This is an appointment for our UK dev team. About Bitmap BureauFounded 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!We are looking for a Game Designer to work with our team on a new 2D action/adventure title.The RoleThis is a hands-on gameplay 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 Gameplay Programmer to evolve, create and refine the game’s core system and mechanics.This is a full-time, office-based role in Southampton.ResponsibilitiesCombat & Boss DesignDesign and iterate on enemy behaviours and combat encountersCreate varied and distinct, multi-phase boss fightsBalance player abilities against evolving enemy challengeTune the overall game difficulty curveLevel & Narrative IntegrationDesign 2D levels with pacing, purpose and readable navigationIntegrate narrative beats into level design and structureCreate quest flows and objectives that reinforce player motivationProgression & SystemsBalance the character progression and upgrade systemsMake sure combat, level design, and progression all support each otherFeedback & IterationInternalise and respond constructively to stakeholder and playtest feedbackTranslate feedback into gameplay improvementsIterate on combat, level flow, and systems based on review cyclesClearly communicate design reasoning when proposing changesCross-Discipline CollaborationWork closely with 2D artists and animators to ensure gameplay requirements are clearly definedAlign enemy behaviours, attack timings, and boss mechanics with animation constraintsEnsure strong visual telegraphing and mechanical readabilityCollaborate across disciplines to deliver cohesive gameplay momentsBenchmarking & ResearchRefer to genre benchmarks in 2D action-adventure gamesReference comparable titles when proposing gameplay features or changesUse benchmarking to support gameplay suggestionsDocumentationMaintain and evolve relevant sections of the GDDClearly communicate design intent to programmers and artistsProduce structured documentation, diagrams, and gameplay breakdownsRequired Experience2–5+ years experience in gameplay designClear and structured documentation skillsExperience working on a 2D action or adventure gamUnderstanding of combat systems (melee and gunplay) and boss designExperience balancing difficulty and player progressionExperience collaborating closely with artists and animatorsHighly DesirableProgramming skill and familiarity with source control systems, ideally C#, Haxe, gitExperience with level editing in TiledAbove and BeyondExperience working on a licensed IPExperience with UnityShipped console titleJob Type: Full-timePay: £30,000.00-£40,000.00 per yearBenefits:Life insurancePrivate medical insuranceAbility to commute/relocate:Southampton SO18 1NP: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)Application question(s):Will you now or in the future require visa sponsorship to work in the UK?Experience:Gameplay Design: 2 years (required)2D action/adventure game development: 2 years (required)Work authorisation:United Kingdom (required)Location:Southampton SO18 1NP (preferred)Work Location: In person