Game Design Director - Emirati Cultural game

About E-Line Media :

E-Line Media is a developer and publisher of video games with meaningful themes and authentic voices. Founded in 2008, the company's mission is to develop games that fire the imagination, catalyze curiosity, and provide gateways to new perspectives and interests.

The Company is a mission-driven, for-profit enterprise whose investors seek market-level financial returns and positive social impact. Its titles include the BAFTA and Peabody award-winning Never Alone , the Jackson-Wild-winning Beyond Blue , Gamestar Mechanic, and MinecraftEDU .

The Emirati Cultural Game will be a project similar to E-Line's Never Alone, which was developed inclusively with the Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC), a pioneering Alaska Native organization. Never Alone's goal was to share, celebrate, and extend Alaska Native culture with a global audience. The game is based on a story passed down for thousands of years, is in the Inupiaq language, and features 24 ‘cultural insight' mini-documentaries unlocked through gameplay, inviting players to connect deeply with Alaska Native heritage and tradition.

The game has resonated worldwide, reaching over 15 million players. It has been featured in thousands of articles, won numerous awards, and is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

Websites

• Never Alone website :
• Short New Yorker film about the 'inclusive development' process for Never Alone :
• Powerful review of Never Alone by a Native American game critic :
• E-Line Media Website :

About the Project :

We are embarking on an exciting journey to create a video game inspired by Emirati culture featuring compelling gameplay and an authentic narrative. Our goal is to create an experience that resonates with both global and local players while honoring the cultural heritage and traditions of the UAE. We are bringing together experienced game developers alongside Emirati artists, storytellers, and cultural partners to create a commercially successful, engaging experience for audiences worldwide on PC and consoles.

About the Position :

We are seeking a Game Design Director to be the driving force behind the game’s design, ensuring an engaging, commercially successful, and culturally authentic experience. The ideal candidate is an experienced lead game designer with strong leadership skills who is comfortable working with globally distributed teams, mentoring talent, and being hands-on with Unreal Engine. Your expertise will be crucial in translating authentic cultural elements into engaging game systems and building a world that resonates with players on a global scale.

This role involves close collaboration with our Emirati Narrative Lead, who has a rich background in culturally-inspired live performances and storytelling. Together, you will translate narrative themes into compelling gameplay. The Game Design Director will also collaborate with other Emirati talent and external partners to ensure authentic integration of worldbuilding, player experience, and game mechanics throughout the project. A unique opportunity for someone based in the region or open to relocating or traveling to Abu Dhabi during development to immerse themselves in the local stories, landscapes, and traditions.

As our Game Design Director, you will be responsible for :

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Top Reasons to Work with Us

E-Line Media values diverse perspectives and voices on our teams. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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