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About The Position
The Associate Game Developer (AGD) helps in the creation of unique and innovative Trading Card Game (TCG) and Collectable Card Game (CCG) products. With overall direction from the Sr Director of Game Development, the AGD assists in the conceptualization, development, and maintenance of product portfolios for TCG focused brands. The AGD may be asked to prepare and present product strategies and financial costing reports. The AGD also works alongside Brand and Project Managers in developing external licensing and business relationships.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree with an emphasis in Game Development and/or Design or a closely related field or equivalent experience.
- 5+ years of experience with TCG/CCG style games.
- 5+ years of experience with tabletop gaming.
- Passion for tabletop gaming with an extensive TCG background.
- Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple, high priority projects with keen attention to detail.
- Team Collaboration skills to be able to work in a professional, team-based environment.
- Superior interpersonal, leadership, negotiating, consulting, presentation, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Proficient in the Microsoft 365 suite (advanced expertise with Excel)
- Ability to perform duties under minimal supervision while exercising discretion and independent judgment when needed.
- Hands on, energetic and motivated self-starter.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally on behalf of Upper Deck
Nice To Haves
- Mathematics experience is also a plus.
- Professional experience in the tabletop gaming industry is a plus
- The ability to create and maintain complex Microsoft Excel spreadsheets is a plus.
- General Pop Culture knowledge and interest is preferred.
Responsibilities
- Conceptualizes and manages the development of current and future TCG/CCG products meeting Upper Deck defined requirements.
- Identifies the collectable and non-collectable drivers of a TCG including the pack opening experience, rarity structures, card technologies, and overall vibes of opening a fun pack of cards.
- Develops product P&L documentation to ensure that a product stays within budget and is profitable at launch.
- Determines and reports on the driving factors for any IP they oversee.
- May be asked to take a leading role in all aspects of development for a particular product line.
- Researches, anticipates, identifies, and capitalizes on TCG/CCG industry trends and value drivers.
- Works with the respective Sales and Brand teams to design a wide range of products for large and small distribution channels including private label programs, premiums and promotional items, direct marketing campaigns, mass market and limited-edition programs.
- Suggests new categories and products for TCG/CCG lines to maximize consumer demand.
- Ensures that a product is built considering quality and compliance standards.
- Works closely with the Operation and Production teams to minimize manufacturing errors and delivery slippage.
- Provide input into Marketing/Advertising/PR campaigns as requested.
- Helps manage and maintain the accuracy of product documentation and communicates and changes throughout the organization.
- Keeps team members up to date with ranging developments for TCG/CCG initiatives acting as a liaison with other departments.
- Provides initial directions on component layout and art design.
- Collaborates with outside parties by understanding all aspects of the design and production process.
- May be asked to participate in live streams for various Upper Deck social media outlets to interact with collectors and the community.
