Game Designer

Job DescriptionExperienced Game Designer for scientific experiments on cooperative behaviourEnvironmental challenges can only be solved through global cooperation. You can help by designing a game where thousands of players will find fun and meaning while contributing to research on societys hardest challenge. Are you ready to develop a cutting-edge multiplayer game where creativity meets scientific goals?Project VisionTheambition of the COOLNET project is to fill a critical data gap in behavioral science by creating an industry-level game as a large-scale human behavior laboratory. The players will engage in repeated social dilemmas comparable to those from the game theory scientific literature. Their choices in these dilemmas will constitute experimental data on what favors the emergence and propagation of cooperation. With this data from thousands of subjects, researchers of the team will be able to assess theoretical hypotheses unreachable with in-person experiments.Your RoleYou will conceive a multiplayer online game thatfulfills the COOLNET scientific requirements while engaging a wide audience.You will bridge the strengths of the academic researchers and the industry professionals in the projects team.Key DutiesConceptualize and design a multiplayer online game to be used as a laboratory for experiments on cooperation.Generate the core game mechanics and rules, which should translate theoretical models on cooperation into playable features while keeping user engagement goals.Lead the writing of the Game Design Document (GDD), to be delivered within 6 months.Conceive a playable prototype within the first year, in tandem with the project leader.Build a synergy between the academic and game parts of the team,which should percolate in the game concepts that are proposed.Collaborate with a developer, as well as artist and UX/UI subcontractors, to iterate on the prototype.Secondary DutiesInclude market and user research considerations in design decisions in order to maximize player engagement.Ensure the proposed game is scalable for large experiments.Contribute to the recruitment and supervision of interns or junior professionals.Contribute to workshops and events related to gamification of science.Essential SkillsAt least 3 years professional experience designing and developing (multiplayer) video games.Experience with or strong interest in serious games, educational games, or other games dedicated to scientific experiments.High initiative, creativity and drive to propose original game concepts that integrate the scientific objectives of the project.Ability, or propensity to learn, to translate abstract scientific concepts into intuitive gameplay.Desirable SkillsExcellent collaboration and communication abilities, especially with colleagues of different backgrounds, approaches and vocabulary.Interest in behavioral science, social sciences, or environmental sciences.Experience with independent, cooperative or data-collecting games.Experience with large-scale systems or massively multiplayer architectures.Skills in project management with a small team, especially in interdisciplinary environments.Portfolio of at least one successful published game.Proficiency with a given game engine, such as Godot, Unity, or UnrealConditionsWork EnvironmentThe COOLNET project is part of the SOHAM Centre for the Sociology Of Humans And Machines, a joint initiative between TU Dublin and Trinity College Dublin.The SOHAM Centre is a vibrant, inclusive and interdisciplinary environment, with opportunities to collaborate with Dublins leading academic and tech ecosystem and the international research community.DurationThe position can be full-time or part-time (minimum 50%), for a total of 1.75 full-time equivalent years. Full-time availability for the initial 6 months is preferred.PayGrade 6 of TU Dublin salary scales (€57,324 gross starting salary, possibly commensurate with additional experience).HomeworkingPart-time homeworking (max 3 days per week, with occasional flexibility) is possible.SelectionThe first shortlist will be based on the CV and short cover letter (1 page) provided in the applicationclosing date November 7th, 2025. A game challenge will be proposed for the shortlisted candidates to complete in their own time. The design document provided by the candidate will be used as a base for discussion in the interview, planned in the week of December 8th. Reference letters will only be asked to the final appointee.