Senior Gameplay Systems Designer

Placements24; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Stock options

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Game Designer (Systems) to define and iterate core game systems at our Randburg studio. You will balance combat, progression, economy, and AI while collaborating with programmers, artists, and designers to deliver cohesive gameplay experiences.

The role requires strong systems design expertise, 5+ years in the field, and proficiency with scripting languages like Lua or Python. A passion for player motivation and industry trends will help drive innovation.

Qualifications

• Strong portfolio showing systems design on shipped games.
• Minimum 5 years in game design with focus on systems design.
• Experience documenting game systems clearly.
• Experience with scripting languages (Lua, Python) is a plus.
• Understanding of balancing principles, statistics, and probability.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment.
• Passion for games and player motivation.

Responsibilities

• Design, document, and iterate on core game systems, including combat, progression, economy, and AI.
• Balance game mechanics to ensure fair, engaging player experience.
• Collaborate with programmers to implement and refine game systems with clear specs.
• Work with artists and animators to ensure systems are visually engaging.
• Conduct playtests and analyze feedback for improvements.
• Develop design documentation with system overviews, flowcharts, and balance spreadsheets.
• Champion player experience based on needs and market trends.
• Stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies in game design.
• Mentor junior designers and contribute to a positive team environment.
• Contribute to the overall vision and goals of the game project.

Skills

Systems design

Balancing

Statistical analysis

Communication

Problem-solving

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, Psychology, or related field, or equivalent professional experience

Tools

Lua

Python

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Game Designer (Systems) to define and iterate core game systems at our Randburg studio. You will balance combat, progression, economy, and AI while collaborating with programmers, artists, and designers to deliver cohesive gameplay experiences.

The role requires strong systems design expertise, 5+ years in the field, and proficiency with scripting languages like Lua or Python. A passion for player motivation and industry trends will help drive innovation.