
Riyo Games is on an epic quest to revitalize the Golden Age of JRPGs. Our flagship title, Threads of Time, is a 2.5D journey through human history—from the prehistoric dawn to the distant future. We aren’t just making a game; we are weaving a love letter to classics like Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy.
As a Senior UI/UX Designer, you are the architect of the player’s window into this world. Your mission is to balance the nostalgic “retro-infused” aesthetic with modern, sleek, and intuitive functionality. You will ensure that whether a player is navigating a menu in the Stone Age or a high-tech interface in the future, the experience is seamless, immersive, and emotionally resonant.
Job Overview: UI/UX Designer
| Feature | Specification |
| Company Name | Riyo Games |
| Project | Threads of Time (2.5D JRPG) |
| Job Type | Full-Time (Regular) or 6-Month Contract |
| Salary Range | $80,000 – $100,000 CAD |
| Location | Remote (Canada Only) |
| Eligible Provinces | Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, or British Columbia |
| Core Tech Stack | Unreal Engine, Figma, Adobe Photoshop |
About Riyo Games
We are a growing global “dream team” of veteran developers who have led iconic titles such as Xenoblade Chronicles and Legend of Mana. Our studio culture is built on inclusivity, support, and a shared passion for narrative-rich storytelling.
At Riyo, we believe that diversity of perspective is the “Secret Sauce” for meaningful work. We operate with a flat-hierarchy mindset where every team member has a voice in the creative design and ownership over their features. We aren’t just looking for a set of skills; we are looking for a fellow adventurer who values equity and creative excellence.
The Mission: Your Strategic Impact
In this Senior UI/UX Designer role, you sit at the vital intersection of Art, Engineering, and Player Psychology. You will lead the UI strategy, moving beyond simple menu design to create a comprehensive interactive language.
Core Objectives
- Player-Centric Design: Advocate for the player at every stage, ensuring accessibility and clarity without breaking the JRPG immersion.
- Style Synergy: Work alongside the Art Director to ensure UI assets—animations, iconography, and layouts—mesh perfectly with the 2.5D “retro-modern” visual style.
- Technical Implementation: Don’t just hand off mockups; dive into Unreal Engine to implement and polish high-quality UI assets and workflows.
- Scalability: Guarantee a consistent and responsive experience across PC and consoles, accounting for various screen resolutions and input methods.
Detailed Responsibilities
Conceptualization & Style Management
- Visual Development: Create mood boards, style guides, and high-fidelity mockups that adhere to the game’s unique aesthetic direction.
- Consistency: Maintain and update UI style guides to ensure that as the game grows across different eras of time, the visual language remains cohesive.
- Iconography: Design bespoke icons and assets that are both visually beautiful and instantly recognizable.
UX Architecture & Prototyping
- Wireframing: Develop intuitive UX wireframes that map out the player journey through complex JRPG systems (e.g., combat menus, skill trees, inventory management).
- Prototyping: Build interactive prototypes to test flow and functionality before full-scale implementation.
- Psychology: Apply principles of player behavior to minimize friction and maximize engagement during “moment-to-moment” gameplay.
Implementation & Technical Polishing
- UE Engine Integration: Work directly within Unreal Engine to set up UI widgets, animations, and transitions.
- Cross-Discipline Collaboration: Partner with Engineers to ensure UI logic is optimized and with Game Designers to ensure the UI supports mechanical depth.
- Bug Fixing: Actively participate in the QA cycle to squash UI-related bugs and refine the “feel” of the interface through iterative feedback.
Testing & Evolution
- Playtest Analysis: Participate in and observe playtests. You will be responsible for translating player confusion or friction into elegant UX solutions.
- Accessibility Advocacy: Ensure the game is playable by everyone by implementing features like high-contrast modes, scalable text, and color-blind friendly palettes.
Requirements & Qualifications as Senior UI/UX Designer
Must-Have Experience
- Industry Veteran: 5+ years of professional experience as a UI/UX Designer specifically within the video game industry.
- Artistic Foundation: A strong background in graphic design, encompassing color theory, composition, and typography.
- Software Mastery: Expert proficiency in Adobe Photoshop (or equivalent) and Figma.
- Engine Expertise: Deep, hands-on experience with Unreal Engine (UMG/Widgets).
- Communication: The ability to explain complex information through simple, smart visual design.
The “Riyo Plus” (Bonus Points)
- JRPG Enthusiast: A deep love for the JRPG genre (past and present) and an understanding of its specific UI tropes (e.g., turn-based menus, party management).
- Shipping History: Experience taking a title from concept all the way to a successful launch on PlayStation, Xbox, or Steam.
- Platform Knowledge: Familiarity with the technical guidelines (TRCs/XRRs) for major console platforms.
- Location: While remote, being a resident of Ontario or Quebec is a significant plus for administrative and time-zone alignment.
Riyo Games offer a competitive package that respects your expertise and supports your well-being.
- Financial Security: A salary range of $80,000 – $100,000 CAD, depending on experience.
- Rest & Recovery: 4 weeks of paid vacation (with a mandatory 1-week studio closure in late December to ensure everyone rests).
- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance.
- Family Support: Access to an Employee & Family Assistance program.
- Growth: A dedicated focus on strengthening your skills or learning new facets of game development through internal opportunities.
This is a Full-Time Remote position. However, for legal and tax compliance, all applicants must reside in one of the following Canadian provinces:
- Ontario
- Quebec
- Nova Scotia
- British Columbia
Applicants outside of these regions must be willing to relocate to one of these provinces before their start date.
At Riyo Games, we know that the “perfect candidate” on paper doesn’t always reflect the best talent. If you are passionate about this role but don’t check every single box, please apply anyway. We are particularly interested in hearing from women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Accessibility: We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities. If you require any specific accommodations during the recruitment process, please reach out to contact@riyogames.com. We are committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process for all.
How to Apply
Ready to join the quest? Send us your portfolio and resume. We use geographical sorting tools but do not use AI to screen or select candidates. Every application is reviewed by a human member of our team.
We look forward to seeing what makes you special!
