Senior Game Designer (Systems Specialist)

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybride; NZD 90 000 - 130 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Health insurance

Performance bonus

provident fund

Annual leave

Professional development

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Game Designer with a focus on Systems Design for a hybrid role in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. You will conceptualize, prototype, and refine core gameplay systems, balancing mechanics and player progression across a shipping title.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in game design, strong systems expertise, and proficiency with Unreal Engine or Unity. Collaboration with engineers and designers is essential to deliver a cohesive player experience.

Qualifications

• 5+ years as a Game Designer, with 3+ years in core gameplay systems.
• Strong portfolio with shipped titles, emphasizing systems design.
• Experience documenting and balancing complex game mechanics.
• Proficient with Unreal Engine or Unity and scripting tools.

Responsabilités

• Design and document complex game systems (combat, progression, economy, AI).
• Create detailed design specs and flowcharts for new mechanics.
• Prototype and iterate on game systems using in-engine tools.
• Collaborate with engineers for feasibility and implementation.
• Balance systems to ensure fair and engaging play.
• Conduct playtests and analyze feedback to refine systems.
• Review designs and mentor junior designers.
• Stay updated on trends in game design and systems.
• Contribute to design culture within the studio.

Connaissances

Systems design

Analytical thinking

Player psychology

Communication

Collaboration

Problem solving

Mentoring

Formation

Degree in Game Design or Computer Science

Outils

Unreal Engine

Unity

Blueprints

C#

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a renowned game development studio situated in Queenstown, Eastern Cape , is actively seeking a highly experienced Senior Game Designer with a specialization in Systems Design. This crucial role will be responsible for conceptualizing, prototyping, and refining the core gameplay systems that define the player experience in our ambitious new title. You will work at the intersection of creative vision and technical feasibility, collaborating closely with engineers, artists, and other designers to build deep, engaging, and balanced game mechanics. The ideal candidate possesses a strong analytical mindset, a passion for emergent gameplay, and a proven ability to design intricate systems that provide compelling player progression and challenges. This position offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of interactive entertainment within a dynamic and collaborative studio environment in Queenstown . The role is offered on a hybrid basis, blending essential in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work, ensuring an optimal balance of teamwork and individual focus.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and document complex game systems, including combat, progression, economy, and AI behaviors.
• Develop detailed design specifications and flowcharts for new gameplay mechanics.
• Prototype and iterate on game systems using scripting tools and in-engine editors.
• Collaborate with engineers to ensure technical feasibility and efficient implementation of designed systems.
• Work with other designers to ensure systems integrate cohesively within the overall game vision.
• Balance game mechanics to create fair, engaging, and challenging player experiences.
• Conduct playtests and analyze player feedback to refine and improve game systems.
• Contribute to design reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Stay informed about current trends and innovations in game design and systems development.
• Mentor junior designers and contribute to the overall design culture of the studio.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Game Designer, with at least 3 years focusing on core gameplay systems.
• A strong portfolio showcasing significant contributions to shipped titles, particularly in systems design.
• Expertise in designing, documenting, and balancing complex game mechanics.
• Proficiency with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity, and their associated scripting tools (e.g., Blueprints, C#).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent understanding of player psychology and engagement drivers.
• Ability to communicate design concepts clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Experience with data analysis and iterative design based on player feedback.
• Familiarity with various game genres and their underlying systems.
• Degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Commitment to a hybrid work schedule based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape .

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, a performance bonus scheme, and a provident fund.
• Employees benefit from generous annual leave, opportunities for professional development and training, and access to modern development tools.
• The studio in Queenstown offers a collaborative and creative work atmosphere, fostering a strong sense of team camaraderie.
• This hybrid role supports a healthy work-life balance, with the flexibility to work from home some days, while collaborating in person on others within the Eastern Cape region.