About Kinetic Games
We're an independent games studio best known for creating Phasmophobia, enjoyed by millions of players worldwide. Our team is passionate, creative, and collaborative and we're looking for someone equally enthusiastic about games to join our growing team.
We're a small, friendly team that values creativity, openness, and personal growth. Whether you're helping various departments or talking about your favourite horror game, you'll be part of a supportive environment where passion and curiosity are celebrated. You'll be joining an ambitious team where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your development truly matters.
About The Role
We are looking for an experienced Development Director to lead the day-to-day development execution of Phasmophobia to reach our 1.0 release.
This role is part of the Phasmophobia core leadership team, responsible for cross-discipline alignment, decision-making, and maintaining quality and focus. You will operate within an established creative vision and design direction set by the Game Director, partnering closely with our Lead Producer on execution.
This role is hybrid, based in the Southampton area.
Responsibilities
Lead day-to-day creative and development execution across design, engineering, art, audio, and QA
Make confident decisions on gameplay, systems, features, and player experience
Run design reviews, feature discussions, and playtests
Maintain creative cohesion and clarity across the project
Partner with the Lead Producer to balance quality, scope, and delivery
Drive the project's operational model and team structure
Ensure transparent communication across the leadership team
Support and align external partners to meet deadlines (e.g. platform ports, QA and localisation)
Requirements
A strong track record as a Development Director or Executive Producer bringing at least one AA/AAA PC/Console game from concept to full release.
Proven ability to lead and motivate cross-discipline teams
Strong understanding of gameplay, systems, and player experience
Excellent communication and leadership skills
Comfortable executing an established vision rather than redefining it
Experience working with external or co-development teams
Nice To Have
Strong knowledge of Phasmophobia
Experience on live or multi-platform projects
Background in gameplay or systems design
Benefits & Perks
Competitive salary
5% Employer Match Pension Scheme
Annual performance bonus + Company performance bonus
Weekly free team lunches – good food, great company
Regular social events – we love bringing our teams together
Hybrid & flexible working options
Flextime – because life doesn't always fit 9–5
Opportunities to travel to amazing industry events like GDC, Gamescom, TwitchCon (EU & US), EGX & Develop:Brighton
Relocation package to help you settle in
Employee of the Month vouchers
Personal wellbeing allowance
Referral scheme
Training & Development Budget – invest in your growth with courses, conferences & learning resources
Training & career development support
Vitality Health Insurance – includes Vision, Dental & Travel cover
Aviva Life Insurance
30 days holiday, including your birthday and a dedicated wellbeing day
Christmas studio shutdown – enjoy the holidays, on us
The Pay Range For This Role Is
70, ,000 GBP per year(Southampton, England)