Senior Systems Designer - Gameplay & Balance (Hybrid)

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Performance bonus

provident fund

Annual leave

Professional development

Job summary

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Systems design

Analytical thinking

Player psychology

Communication

Collaboration

Problem solving

Mentoring

Education

Degree in Game Design or Computer Science

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Blueprints

C#

Job description

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.