Job Description
Company Description
Forbidden Kemono Studio LLC is an indie game studio building character-driven PC games in Unreal Engine. We specialize in systems-heavy gameplay, including simulation and tycoon design, simulation-driven horror, RPG progression, and multiplayer-ready features. Our projects combine strong art direction, clear production pipelines, and replayable gameplay loops, with a focus on shipping real builds such as demos, vertical slices, and full releases.
Forbidden Kemono Studio LLC is seeking two Lead Game Designers to guide the design vision and system execution for our active Unreal Engine projects: After Hours: Library and Tavern Tycoon: Brew & Brawl.
These are leadership roles. We are looking for structured, accountable designers who understand systems, pacing, documentation, and team coordination, not just idea generation. This is a revenue-share, indie studio environment operating on long-term growth and disciplined development.
Position 1: Lead Game Designer – After Hours: Library
After Hours: Library is a 1980s single-shift survival horror experience centered on tension, task management, and dynamic AI behavior.
Responsibilities:
- Own and maintain the Game Design Document
- Define and refine core gameplay loops (tasks, AI escalation, tension cycles)
- Collaborate closely with gameplay and AI programmers
- Ensure mechanical cohesion between systems
- Balance horror pacing, difficulty progression, and replayability
- Lead and mentor supporting designers
- Attend biweekly project meetings
Ideal Candidate:
- Strong understanding of survival horror design principles
- Experience designing structured gameplay systems
- Clear documentation skills
- Leadership maturity and accountability
- Ability to think in long-term systemic design
Position 2: Lead Game Designer – Tavern Tycoon: Brew & Brawl
Tavern Tycoon: Brew & Brawl is a cozy yet chaotic management simulation featuring tavern building systems, economy progression, AI-driven customers, light combat encounters, and an online leaderboard system.
Responsibilities:
- Own progression design (economy, upgrades, tavern scaling)
- Oversee combat balance and raid mechanics
- Design leaderboard logic and progression incentives
- Maintain structured system documentation
- Coordinate with programming and UI teams
- Ensure gameplay aligns with brand tone and long-term retention
Ideal Candidate:
- Experience with management sims or tycoon-style systems
- Strong economy balancing and progression design skills
- Systems-oriented thinking
- Professional communication and leadership approach
- Long-term commitment mindset
Compensation
This is a revenue-share contract position.
There is no upfront salary. Percentage allocation is based on scope, leadership responsibility, and long-term contribution. We operate on a structured, accountability-based environment with consistent team meetings and defined expectations.
Eligibility
Applicants must be based in the United States or Canada.
- Apply here:
- https://form.jotform.com/252937476101054
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