Lead Game Designer

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical and dental coverage

Generous paid time off

Professional growth opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks an experienced Lead Game Designer to spearhead core mechanics, systems, and player journey across upcoming titles. You will mentor designers, set vision, and drive high-quality gameplay in a hybrid in-office and remote setup.

The role requires 7+ years in game design with leadership experience and a track record of shipping titles on PC, console, and mobile. Collaboration with artists, programmers, and producers is essential to success.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in game design, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior role.
• Experience shipping titles across PC, Console, Mobile.
• Strong understanding of game design principles, player psychology, and system design.
• Proficiency in documentation tools (Confluence) and game engines (Unity/Unreal).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the game design team in conceptualizing, documenting, and implementing game mechanics and systems.
• Define and articulate the overall game vision, ensuring alignment with project goals and target audience.
• Develop core gameplay loops, player progression systems, and level design principles.
• Collaborate with artists, programmers, and producers for cohesive development.
• Provide clear and actionable feedback to the design team throughout development.
• Prototype and iterate on game mechanics to refine player experience.
• Conduct playtesting and analysis to gather feedback and identify improvements.
• Mentor junior designers and foster a creative, productive design environment.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Game design

System design

Tools

Unity

Unreal Engine

Confluence

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly innovative game development studio based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking an experienced Lead Game Designer to spearhead the design of compelling and engaging gameplay experiences. This critical role involves shaping the core mechanics, systems, and overall player journey for upcoming titles. You will lead a talented team of designers, providing vision, direction, and mentorship to ensure the creation of high-quality, innovative games. If you are passionate about game design, possess strong leadership skills, and have a proven track record of shipping successful titles, this is a fantastic opportunity to leave your mark on the gaming industry from our coastal Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal studio. This role offers a hybrid working model, promoting a balance between collaborative in-office sessions and focused remote work.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the game design team in conceptualizing, documenting, and implementing game mechanics and systems.
• Define and articulate the overall game vision, ensuring alignment with project goals and target audience.
• Develop core gameplay loops, player progression systems, and level design principles.
• Collaborate closely with artists, programmers, and producers to ensure cohesive game development.
• Provide clear and actionable feedback to the design team throughout the development process.
• Prototype and iterate on game mechanics to refine player experience.
• Conduct playtesting and analysis to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.
• Mentor junior designers and foster a creative and productive design environment.
• Stay updated on industry trends and player expectations.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in game design, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior role.
• Demonstrated experience shipping multiple titles across various platforms (PC, Console, Mobile).
• Strong understanding of game design principles, player psychology, and system design.
• Proficiency in game design documentation tools (e.g., Confluence, GDDs) and relevant game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and make sound design decisions.
• A passion for games and a deep understanding of what makes games fun and engaging.
• Experience in game development within Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal is a plus but not required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential performance bonuses.
• Full medical and dental coverage.
• Generous paid time off and holiday benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and training.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.
• Access to modern development tools and technologies.
• Hybrid work arrangement for enhanced flexibility.