Creative Director (Gaming)

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Executive benefits

Relocation assistance

Paid vacation

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a visionary independent game studio in Paarl, Western Cape, to recruit a Creative Director who will steer the creative vision from concept to post-launch. The role demands leading diverse teams across design, narrative, art, and audio to deliver cohesive, high-quality experiences.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in game development with proven leadership, a strong portfolio of shipped titles, and deep knowledge of game design principles, storytelling, and market

Qualifications

• 10+ years in game development with leadership roles (Creative Director, Design Director, Lead Designer)
• Proven portfolio of shipped titles
• Deep understanding of game design, narrative, art direction, and audio
• Exceptional leadership, communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Experience managing creative teams and workflows in a production environment
• Excellent understanding of player psychology and market dynamics
• Ability to translate high-level concepts into actionable development plans
• Passion for innovative, high-quality gaming experiences

Responsibilities

• Establish and communicate the overarching creative vision for all game projects.
• Lead and mentor diverse creative teams including designers, narrative designers, artists, and audio
• Oversee development of game design documentation for clarity and feasibility
• Guide narrative and storytelling to engage players
• Collaborate with art directors to define visual style and aesthetic
• Ensure high quality across creative disciplines throughout development
• Provide feedback and decisions to maintain creative integrity and goals
• Stay updated on market trends, technologies, and player expectations
• Manage creative budgets and resources effectively
• Act as a stakeholder in marketing and PR to articulate the game's vision

Education

Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Fine Arts, Computer Science, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a visionary independent game studio celebrated for its unique and compelling game experiences, is seeking an inspiring Creative Director to lead their creative vision in **Paarl, Western Cape**. This executive role is responsible for defining and driving the overall creative direction of games, from initial concept through to post-launch. You will oversee game design, narrative, art direction, and audio, ensuring a cohesive and high-quality player experience. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record of successfully leading creative teams, a deep understanding of game development, and a passion for pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of gaming for a studio known for its innovation and artistic integrity, based in the picturesque region of **Paarl**.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and communicate the overarching creative vision for all game projects.
• Lead and mentor diverse creative teams, including game designers, narrative designers, artists, and audio professionals.
• Oversee the development of game design documentation, ensuring clarity and feasibility.
• Guide the narrative and storytelling elements to create engaging and memorable player experiences.
• Collaborate with art directors to define and maintain the visual style and aesthetic of the games.
• Ensure a high standard of quality across all creative disciplines throughout the development cycle.
• Provide constructive feedback and make critical decisions to maintain creative integrity and project goals.
• Stay abreast of market trends, emerging technologies, and player expectations to inform creative strategies.
• Manage creative budgets and resources effectively.
• Act as a key stakeholder in marketing and public relations efforts, articulating the game's vision.

Requirements

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in game development, with a significant portion in a leadership role such as Creative Director, Design Director, or Lead Designer.
• A proven portfolio of successfully shipped titles demonstrating strong creative leadership and vision.
• Deep understanding of game design principles, narrative development, art direction, and audio design.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience managing creative teams and workflows in a production environment.
• Excellent understanding of player psychology and market dynamics.
• Ability to translate high-level concepts into actionable development plans.
• Passion for creating innovative and high-quality gaming experiences.
• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Fine Arts, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and comprehensive executive benefits package.
• Full health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous paid vacation and company holidays.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• A vibrant and creative studio culture in **Paarl, Western Cape**.
• Involvement in cutting-edge game development projects.
• Relocation assistance available for exceptional candidates.
• Performance-based bonuses and profit-sharing opportunities.