Senior Game Designer - Level Design Lead

Placements24; Windsor Park (TN); Hybrid; USD 87,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Comprehensive health benefits

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in East London is seeking a Senior Game Designer to lead the level design team and craft engaging, balanced levels across genres in a hybrid studio setup.

You will collaborate with designers, artists, and programmers to implement gameplay mechanics, integrate narrative elements, and ensure performance optimized experiences, while mentoring junior designers.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years in game design with at least 3 years in level design.
• Proven track record of designing and shipping successful titles.
• Expertise with Unreal Engine/Unity and related tools.
• Strong understanding of pacing, mechanics, and environmental storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Lead the level design team, providing direction, feedback, and mentorship.
• Design and implement compelling and balanced game levels for various genres.
• Create detailed level layouts, flowcharts, and docs for implementation.
• Collaborate with narrative designers to integrate story elements.
• Work with artists to ensure visual consistency and quality.
• Partner with programmers to implement mechanics and systems within levels.
• Conduct playtesting and iterate on designs based on feedback.
• Ensure levels are optimized for performance and playability across platforms.
• Stay current with industry trends in game design and level design techniques.
• Contribute to the overall game design vision and strategy.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Gameplay mechanics

Level design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Game Design or CS

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Proprietary tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an innovative game development studio located in East London, is seeking a creative and experienced Senior Game Designer to lead their level design team. This Hybrid role offers a flexible work arrangement, combining essential in-studio collaboration with the convenience of remote work. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and implementing engaging and memorable game levels that align with the overall game vision and player experience. This position requires a deep understanding of game mechanics, player psychology, and level design best practices. You will work closely with other designers, artists, and programmers to create immersive and challenging gameplay environments. Your leadership and creative input will be vital in shaping the player's journey through our games.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the level design team, providing direction, feedback, and mentorship.
• Design and implement compelling and balanced game levels for various genres.
• Create detailed level layouts, flowcharts, and documentation for implementation.
• Collaborate with narrative designers to integrate story elements into level design.
• Work with artists to ensure visual consistency and aesthetic quality of levels.
• Partner with programmers to implement gameplay mechanics and systems within levels.
• Conduct playtesting and gather feedback to iterate and improve level designs.
• Ensure levels are optimized for performance and playability across target platforms.
• Stay current with industry trends in game design and level design techniques.
• Contribute to the overall game design vision and strategy.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in game design, with at least 3 years focused on level design.
• Proven track record of designing and shipping successful game titles.
• Expertise in level design tools and game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity, proprietary tools).
• Strong understanding of gameplay mechanics, pacing, player progression, and environmental storytelling.
• Excellent spatial reasoning and architectural design skills.
• Proficiency in 2D/3D design tools and level editing software.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid team environment, managing both in-studio and remote collaboration.
• Creative problem-solving abilities and a passion for creating engaging player experiences.
• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and the opportunity to work on exciting and innovative game projects. Located in East London, our studio provides a stimulating and collaborative work environment. The hybrid work model offers flexibility and work-life balance. We are committed to employee growth, providing ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement. Join a talented and passionate team and leave your mark on the gaming industry.