrounds and walks of life.