Lead Game Designer (Systems)

Placements24; United States; Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive salary and bonus

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Vacation and holidays

Career development opportunities

Team social events

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Game Designer specializing in Systems for a pioneering studio in Paarl, Western Cape. You will lead a team shaping core game systems, economies, and progression loops to create deeply engaging player experiences.

You will mentor designers, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and document detailed system designs. A track record shipping titles with complex systems and proficiency in Lua or Python for prototyping is highly valued.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in game design with at least 3 years in systems design.
• Experience leading design efforts for shipped titles with complex systems.
• Expertise crafting mechanics, economies, and progression systems.
• Proficient in creating clear design documentation.
• Experience with scripting for prototyping (Lua, Python) is a plus.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of core game systems, including progression, combat, economy, and meta-loops.
• Collaborate with programmers, artists, and producers to ensure feasibility and alignment with vision.
• Develop detailed design docs for all game systems outlining mechanics and rules.
• Mentor junior and mid-level designers to ensure high-quality output.
• Prototype and iterate on systems to test balance and engagement.
• Analyze player feedback to refine systems and balance for fairness.
• Present concepts and progress to stakeholders regularly.
• Stay informed about industry trends in systems design.

Skills

Systems design

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Lua scripting

Python scripting

Tools

Lua

Python

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering studio known for creating deeply engaging player experiences, is seeking an innovative Lead Game Designer specializing in Systems to join their team in **Paarl, Western Cape**. This leadership role is critical in conceptualizing, defining, and refining the core game systems that drive player interaction and progression. You will guide a team of talented designers in crafting intricate mechanics, economies, and progression loops that provide lasting engagement. The ideal candidate possesses a proven track record in systems design for successful games, exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, and a strong ability to mentor and inspire a design team. This is a superb opportunity to influence the direction of exciting new titles within a creative and collaborative atmosphere.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of core game systems, including player progression, combat mechanics, economy, and meta-game loops.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (programmers, artists, producers) to ensure systems are technically feasible and align with the overall game vision.
• Develop detailed design documentation for all game systems, clearly articulating mechanics, rules, and player interactions.
• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level game designers, fostering their growth and ensuring high-quality design output.
• Prototype and iterate on systems to test viability, balance, and player engagement.
• Conduct player testing and analyze feedback to refine and improve game systems.
• Ensure game systems are balanced, fair, and provide a rewarding experience for players.
• Stay informed about industry trends and innovations in game systems design.
• Present design concepts and progress to stakeholders effectively.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in game design, with a strong focus on systems design for at least 3 years.
• Demonstrated experience leading design efforts for shipped titles, ideally in genres with complex systems (e.g., RPGs, strategy games, simulations).
• Expertise in designing and balancing complex game mechanics, economies, and progression systems.
• Proficiency in creating clear and comprehensive design documentation.
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Lua, Python) for prototyping is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
• Portfolio showcasing systems design work and contributions to shipped titles.

Benefits

• Highly attractive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous vacation policy and paid holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• A stimulating and creative work environment in **Paarl, Western Cape**.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Regular team social events and a positive company culture.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and resources.