RPG Game Developer: 5th Edition Developer

RENEGADE GAME STUDIOS

Job Description

RPG Game Developer: 5th Edition Developer

Reports To:  RPG Producer

Status:  Full Time, Exempt

Location:  Remote (US-based)

Renegade Game Studios is seeking an expert Game Developer with deep, proven mastery of the Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition ruleset to join our RPG team. In this role, you will be writing, developing, and shaping books using the 5.5E ruleset and OGL.

·        Develop and edit manuscripts from freelance and staff writers into cohesive, polished 5E System books, ensuring all mechanics are rules-legal, internally consistent, balanced within the 5E framework and in accordance with the OGL.

·        Write original content as a staff writer for Renegade’s 5E titles, including rules text, setting material, and full adventure content.

·        Design and balance new 5E mechanical content: subclasses, threats, stat blocks, gear items, and optional variant rules.

·        Provide detailed developmental feedback throughout the revision process, with particular emphasis on 5E rules accuracy, mechanical clarity, encounter balance.

·        Incorporate feedback from sensitivity and accessibility readers appropriately and professionally into the final manuscript.

·        Review final files prior to print for quality control, ensuring accuracy, mechanical consistency, and adherence to both Renegade and the Open Game License.

·        Maintain and apply individual brand style guides.

·        Contribute to game system design and mechanical development for new and existing Renegade titles beyond 5E.

·        Write art descriptions and map briefs, including encounter-area layouts that reflect tactical grid-based combat; direct book layout and art placement in collaboration with the Creative Director.

·        Design and run playtests for content.

·        Stay current on D&D 5E errata, Sage Advice updates, DMs Guild trends, and shifts in community expectations around balance and accessibility.

·        Support brand and marketing teams with game-related content.

This position works closely with the internal RPG team, Brand, Production, Art, and Marketing departments, as well as external freelance writers, editors.

Manages and supervises freelance writers and contractors assigned to 5E projects, including onboarding, rules-specific creative briefing, deadline management, and quality review with a focus on mechanical accuracy.

·        3+ years of professional experience developing or editing tabletop RPG books, with most of that work in the 5E Rules Space (required).

·        3+ years of professional experience writing tabletop RPG content, with significant 5E system credits (required).

·        Published 5E System credits required; candidates must submit a list of credits describing their specific mechanical contributions on each project (statblocks, subclasses, adventures, etc.).

·        Expert-level knowledge of all official 5E Rules and the Open Game License.

·        Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign and/or InCopy, is a plus.

·        Experienced with Microsoft Office Suite and Shared Drives.

·        Bachelor’s degree in the liberal arts, game design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

·        Comprehensive, expert-level mastery of 5th Edition: the SRD, and official errata.

·        Demonstrated ability to design balanced 5E content.

·        Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to write compelling prose, precise rules text in 5E voice, and clear adventure narration boxed text.

·        Strong developmental editing skills with an eye for narrative consistency, mechanical clarity, rules accuracy, and game balance.

·        Ability to deliver high-quality work under deadline pressure with minimal supervision.

·        Strong organizational skills.

·        Collaborative, professional demeanor with the ability to communicate effectively across creative and business teams.

·        Self-directed and proactive; exercises sound independent judgment and escalates appropriately.

 

To apply, send your resume, cover letter, and list of publishing credits (with specific 5E mechanical contributions noted) to: jobs@renegadegames.com

Renegade Game Studios is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.