Technical Designer – Japan & Global Game Development

About the Position

Technical Designer – Japan & Global Game Development

Keywords Studios is seeking an accomplished, enthusiastic, and self-motivated Technical Designer to join our Japan-based team working on exciting projects.

In this role, you will create, implement, and refine complex, technical, and systemic design elements in a game. You will bridge the gap between creative design vision and technical execution, taking ownership of core gameplay mechanics from initial concept through final delivery.

Working within a supportive and creative team environment, you will directly shape the development of top-tier games while collaborating closely with engineering, art, and production disciplines.

Responsibilities

Technical Implementation & Prototyping

• Lead the implementation of gameplay components from end to end using advanced visual scripting (e.g. Unreal Engine Blueprints), Sequencer, and engine systems.
• Design, implement, and iterate on complex, technically challenging gameplay mechanics, narrative elements, and systems.
• Build low-fidelity prototypes to prove out gameplay ideas, mechanics, and systems early in development.

Systemic Design & Production Ownership

• Deconstruct broad feature specifications into actionable, detailed implementation tasks for designers, engineers, and technical artists.
• Drive feature production from start to finish, ensuring alignment, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and delivery on deadlines.
• Balance design ambition with production constraints while adapting designs based on iterative feedback.

Documentation & Cross-Discipline Collaboration

• Serve as a technical bridge across departments, advocating for best practices.
• Write and maintain comprehensive technical design documentation for gameplay systems, pipelines, and content.
• Communicate continuously with engineering, art, and design leadership to build implementation plans that align with feature specifications.

Requirements

Required:

• 5+ years of Technical Design industry experience.
• 1+ published AA or AAA titles in a proven technical design capacity.
• Hands-on experience with Unreal Engine, Unity, or similar proprietary engines.
• Proficiency with gameplay scripting tools and languages (e.g., C#, Lua, Unreal Blueprints or similar).
• Strong grasp of basic programming principles and system architecture.
• Proven ability to write clear, actionable technical design documentation.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to convey technical vision to cross-functional stakeholders.

Preferred:

• Experience with advanced engine tools (e.g., UE Sequencer, state machines, or systemic content pipelines).
• Japanese working proficiency

Skills & Competencies

• Technical Problem-Solver – Proactive in identifying design and technical bottlenecks and independent in creating efficient solutions.
• Bridge Builder – Translates abstract creative vision into clear, actionable technical requirements for engineers and artists.
• Systemic Thinker – Deep understanding of how interconnected gameplay mechanics, technical logic, and engine architecture function together.
• Adaptable & Pragmatic – Balances creative ambition with engine performance, technical scope, and project timelines.

We Offer

• Opportunity to represent a highly reputed global leader in game art services.
• Competitive compensation package with performance-based incentives.
• Chance to work with some of the biggest and most exciting game developers in Japan.
• A collaborative, growth-oriented global culture.

About the Company

Keywords Studios is a leading global provider of outsourced game development services, working with some of the biggest and most exciting game developers in Japan and around the world.