As our founding Game Prototyper, you will be playing a critical part in shaping the next generation of strategy and puzzle games, taking ideas from concept to playable prototypes and iterating rapidly to explore innovative gameplay mechanics. You’ll thrive in a fast-paced, experimental environment, where you’ll have the freedom to ideate, build, and refine engaging game experiences.

You are a hacker and maker who loves games, excels at building and experimenting with new ideas, and has deep experience crafting well-loved 2D puzzle and strategy games. You’ll collaborate closely with designers, engineers, and AI specialists to push the boundaries of what’s possible, combining technical skill, creativity, and speed to create the next generation of strategy games.

You’re a talented game designer, indie game maker and prototyper with a hands-on approach, capable of independently designing, prototyping, and refining games from concept to implementation. If you love rolling up your sleeves and using game engines and prototyping tools to bring your ideas quickly to life and bring smiles to your players’ faces, then this is the role for you.

What You'll Do

• Design and Prototype: Rapidly ideate, design, and develop innovative puzzles and strategy game mechanics, creating inventive MVPs to explore and refine new gameplay concepts.
• Iterate and Experiment: Build and iterate on prototypes at lightning speed, experimenting with fresh ideas and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in AI-driven game generation.
• Collaborate: Work closely with a cross-functional team of engineers, artists, and AI specialists to implement, refine, and polish game mechanics that delight players.
• Player-Centric Design: Apply your love for games and deep understanding of player behavior to create challenging, engaging, and polished experiences.
• Optimize and Balance: Use player feedback and data analytics to fine-tune gameplay, ensuring mechanics are balanced, fun, and rewarding.
• Innovate with Technology: Contribute your creativity to experiments with new technologies and design paradigms, advancing the future of strategy and AI-powered games.

What We're Looking For

• Rapid Prototyping Skills: You excel at quickly turning ideas into playable experiences using tools like Unity, web-based technologies (React, JavaScript, HTML5, WebGL, etc.), and mobile frameworks.
• Game Design Expertise: A proven track record designing and developing 2D puzzle or strategy games, with a focus on witty, creative, and deeply engaging gameplay.
• Web Game Development: Demonstrated experience building web-based games, with a keen understanding of web technologies and optimization.
• Passion for Games: A genuine love for games, particularly puzzles and strategy, with a special appreciation for inventive easy-to-learn hard-to-master mechanics.
• Hacker/Maker Mindset: You thrive in fast-paced startup environments, embracing challenges, wearing multiple hats, and taking ownership of projects from ideation to execution.
• Collaborative Approach: A team player who works well in a cross-functional, open-minded environment, valuing diverse perspectives and ideas.
• Strong Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Startup and Small Team Experience: A background in startups or small teams where you’ve had significant ownership and responsibility for the projects you’ve worked on.

Awesome if You Also Have

• Experience designing and building games in the puzzle, strategy, roguelite, or turn-based genres.
• Experience participating in game jams or building indie games that showcase your passion for experimentation and prototyping.
• Familiarity with procedural generation in games, and a passion for exploring how technology and AI can unlock new forms of gameplay.
• Experience working on daily or socially-driven features in games with an active community of players.
• A track record of working in startups or small, creative teams.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and generous equity package.
• Great remote-friendly office space with the best of what tech and gaming have to offer.
• Joining the early team of a breakout startup with massive potential to directly shape the company’s direction with your work.
• Being part of a rocketship funded by the world’s best investors in the field. Nuff said.
• Professional development and opportunities to grow within the company.
• Creative and entrepreneurial working environment where you’re encouraged to think out of the box and bring new ideas to life.
• Yearly personal development stipend to use however you see fit (so you can farm proper stats other than your ELO).
• Yearly personal gaming equipment stipend + yearly Discord Nitro upgrades (to finally git gud at all those games you keep buying).
• Unlimited Paid Time Off.
• 100% coverage for top-tier health insurance.

Location

We’re ideally looking for teammates in Los Angeles or San Francisco with a preference for hybrid work, but all California-based or US remote folks are encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

If you’re excited about building the next big thing in gaming and have a deep passion for creating memorable experiences, we’d love to hear from you. Shoot us a note with your resume and LinkedIn profile to join us on this exciting journey!

Echo Chess is proud to celebrate diversity and we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.