About the Role
We are 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Applicants must be currently residing in Japan and possess valid authorization to work in Japan.
- 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.
- Experience with advanced engine tools (e.g., UE Sequencer, state machines, or systemic content pipelines).
- Japanese working proficiency
Skills
- 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.
Location
- Japan
Work Type
- Full Time
- Contract
- Hybrid
Experience Level
- 5+ years of Technical Design industry experience
- 1+ published AA or AAA titles
Salary/Compensations
- Competitive compensation package with performance-based incentives.
About the Company
- Keywords Studios is a global provider of creative and technical services to the video games industry, with over 13,000 professionals across 70+ studios in 25+ countries.
- We support clients across the entire game lifecycle through three core Service Lines: Create — Game development, art production, and audio; Globalize — Localization, localization QA, functional testing; Engage — Marketing, LiveOps, community, and player support.
- In Japan, Keywords Studios delivers its full range of services across Create, Globalize, and Engage, supporting leading publishers and developers through both local and international production teams.
- Our presence includes the Tokyo-based development studio Wizcorp, alongside established localization, QA, player support, and marketing capabilities serving some of the most influential companies in the Japanese games and entertainment industry.
- Keywords Studios is increasingly trusted by Japanese partners to support productions that span multiple regions—combining Japanese creative leadership with global delivery capacity across Asia-Pacific and beyond.
- As one of the world’s most influential and production-intensive markets, Japan represents a strategic growth area for Keywords Studios.
- This role plays a key part in strengthening client partnerships, driving business opportunities, and ensuring high-quality delivery across projects.
- Opportunity to represent a highly reputed global leader in game art services.
- A collaborative, growth-oriented global culture.
Equal Opportunity
- Keywords Studios is strongly committed to protecting your personal information. By sending your CV/Resume, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and consent to your data being managed and retained in accordance with our data privacy and retention policy https://www.keywordsstudios.com/en/applicant-privacy-notice/.
