Hiring Game Designer at Ubisoft Montréal, 2026

Job Overview

• Company Name: Ubisoft
• Job Title: Game Designer (Systems and Balancing)
• Industry: AAA Video Game Development / Specialized Production
• Location: Montréal
• Work Model: Office-Based
• Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
• Seniority Level: Professional / Intermediate
• Reporting Structure: Reports to Assistant Game Director / Design Lead
• Salary Range: Competitive (Commensurate with experience)
• Core Platforms: PC and Console
• Engine: Unity

Ubisoft Montréal – Montréal, QC, Canada

Ubisoft is a global leader in the interactive entertainment industry, dedicated to creating original and memorable gaming experiences that resonate with millions of players worldwide. From the stealth-action of Assassin’s Creed to the tactical precision of Rainbow Six, our teams push the boundaries of innovation. At Ubisoft Montréal, we believe that diverse perspectives are the key to thriving teams and games. We are currently seeking a highly analytical and creative Game Designer specializing in Systems and Balancing to join a specialized, multidisciplinary team in the heart of Montréal.

Company Overview: The Ubisoft Montréal Legacy

Ubisoft Montréal is the crown jewel of Ubisoft’s global creative network. As the largest development studio in the world, it provides a unique ecosystem where high-budget AAA production meets the agility of specialized, innovative teams. We offer an environment where “creating the unknown” is not just a slogan but a daily practice. By joining our Montréal team, you will have access to world-class resources, a community of industry veterans, and a culture that prioritizes creative risk-taking and technical excellence.

Role Overview

As a Game Designer (Systems and Balancing), you will serve as the mathematical and logical architect of the gameplay experience. Your primary mission is to design, implement, and fine-tune the core systems that dictate player progression, game pacing, and overall difficulty. This role is deeply rooted in systems balancing, ensuring that every variable—from weapon damage and enemy health to currency drop rates and XP curves—works in perfect harmony.

You will operate within a small, agile, multidisciplinary team, acting as a bridge between high-level game direction and the granular technical implementation of gameplay loops. Your work ensures that the game feels fair, rewarding, and consistently engaging, particularly within the challenging frameworks of the roguelite/roguelike genres.

Key Responsibilities

1. Systems Design & Mathematical Balancing

• Architect and balance core gameplay elements, including playable character archetypes, weapon statistics, ability cooldowns, and enemy/boss behavior.

• Create and refine complex progression curves, managing the flow of experience points, level-up milestones, and reward pacing to prevent player stagnation or power creep.

• Manage the in-game economy, meticulously balancing currencies, item costs, and resource scarcity to maintain long-term engagement.

2. Implementation & Technical Integration

• Take hands-on ownership of the balancing pipeline by implementing tuning changes directly within the Unity engine.

• Build and maintain robust balancing tools and spreadsheets (Excel) that allow for rapid simulation and adjustment of game variables.

• Collaborate with the Programming team to develop or improve internal tools that streamline the balancing process.

3. Data-Driven Iteration

• Analyze quantitative data from playtest reports and qualitative player feedback to identify friction points or exploits.

• Translate complex player insights into actionable design tasks, prioritizing changes that have the highest impact on the “fun factor” and game stability.

• Iterate rapidly through a “test-validate-refine” cycle, ensuring that every adjustment is backed by logic and empirical testing.

4. Cross-Discipline Collaboration

• Work in lockstep with Level Designers to ensure that encounter difficulty is synchronized with player power levels.

• Partner with Assistant Game Direction to uphold the creative vision while ensuring technical feasibility and systemic health.

• Regularly play the build and provide constructive, high-level feedback on the overall user experience and “game feel.”

Required Qualifications & Technical Skills

Professional Requirements

• Genre Expertise: A profound understanding of roguelite and roguelike design pillars, specifically game loops, procedural progression, and build variety.

• Systems Mastery: Proven experience in designing and balancing complex game systems and progression models.

• Communication: Bilingual proficiency in French and English (written and verbal), with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-designers.

• Collaboration: A proven track record of working effectively within small, cross-functional teams where flexibility is paramount.

Technical Toolkit

• Advanced Excel: Mastery of Excel (including complex formulas and data modeling) is essential for this role.

• Unity Engine: Direct experience with Unity is highly preferred; otherwise, the candidate must demonstrate an exceptional ability to learn new engines rapidly.

• Documentation: Ability to create “best-in-class” design documentation that is both readable and technically exhaustive.

Leadership & Mindset

While this is a professional-level design role, we expect a high degree of self-drive and ownership. You are expected to:

• Operate with Autonomy: Manage your own tasks and priorities within a fast-paced, iterative environment.

• Foster Quality: Act as a guardian of the player experience, never settling for “good enough” when a system can be further optimized.

• Mentorship: Be willing to share your balancing methodologies with the wider design team to elevate studio-wide standards.

Benefits and Perks

Ubisoft Montréal offers a comprehensive package designed to foster long-term career satisfaction and personal well-being:

• Competitive Compensation: Market-leading base salary with annual performance reviews and profit-sharing.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical/dental coverage, an on-site health clinic, and mental health support programs.

• Professional Growth: Access to Ubisoft’s internal “Academies,” global design workshops, and a massive library of learning resources.

• Studio Culture: A vibrant workspace in the Mile-End district, featuring social clubs, gaming zones, and team-building events.

• Relocation Support: Assistance for qualified candidates moving to the Montréal area.

Application Process

To be considered for this role, please submit the following:

1. Professional CV: Highlighting your specific contributions to shipped titles or systems-heavy projects.

2. Portfolio/Website: A link showcasing your systems design work. We are specifically looking for balancing documentation, mathematical models, or playable prototypes that demonstrate your logic.