About Bitmap Bureau
Founded in 2016 by industry veterans Matt Cope and Mike Tucker, Bitmap Bureau is a game development studio based in Southampton.
Bitmap Bureau are truly passionate about retro games and are dedicated to creating new titles that hark back to gaming’s golden era through 2D graphics, authentic packaging and a traditional hands-on approach to coding and development.
Notable releases include Xeno Crisis, Final Vendetta, and Terminator 2D: NO FATE, with He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Dragon Pearl of Destruction coming soon!
The Role
We are looking for a Game Designer to work with our team on a new 2D action/adventure title based on a major licensed IP.
This is a hands-on game design position focused on combat, boss encounters, progression systems, puzzles, level design and structure, and difficulty balancing.
You will work closely with the Production team and Game Programmer to evolve, create and refine the game’s core system and mechanics.
This is a full-time, office-based role in Southampton.
Responsibilities
Combat & Boss Design
- Design and iterate on enemy behaviours and combat encounters
- Create varied and distinct, multi-phase boss fights
- Balance player abilities against evolving enemy challenge
- Tune the overall game difficulty curve
Level & Narrative Integration
- Design 2D levels with pacing, purpose and readable navigation
- Integrate narrative beats into level design and structure
- Create quest flows and objectives that reinforce player motivation
Progression & Systems
- Balance the character progression and upgrade systems
- Make sure combat, level design, and progression all support each other
Feedback & Iteration
- Internalise and respond constructively to stakeholder and playtest feedback
- Translate feedback into gameplay improvements
- Iterate on combat, level flow, and systems based on review cycles
- Clearly communicate design reasoning when proposing changes
Cross-Discipline Collaboration
- Work closely with 2D artists and animators to ensure gameplay requirements are clearly defined
- Align enemy behaviours, attack timings, and boss mechanics with animation constraints
- Ensure strong visual telegraphing and mechanical readability
- Collaborate across disciplines to deliver cohesive gameplay moments
Benchmarking & Research
- Refer to genre benchmarks in 2D action-adventure games
- Reference comparable titles when proposing gameplay features or changes
- Use benchmarking to support gameplay suggestions
Documentation
- Maintain and evolve relevant sections of the GDD
- Clearly communicate design intent to programmers and artists
- Produce structured documentation, diagrams, and gameplay breakdowns
Required Experience
- 2 - 5+ years experience in gameplay design
- Clear and structured documentation skills
- Experience working on a 2D action or adventure game
- Understanding of combat systems (melee and gunplay) and boss design
- Experience balancing difficulty and player progression
- Experience collaborating closely with artists and animators
Highly Desirable
- Programming skill and familiarity with source control systems, ideally C#, Haxe, git
- Experience with level editing in Tiled
Above and Beyond
- Experience working on a licensed IP
- Experience with Unity
- Shipped console title
Benefits
- Life insurance
- Private medical insurance
Work Location
- In person, Southampton SO18 1NP
- Reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work is preferred
Work Authorisation
Application Requirements
- Resume
- Cover letter highlighting your game development experience and design approach
