Game Design Lead & Game Programmer Lead ( For Horror Games)
Company Description
Forbidden Kemono Studio LLC is an indie game studio building character-driven PC games in Unreal Engine. We specialize in systems-heavy gameplay, including simulation and tycoon design, simulation-driven horror, RPG progression, and multiplayer-ready features. Our projects combine strong art direction, clear production pipelines, and replayable gameplay loops, with a focus on shipping real builds such as demos, vertical slices, and full releases.
Project: After Hours: Library
Studio: Forbidden Kemono Studio LLC
Position Type: Volunteer | Revenue-Share (No Upfront Pay)
Location Requirement: United States or Canada Only
Forbidden Kemono Studio LLC is seeking two strong department leaders for After Hours: Library, our 1980s-inspired haunted survival horror project.
We are looking for experienced, accountable leaders who understand structure, communication, and long-term production discipline.
This is a revenue-share indie studio environment. Please read carefully before applying.
Lead Game Designer
The Lead Game Designer will guide the core gameplay direction and ensure that mechanics, tension, and progression are cohesive and intentional.
Responsibilities:
• Define and maintain the core gameplay loop
• Structure survival mechanics and tension systems
• Align gameplay pacing with horror storytelling
• Maintain and update the Game Design Document
• Lead structured design meetings
• Collaborate closely with Narrative and Programming leads
Ideal Candidate:
• Strong systems-thinking mindset
• Experience leading or mentoring designers
• Understanding of horror pacing and player psychology
• Clear communicator with strong accountability
• Comfortable working within Unreal Engine workflows
Lead Gameplay Programmer
The Lead Gameplay Programmer will oversee technical direction and ensure gameplay systems are clean, scalable, and production-ready.
Responsibilities:
• Lead gameplay system implementation in Unreal Engine
• Establish coding standards and architecture
• Review Blueprint and/or C++ implementations
• Guide junior and mid-level programmers
• Optimize performance and maintain stable builds
• Collaborate closely with Design leadership
Ideal Candidate:
• Strong Unreal Engine experience (Blueprint and/or C++)
• Leadership experience managing programmers
• Strong debugging and architecture skills
• Organized, proactive, and solutions-oriented
• Comfortable in an indie production environment
Compensation Model
This is a volunteer, revenue-share position.
There is no upfront pay. All team members are compensated contractually through revenue participation upon project release.
We operate with structure, accountability, and a long-term mindset. This is for individuals who are serious about building something polished and market-ready.
Important Requirements
• Must be located in the United States or Canada
• Must understand and agree to the revenue-share model
• Must be able to lead department meetings on Discord
• Must read the full description before applying
Apply Here
https://form.jotform.com/252937476101054
• If you are ready to lead, build with discipline, and help shape a horror experience from the ground up, we encourage you to apply.
Apply Now
Apply Now
Forbidden Kemono Studio LLC is an indie game studio building character-driven PC games in Unreal Engine. We specialize in systems-heavy gameplay, including simulation and tycoon design, simulation-driven horror, RPG progression, and multiplayer-ready features. Our projects combine strong art direction, clear production pipelines, and replayable gameplay loops, with a focus on shipping real builds such as demos, vertical slices, and full releases.
Project: After Hours: Library
Studio: Forbidden Kemono Studio LLC
Position Type: Volunteer | Revenue-Share (No Upfront Pay)
Location Requirement: United States or Canada Only
Forbidden Kemono Studio LLC is seeking two strong department leaders for After Hours: Library, our 1980s-inspired haunted survival horror project.
We are looking for experienced, accountable leaders who understand structure, communication, and long-term production discipline.
This is a revenue-share indie studio environment. Please read carefully before applying.
Lead Game Designer
The Lead Game Designer will guide the core gameplay direction and ensure that mechanics, tension, and progression are cohesive and intentional.
Responsibilities:
• Define and maintain the core gameplay loop
• Structure survival mechanics and tension systems
• Align gameplay pacing with horror storytelling
• Maintain and update the Game Design Document
• Lead structured design meetings
• Collaborate closely with Narrative and Programming leads
Ideal Candidate:
• Strong systems-thinking mindset
• Experience leading or mentoring designers
• Understanding of horror pacing and player psychology
• Clear communicator with strong accountability
• Comfortable working within Unreal Engine workflows
Lead Gameplay Programmer
The Lead Gameplay Programmer will oversee technical direction and ensure gameplay systems are clean, scalable, and production-ready.
Responsibilities:
• Lead gameplay system implementation in Unreal Engine
• Establish coding standards and architecture
• Review Blueprint and/or C++ implementations
• Guide junior and mid-level programmers
• Optimize performance and maintain stable builds
• Collaborate closely with Design leadership
Ideal Candidate:
• Strong Unreal Engine experience (Blueprint and/or C++)
• Leadership experience managing programmers
• Strong debugging and architecture skills
• Organized, proactive, and solutions-oriented
• Comfortable in an indie production environment
Compensation Model
This is a volunteer, revenue-share position.
There is no upfront pay. All team members are compensated contractually through revenue participation upon project release.
We operate with structure, accountability, and a long-term mindset. This is for individuals who are serious about building something polished and market-ready.
Important Requirements
• Must be located in the United States or Canada
• Must understand and agree to the revenue-share model
• Must be able to lead department meetings on Discord
• Must read the full description before applying
Apply Here
https://form.jotform.com/252937476101054
• If you are ready to lead, build with discipline, and help shape a horror experience from the ground up, we encourage you to apply.
Apply Now
Apply Now