Lead Game Designer

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 126,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work model

Lead exciting projects

Industry-standard tools access

Professional development

Creative team environment

Profit sharing

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Game Designer in a hybrid setup, located with our Kimberley studio and remote flexibility. You will define the vision, craft mechanics, and lead a design team to create engaging experiences across upcoming titles.

The role requires a strong portfolio, leadership, and expertise in Unity/Unreal, with collaboration across artists, programmers and producers. Bachelor's in a related field or equivalent experience is expected.

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a Game Designer with lead or senior roles.
• Strong portfolio showing diverse design contributions (mechanics, systems, level design).
• Expertise in game design principles, player psychology, and interactive storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Define and articulate the core vision and game design pillars for new projects.
• Lead and mentor the game design team with direction and feedback.
• Design and document core game mechanics, systems, and player progression.
• Oversee level design for engaging and balanced gameplay experiences.
• Collaborate with artists, programmers, and producers throughout development.
• Conduct playtesting and analyze feedback to iterate on design.
• Ensure game design documentation is clear and up-to-date.
• Stay updated on current trends and innovations in the video game industry.
• Champion the player experience and advocate for fun and immersion.

Skills

Lead Game Designer

Game design principles

Player psychology

Level design

Systems design

Communication

Leadership

Collaboration

Playtesting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Game Design or related field

Tools

Unity

Unreal Engine

Lua

C#

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent independent game development studio located in Kimberley, Northern Cape , is seeking an experienced Lead Game Designer to spearhead the creation of innovative and engaging gaming experiences. This role is critical in defining the vision, mechanics, and overall player experience for our upcoming titles. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in game design, a deep understanding of game mechanics, level design, systems design, and player psychology. Working in a hybrid capacity, you will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with our talented development team in our Kimberley studio while also benefiting from remote work flexibility. We are looking for a visionary leader who can inspire a team, articulate complex design concepts clearly, and translate creative ideas into compelling gameplay. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of interactive entertainment within a passionate and creative company.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and articulate the core vision and game design pillars for new projects.
• Lead and mentor the game design team, providing direction and constructive feedback.
• Design and document core game mechanics, systems, and player progression.
• Oversee level design, ensuring engaging and balanced gameplay experiences.
• Collaborate closely with artists, programmers, and producers throughout the development cycle.
• Conduct playtesting sessions and analyze feedback to iterate on game design.
• Ensure game design documentation is clear, comprehensive, and up-to-date.
• Stay abreast of current trends and innovations in the video game industry.
• Champion the player experience and advocate for design decisions that enhance fun and immersion.

Requirements

• Significant experience as a Game Designer, with demonstrable success in lead or senior roles.
• A strong portfolio showcasing diverse game design contributions (mechanics, systems, level design).
• Expertise in game design principles, player psychology, and interactive storytelling.
• Proficiency with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine.
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Lua, C#) is a plus.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid team environment, balancing remote and in-studio collaboration.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to project challenges.
• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and leadership capabilities.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and studio collaboration in Kimberley, Northern Cape .
• Opportunity to lead design on exciting and ambitious game projects.
• Access to industry-standard development tools and technologies.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Creative and supportive team atmosphere.
• Potential for profit sharing and performance-based bonuses.