Senior Game Designer - Systems & Mechanics

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Annual bonus

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Game Designer specializing in systems and mechanics for an on-site role in Queenstown, NZ. You will shape core player interactions, progression, and emergent gameplay, collaborating with programmers, artists, and producers to deliver standout titles.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience, a strong portfolio in systems design, and proficiency with design docs (Confluence/Google Docs) as well as scripting (Lua/C#).

Qualifications

• Extensive professional experience as a Game Designer focused on systems and mechanics.
• Strong portfolio showcasing systems design for console/PC titles.
• Experience prototyping mechanics using scripting languages (Lua, C#) or in-engine tools.
• Deep understanding of game balance, player progression, and reward loops.
• Experience with Agile development environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, document, and iterate on core game systems, mechanics, and player progression.
• Develop detailed design specifications for features, ensuring clarity and feasibility.
• Prototype and playtest mechanics to evaluate fun factor, balance, and player experience.
• Collaborate with programmers to implement and refine game systems, providing clear technical direction.
• Work with artists and narrative designers to ensure mechanics align with the overall game vision.
• Balance game economies, combat systems, and other complex mechanics for engagement.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify design trends.
• Mentor junior designers and share knowledge within the team.
• Participate in playtests and gather feedback from stakeholders.
• Champion the player experience throughout development.

Skills

Systems design

Game balance

Analytical thinking

Communication & collaboration

Agile development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Game Design

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Bachelor's degree in Psychology

Tools

Confluence

Google Docs

Lua

C#

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a critically acclaimed studio known for innovative and engaging gameplay experiences, is seeking a talented Senior Game Designer specializing in Systems and Mechanics. This role is pivotal in shaping the core player interactions, progression systems, and emergent gameplay that define our titles. You will be instrumental in conceptualizing, prototyping, and iterating on game mechanics, ensuring they are deep, rewarding, and intuitive. The ideal candidate possesses a strong analytical mind, a passion for player psychology, and a proven ability to translate complex ideas into elegant game systems. This is an on-site position, fostering a highly collaborative and creative environment within our studio located in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA . You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including programmers, artists, and producers, to deliver unforgettable gameplay.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, document, and iterate on core game systems, mechanics, and player progression.
• Develop detailed design specifications for features, ensuring clarity and feasibility.
• Prototype and playtest mechanics to evaluate fun factor, balance, and player experience.
• Collaborate with programmers to implement and refine game systems, providing clear technical direction.
• Work with artists and narrative designers to ensure mechanics align with the overall game vision and player experience.
• Balance game economies, combat systems, and other complex mechanics for optimal player engagement.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify design trends and opportunities.
• Mentor junior designers and contribute to the team's knowledge sharing and best practices.
• Participate in playtests and gather feedback from various stakeholders.
• Champion the player experience throughout the development process.

Requirements

• Extensive professional experience as a Game Designer, with a significant focus on systems and mechanics design for console or PC titles.
• A strong portfolio showcasing successful game design work, particularly in systems design.
• Proficiency in documenting game design using tools like Confluence, Google Docs, or equivalent.
• Experience prototyping mechanics using scripting languages (e.g., Lua, C#) or in-engine tools.
• Deep understanding of game balance, player progression, and reward loops.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts clearly.
• Experience working within an Agile development environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, Psychology, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• A passion for games and a deep understanding of what makes gameplay compelling.
• Experience with player research and data analysis is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, and a generous annual bonus.
• Employees enjoy a creative and collaborative studio environment, access to cutting-edge technology, and opportunities for professional growth and development.
• We also offer a retirement savings plan and ample paid time off.

Join our innovative team and help shape the future of interactive entertainment in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, ZA .