Mobile Game Designer - Monetization

Sawhorse Productions is a Los Angeles based, Award winning full-service creative studio turning ideas into unforgettable experiences through captivating branded content, viral social moments, and groundbreaking interactive experiences. We partner with industry-leading brands, artists, and studios such as Walmart, Google, NBCUniversal, Fanatics, Toyota, Pepsi and Alo to deliver industry-leading, innovative multi-platform content. At Sawhorse, we believe in fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and relentless excellence while shaping the future of digital storytelling.

Our releases include: [Roblox, Fortnite, Rec Room, ZEPETO]

• Roblox: Walmart Discovered - 2024 ADDY Winner
• Roblox: Fenty - 2024 Webby winner
• Roblox: Alo Sanctuary
• Roblox: Beetlejuice Escape the Afterlife
• Roblox: Lamborghini Lanzador Lab - 2024 Telly Winner
• Roblox: Elton John’s 'Beyond The Yellow Brick Road'
• Roblox: Olivia Rodrigo 
• Roblox: Fashion Klossette
• Gen AI applet: Coca - Cola Cappy
• And numerous digital fashion releases on UGC Gaming platforms - Sawhorse Productions

Sawhorse Productions is seeking a Mobile Game Designer with a specialization in monetization systems to join our growing gaming team. This role is central to creating gameplay systems and economies that drive both player engagement and revenue growth.

You will design core loops, progression systems, gacha mechanics, battle passes, cosmetic economies, and live events — all optimized through a player-first lens. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams to concept, build, and refine mobile experiences that are both deeply engaging and financially successful.This role demands strong design instincts, mastery of live service monetization, and a strategic mindset informed by player behavior and analytics.

This is a freelance role to start (6 months), with potential for longer-term or full-time opportunities.

Requirements

• Core Gameplay and Systems Design: Create compelling gameplay loops and progression systems that align tightly with monetization strategies.
• Monetization Systems Development: Design, build, and tune monetization features including gacha mechanics, IAP stores, currencies, season passes, and limited-time offers.
• Economy Balancing: Establish in-game economies that maintain a healthy balance between free-to-play and pay-to-win dynamics, maximizing LTV without damaging player experience.
• Live Ops Design: Architect and execute live service strategies including events, sales, content updates, and retention-driving campaigns.
• Data-Driven Optimization: Work closely with analytics teams to evaluate the performance of monetization systems, optimize funnels, and inform future designs through player data and KPIs.
• Documentation and Communication: Create clear, actionable design documentation, including flowcharts, economy spreadsheets, user flows, and feature specs.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with product managers, engineers, artists, and marketing teams to ensure monetization systems integrate seamlessly across the entire player experience.
• Player Behavior Analysis: Apply deep understanding of player motivation, engagement triggers, and behavioral economics to shape monetization designs that feel rewarding and ethical.
• Market Research: Stay current on mobile monetization trends, top-grossing games, and emerging strategies across genres.
• Testing and Iteration: Develop hypotheses, conduct A/B tests, and iterate qu