About
The client is a Warsaw-based independent studio founded by senior leads from a major Polish AAA developer and backed by an international developer-investor. The studio is starting its debut premium PC/Console title, with creative ownership at the heart of the role.
Responsibilities
•Define the initial game concept, including its genre, core idea, and player experience
•Evaluate existing prototypes and decide whether to iterate, rebuild, or pivot
•Pitch and align the game concept with the founders, team, and investor
•Define and evolve gameplay systems, the core loop, narrative structure, world-building, and visual direction
•Drive the prototyping process and validate ideas through playable iterations
•Provide structured, constructive feedback across design, art, and narrative teams
•Defend the creative direction, including pushing back on the CEO when needed
•Maintain clarity of direction throughout development and avoid unnecessary pivots
•Build trust with the team and establish leadership presence and credibility within the first six months
•Contribute to hiring decisions for key creative roles
•Engage with the investor on creative reviews when invited by the founders
•Collaborate with the founders on high-level product and studio strategy
Requirements
•6+ years of experience in game development
•Experience in a creative leadership role, such as Game Director, Design Director, Creative Director, or similar
•Experience with premium PC/Console games
•Strong creative vision and ability to onboard others around it
•Deep understanding of gameplay systems, player experience, and engaging storytelling, particularly in III and AA games
•Ability to work from the early concept stage and define product direction
•Proven ability to make decisions under uncertainty
•Up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and player expectations
•Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving, and team alignment abilities
•Ability to balance creative ambition with production constraints
•Practical working English; able to explain complex creative concepts clearly and handle off-script discussions
•Willingness to relocate to Warsaw or commit to meaningful onsite presence, including a 3–4 week onsite kickoff and regular visits during probation
Nice to have
•Experience shipping at least one title in a creative leadership capacity
•Founder/co-founder/early-team experience at a small or mid-size studio
•Experience taking a project from prototype/concept stage through production
•A track record of resilience and delivering projects despite difficulties
•Polish language
Conditions
•B2B or standard employment contract
•Fixed monthly rate, salary in PLN
•Core hours: 11:00–16:00
•Paid vacation and sick leave
•Private medical insurance
•Multisport card covering gyms, sports venues, pools, and more
•Long-term equity/ESOP upside tied to game and studio success
