Creative Director, Apple Arcade

Creative Director, Apple Arcade

Cupertino, California, United States

Marketing

Summary

Posted: Apr 08, 2025

Weekly Hours: 40

Role Number:

Apple Arcade is a family-friendly gaming service available on the App Store. Arcade’s incredible catalog is available to play on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro, and all 250+ games are free of ads and in-app purchases. Players can step into the shoes of their favorite sports stars in games like NFL Retro Bowl ‘25 or NBA 2K25 Arcade Edition, score the highest hand in the poker-inspired, deck-building sensation Balatro+, sneak around as a mischievous Sasquatch in Sneaky Sasquatch, or explore hundreds of other games - both new and old - from their favorite genres.

At Apple, we believe that games are more than just play - they’re powerful expressions of creativity, connection, and joy. Apple Arcade is redefining what premium mobile gaming looks like: no ads, no in-app purchases - just great games, thoughtfully curated and crafted for all to enjoy. Join us and help shape the future of Apple Arcade!

Description

Apple Arcade is looking for a passionate and visionary Creative Director to help lead the creative direction of our game portfolio. In this role, you’ll work closely with world-class third-party developers and internal teams to bring exceptional games to life - games that are innovative, original, and deeply fun to play.

You’ll drive creative excellence across a wide range of genres, support the development of new IP, pitch fresh game concepts, and help set the vision for the future of Apple Arcade. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of games at Apple and craft the next generation of premium, accessible, and joyful interactive entertainment.

If you are a collaborative, strategic, and imaginative creative leader; a mentor and partner to developers; a passionate advocate for players and great gameplay; and always looking ahead to what’s next, we want to hear from you!

You will:

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• Provide creative feedback and direction to external development teams across a diverse portfolio of games
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• Collaborate with producers and partners to ensure each game meets the high standards of Apple Arcade - innovative, fun, and trustworthy
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• Create and pitch new game concepts and original IP that align with Apple’s values and our vision for the service
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• Help shape the overall creative strategy of the Apple Arcade portfolio and identify content opportunities across genres and audiences
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• Stay on top of trends in games, technology, and culture - and bring fresh, forward-thinking ideas to the table
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• Build meaningful, long-term creative relationships with developers around the world
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Minimum Qualifications

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• 10+ years of experience in game development, with at least 5 years in a creative leadership role (e.g., Creative Director, Game Director, or Lead Designer)
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Preferred Qualifications

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  Proven success creating innovative and critically acclaimed, original games across platform - especially mobile

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  Experience developing original IPs from concept to release

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  Excellent communication and feedback skills, especially when collaborating with external partners

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  Strong grasp of game design, UI/UX, narrative, visual direction, and player engagement

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  A portfolio that showcases creative innovation, versatility, and a deep understanding of what makes games fun and meaningful

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  Ability to pitch ideas clearly and get partners on-board

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  Familiarity with game subscription services like Apple Arcade, with a clear understanding of how to drive long-term player value and engagement

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  Understanding of the unique opportunities of cross-platform game development

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  Experience building family-friendly or all-ages games

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  Background in live service games with a focus on quality and player trust

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  Knowledge of accessibility standard methodologies in game design

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  Experience with emerging technologies such as AR, VR, or spatial gaming

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  Fluency across a wide range of genres and player motivations

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Pay & Benefits

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $191,400 and $288,000, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.Learn more about Apple Benefits. (

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant ( .

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant ( .

Apple will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation.

Apple participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law.Learn more about the E-Verify program ( .

Apple is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple is a drug-free workplace. Reasonable Accommodation and Drug Free Workplace policy Learn more .

Apple will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law. If you’re applying for a position in San Francisco, review the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance guidelines applicable in your area.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.