Job Description
Microsoft Casual Games develops some of the most popular and enduring games in the world. From Solitaire to Sudoku, Minesweeper to Mahjong, for over 30 years Casual Games has delighted players of all ages with exciting, engaging gameplay on Windows, iOS, Android, and the Web. We strive to provide our players with not just joy and entertainment, but also meaningful social connections and shared experiences that bring people together through play. Microsoft Casual Games is hiring a Senior Game Designer to support multiple products – both our live games, as well as exciting new titles currently in development. As part of our cross‑functional creative team, you’ll help define and evolve gameplay experiences that are accessible, inviting, and deeply engaging for a broad, global casual audience. You’ll contribute to a diverse portfolio of live game projects while helping shape the next generation of social, multiplayer-first casual experiences. You’ll work closely with design, product, engineering, art, and analytics partners to design gameplay systems, features, progression loops, and social mechanics that foster connection, competition, and collaboration between players. This includes creating systems that are easy to learn, rewarding to master, and designed to support both solo play and social playstyles—whether through leaderboards, tournaments, cooperative modes, or lightweight social interactions that fit seamlessly into casual play patterns. This role blends hands‑on game design execution with product‑level thinking, taking a holistic view of gameplay, player motivation, and social engagement across a portfolio of casual games. Beyond individual feature ownership, this role requires strong judgment, prioritization, and systems thinking — balancing player needs, accessibility, and clarity with studio goals, technical constraints, and long‑term product strategy. This designer will partner closely with Design leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders to help coordinate and oversee multiple initiatives, represent game design perspectives in discussions, and serve as a trusted point of continuity across projects. They will act as a design lead within meetings, reviews, and planning conversations, helping to ensure alignment, momentum, and follow‑through when leadership is not present. Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
