Environment Gameplay Designer

Sunblink

. Design and prototype open-world environments end to end, from blockout through gameplay-ready spaces .

Posted 10/1/2026contractRemote • Colorado • United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in designing and prototyping large-scale, non-linear open-world environments, with a strong focus on player navigation and gameplay systems. Proficient in iterative development processes, utilizing tools like Unreal Engine and Unity to create engaging and immersive gameplay experiences.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Unreal Engine PrototypingVisual Scripting (Blueprints)C# ProgrammingGameplay Systems DesignCross-Disciplinary Collaboration

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Gameplay ScriptingC++ ProgrammingLua ProgrammingEnvironment DesignTraversal Mechanics DesignPOI DesignIterative DevelopmentContent Budget ManagementSystemic DesignExploration Interactions

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationConstructive CritiqueCollaboration ExperienceCreative Problem SolvingPassion for Game Design

Tools & Technologies

UnityHoudiniPCG ToolsWorld PartitionLevel-of-Detail StrategiesAnalytics ToolsTelemetry Tools

Industry Keywords

Open-World DesignExploration-Driven GamesGame JamsModdingMentoring Designers

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

LuaPythonUnityUnreal EngineC++

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design and prototype open-world environments end to end, from blockout through gameplay-ready spaces
Balance visual spectacle with moment-to-moment playability
Define layouts and flow of large spaces, including sightlines, landmarks, traversal routes, choke points, and pacing
Design and implement critical paths, secondary routes, shortcuts, and traversal options for multiple playstyles
Conceive, place, and iterate on Points of Interest, including purpose, encounter structure, rewards, and role in the player's broader journey
Build interactive environmental gameplay such as traversal mechanics, destructibles, hazards, puzzles, and systemic interactions
Rapidly prototype in-engine using scripting, visual scripting, or code, prioritizing playable builds over documents
Present design intent and prototypes to leads, stakeholders, and cross-discipline partners
Incorporate critique constructively
Develop content during iterative, feedback-driven production from rough concept to polished, playable content

Requirements

What you’ll need

Mid-to-lead level
Demonstrated ability to design large-scale, non-linear spaces, with a portfolio showing both layout and gameplay work
Strong understanding of player navigation, visual communication, and guiding players without heavy UI or explicit direction
Hands-on experience prototyping in Unreal Engine or Unity, including blockout tools, terrain and landscape tools, and gameplay scripting
Proficiency in visual scripting (e.g., Blueprints) and/or C#, C++, Lua, or Python
Experience designing POIs, encounters, or activities and integrating them into a cohesive world
Solid grasp of gameplay systems design, including traversal, combat, AI, and exploration interactions
Ability to balance creative ambition with technical constraints such as memory, streaming, draw distance, and content budgets
Excellent communication skills and cross-disciplinary collaboration experience
Comfort with iterative, feedback-driven development and taking prototypes from rough concept to polished, playable content
Passion for exploration-driven games, with a strong point of view on what makes a world feel worth exploring
Bonus: shipped at least one open-world or large-scale exploration title
Bonus: procedural or semi-procedural tools such as Houdini, PCG, or world-building tools
Bonus: systemic or emergent design background
Bonus: technical art or environment art skills
Bonus: traversal-focused design experience
Bonus: familiarity with analytics and telemetry tools
Bonus: world streaming, World Partition, or level-of-detail strategies
Bonus: contributions to game jams, mods, or personal projects
Bonus: mentoring designers or leading small cross-discipline strike teams

Benefits

Comp & perks

3–6 month initial contract with opportunities for extension or hire depending on project status and work compatibility
Contract position with approximately 30 hours/week; posting also states 30–40 hours per week most weeks