Lead Game Designer

Placements24; Waukee (IA); On-site; USD 61,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Conference attendance

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Game Designer to spearhead the design vision for new studio projects in Paarl. The role combines creative leadership with hands-on system design, prototyping, and cross-team collaboration to deliver engaging player experiences.

The ideal candidate has shipped titles and demonstrated leadership, with strong communication and a deep understanding of player engagement. This is a senior role offering relocation support and a collaborative studio culture in the Western Cape.

Qualifications

• Extensive game design experience with lead/senior roles and shipped titles.
• Strong ability to mentor and manage a design team.
• Proven skills in design documentation, prototyping, and system balancing.

Responsibilities

• Define and champion the overall game design vision and strategy for projects.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of game designers, providing direction.
• Oversee core gameplay mechanics, systems, level design, and narrative elements.
• Collaborate with art, programming, and production teams to meet design goals.
• Conduct market research and player analysis to inform design decisions.

Skills

Team leadership

Game design

Gameplay systems

Prototyping

Documentation

Tools

Unity

Unreal Engine

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative and experienced Lead Game Designer to spearhead the design vision for exciting new projects at their studio in Paarl. This leadership role requires a blend of creative flair, strategic thinking, and strong team management skills. You will guide the design team, define core gameplay mechanics, and ensure a cohesive and compelling player experience throughout the development process. The ideal candidate has a proven history of designing successful games and a deep understanding of player psychology and engagement. This is a crucial position for influencing the direction of our client's interactive entertainment offerings in the Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and champion the overall game design vision and strategy for projects.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of game designers, providing constructive feedback and direction.
• Oversee the creation of core gameplay mechanics, systems, level design, and narrative elements.
• Collaborate closely with art, programming, and production teams to ensure design goals are met.
• Conduct market research and player analysis to inform design decisions and identify opportunities.
• Ensure the game's design is cohesive, balanced, and provides an engaging player experience.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in game design, with a significant portion in a lead or senior role, and a portfolio of shipped titles.
• Deep understanding of various game genres, mechanics, and player engagement strategies.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a design team effectively.
• Strong skills in game design documentation, prototyping, and system balancing.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with industry-standard game development tools and engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine).

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead creative development for cutting-edge game titles.
• Professional development opportunities and conference attendance.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates to the scenic Paarl region.
• A collaborative and passionate work environment dedicated to creating memorable gaming experiences.