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Principal Game Designer

Bellota LabsRedwood City, California

$200,000 - $300,000 / year

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Overview

Schedule
Full-time
Career level
Senior-level
Compensation
$200,000-$300,000/year
Benefits
Career Development

Job Description

At Bellota Labs, we’re on a mission to build groundbreaking new games for the U.S. market. As a fast-moving, innovation-driven startup, we’re assembling a world-class team to push the boundaries of game design, storytelling, and player engagement. With ClubWPT Gold already redefining the online poker experience, we’re now expanding our vision to create the next generation of gaming experiences.
We’re looking for a Principal Game Designer - a creative leader who combines systems thinking, player empathy, and design execution. In this role, you’ll be responsible for driving the vision and design of new games, shaping core gameplay mechanics, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to deliver experiences that are fresh, engaging, and market-ready.
If you’re passionate about creating games that stand out and want to play a key role in building something from the ground up, we’d love to hear from you.

What You’ll Do

  • Own the Game Vision – Define and evolve the core design pillars that make our games distinctive, fun, and replayable.
  • Design Core Systems & Mechanics – Lead the creation of gameplay loops, balance systems, and metagame features that keep players engaged.
  • Collaborate Across Disciplines – Partner closely with artists, engineers, producers, and product leads to bring ideas from concept to polished release.
  • Prototype & Iterate – Build, test, and refine ideas quickly to discover what resonates most with players.
  • Mentor & Elevate – Provide guidance to other designers and help foster a culture of creativity, playtesting, and continuous improvement.
  • Stay Ahead of the Curve – Keep informed of trends, genres, and player behavior to inspire innovation and design excellence.

What We’re Looking For

  • 7+ years of experience in game design, with a proven track record of shipping successful titles.
  • Deep expertise in systems, mechanics, and player engagement.
  • Strong creative instincts balanced with analytical thinking and player insight.
  • Experience working in cross-functional teams and mentoring other designers.
  • Hands-on experience with modern design tools, engines, and pipelines.
  • Passion for innovation and for creating experiences that stand out in the market.

Why Join Bellota Labs

  • Creative Ownership – Take the lead in shaping design for new, original game experiences.
  • Impactful Work – Your ideas will directly influence the success and direction of our next major titles.
  • Growth & Collaboration – Join a startup environment where your voice matters and your contributions are visible.
  • Passionate Team – Work alongside designers, engineers, and creatives who love building games that players truly connect with.
$200,000 - $300,000 a year
Join Bellota Labs and help define the next generation of gaming experiences.
If you’re ready to create innovative, meaningful games that push boundaries, we want to hear from you.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Automate your job search with Sonara.

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FAQs About Principal Game Designer Jobs at Bellota Labs

What is the work location for this position at Bellota Labs?
This job at Bellota Labs is located in Redwood City, California, according to the details provided by the employer. Some roles may also include multiple work locations depending on the requirement.
What pay range can candidates expect for this role at Bellota Labs?
Candidates can expect a pay range of $200,000 and $300,000 per year.
What employment applies to this position at Bellota Labs?
Bellota Labs lists this role as a Full-time position.
What experience level is required for this role at Bellota Labs?
Bellota Labs is looking for a candidate with "Senior-level" experience level.
What benefits are offered by Bellota Labs for this role?
Bellota Labs offers Career Development for this position. Actual benefits may vary depending on the employer's policies and employment terms.
What is the process to apply for this position at Bellota Labs?
You can apply for this role at Bellota Labs either through Sonara's automated application system, which helps you submit applications 10X faster with minimal effort, or by applying manually using the direct link on the job page.