About Starlings

Starlings is an entertainment company creating immersive, story-driven experiences that turn cities into game boards and audiences into active participants.

Our first public offering, Field Quests, transforms San Francisco into a live mystery adventure where guests uncover hidden layers of the city, encounter performers and unexpected moments, and become part of a larger unfolding world. As guests face real challenges together, they must engage their own hero qualities and discover that the Quest’s conclusion is not always what is expected or planned for.

We’re looking for Game Designer to develop executable game and puzzle interactives to be incorporated into narrative-driven outdoor excursions in San Francisco.

The Role

We are looking for someone who can:

organize IRL multi player game structure
design consistent player activities
ensure clear and functional throughline rules
support existing world narrative and experience storyline
physically and independently prototype, test, build, and revise

The Game Designer will report to the project’s creative lead and in close collaboration with the creative team.

Core Goals

Success in this role means providing a guest experience that:

is unique to the field
never the same twice
encourages continued participation and return visitation
fun for groups and individuals
emotionally relevant and passionate
inspires fear of missing out

Responsibilities

Support existing stories and locations by defining player rules

Map the game if-than scenarios and all possible outcomes
Help define character and player skills
Accurately estimate engagement duration and player variables

Interactive puzzle and cypher design

Responsible for the development and design each puzzle, challenge, and cypher scenario
- Written outline for each player journey
- Detailed description of each interactive element including step by step operational instruction, materials, and variables
Defined reward system with level up capabilities
Collaborate with experience designer, graphic designer, and partners on built or acquired tools

Prototyping and Build

Lead the prototyping process for game related interface
Support the design and build of custom tools and elements
Participate in public testing and modification for highest quality guest experience

Ensure the product Is

On-brand
Of exceptional quality
Playful, fun, suspenseful, challenging, and safe
On budget and on time

Team & Collaboration

This creative space is welcoming and fun, but also fast-paced and results oriented. The position is a part of a larger collaborative group using storytelling, entertainment and play to inspire positive, joy-fueled civic and environmental engagement.

Game Designer will work closely with and report to the Chief Creative Officer.
This role collaborates closely with the CEO and the creative development team.
The Game Designer will work within the Starlings world, supporting the existing story and lore.

Who You Are

You are:

highly execution-oriented
game master, improvisational, plot oriented
unconventional, outside of the box thinker
detail focused
collaborative and fast-moving
able to move projects from concept to reality
positive and optimistic, even in fast paced situations

You care about:

real nature, history, and culture
fondly and passionately about the Bay Area
LARPing, mysteries, entertainment

Desired Experience

Strong candidates may come with backgrounds including:

Escape room design
Game and puzzle design
Live action roll play development
Treasure hunts
Interactive design
Technical prototyping

Experience with the following is strongly preferred:

Collaborative small group dynamics
Special effects
San Francisco history, culture, and environment

Logistics

Game Designer is required to be based in the Bay Area
Project based freelance contract
Hands-on participation and production will be expected

Apply for the job

Do you want to join our team as Game Designer? Then we'd love to hear about you!

Apply now