Metagame Design Architect

OVERVIEW

The Metagame Design Architect is a key architect and detailed designer behind Level99’s "game beyond the game." With a dotted line directly to the CEO, who serves as Chief Creative Officer at Level99, you will be responsible for designing and scaling best-in-class metagame content, connecting individual physical challenges into a cohesive, overarching player experience.

You will identify innovative ways players interact with our venues, both at home and in-person, prototype new concepts to assess technical and experiential feasibility, and collaborate directly with the CEO and executive leadership to define the future of the Level99 metagame. This is a highly hands-on, "working" design role: you will conceptualize the high-level vision while actively detailing, prototyping, and implementing the finished solutions.

At Level99, culture is critical. The ideal Metagame Design Architect is passionate about the details, anticipates guest and staff needs, and continuously elevates the brand. We are looking for a professional with unquestionable integrity who approaches challenges with a joyful, positive attitude. You must value humility and collaboration over the need to "be right," and act at all times with the mindset of an Owner and Operator of our venues.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Design & Vision

• Architect the Experience: Design achievement systems, reward structures, in-game economies, and progression models that drive deep guest engagement and repeat visits across physical and remote touchpoints. Wireframe end to end player touchpoints from pre-visit, to in-venue, and finally post-visit. Maximize the number of players actively engaging in metagame features.

• Concept Development: Drive early-phase brainstorming, author vision documents, build detailed presentations, and pitch innovative concepts for the overall guest journey.

• Executive Collaboration: Partner with the CEO, who serves as Chief Creative Officer, and the leadership team to shape the metagame vision. Take creative direction gracefully and maintain a flexible, collaborative approach.

• Business Acumen: Evaluate the financial implications of design proposals, skillfully balancing ROI with an exceptional player experience.

• System Mechanics & Analytics

• Economy Balancing & “The Math”: Detail game mechanics, build probabilistic models, and perform the rigorous mathematical balancing required for robust game ecosystems. This role is not just coming up with an idea - it includes following through with detailed design and execution at a granular level

• Data-Driven Iteration: Together with our data team, conduct statistical and data analysis before, during, and after feature launches to tailor monetization, rewards, and game features to actual user behavior patterns.

• Live Operations: Maintain and evolve existing game systems, overseeing post-launch balancing, seasonal events, and regular content updates.

• Execution & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Detailed Documentation: Author intuitive and complete design documents, feature specifications, flow diagrams, and UI/UX wireframes for stakeholders, software developers, and implementation teams.

• Creative Granularity: Develop scripts, outlines, storyboards, treatments, models, and digital/manual drawings to fully detail and execute projects.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with project management, creative, software development, engineering, marketing, and venue operations teams to ensure systems integrate seamlessly into physical venues.

• Project Management: Drive metagame projects forward through the schedules and interests of numerous stakeholders. Maintain a highly organized schedule, and digital archive of all design components and finished deliverables.

• Professional Administration: Manage administrative tasks effectively, including time/cost reporting, task prioritization, and leading design and planning meetings.

• Other duties as assigned

MUST-HAVE SKILLS

• Experience: 5+ years in game design, including at least 2+ years in a Senior Designer role. Must have shipped titles in mobile/F2P metagame design, major video game titles, AR/VR/XR, or real-world interactive entertainment.
• Systems Mastery: Proven track record designing economy models, meta-progression loops, player retention systems, and dynamic event structures.
• Analytical Skills: Strong demonstrated ability in probability, statistics, and mathematical modeling as they pertain to game design.
• Physical UX Understanding: Deep understanding of real-world crowd dynamics, throughput constraints, operational physical flows, and human-computer interaction in physical environments.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal, written, and visual communication skills, with the ability to convey complex system concepts via pitch decks, flowcharts, and technical documentation.
• Self-Management: Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of self-managing time and resources in a fast-paced, low-oversight environment.
• Education: High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Attitude: A positive, joyful, upbeat and energetic attitude - very collaborative in style, and leading by example
• Flexible Scheduling: Ability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs, which may include emergency responsiveness to pressing technical issues.
• On-Site Collaboration: Willingness to work on-site at the Norwood office for collaboration (currently, the team is in the office Tuesday through Thursday, which may change), and at the Natick and Providence venues to test game theories, observe real players in action, and collaborate with operations teams.
• Travel: Ability to travel occasionally for regional site or vendor visits.

OTHER DESIRABLE (BUT NOT NECESSARY) SKILLS & EXPERIENCE INCLUDE

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or better in a relevant design, engineering, or interactive media discipline.
• Hardware Knowledge: Familiarity with physical hardware integration (e.g., sensors, RFID, projection mapping).
• Visual Skills: Proficiency in graphic design and visual mock-ups