Lead Game Designer - Narrative Focus

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Game Designer in Pretoria with a strong focus on narrative. You will guide a team to craft compelling storylines, immersive worlds, and gameplay mechanics that drive the narrative forward.

You'll mentor designers, oversee narrative integration with core gameplay, and shape the player experience on a highly anticipated title in a creative studio renowned for rich lore and character development.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years in game design with 2+ years in lead/senior roles.
• Proven ability to design narratives and systems for games.
• Strong portfolio of titles with narrative elements.
• Proficiency with game design tools and scripting (C#, Blueprint, proprietary engines).
• Understanding of player psychology, pacing, and engagement loops.
• Strong leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to translate concepts into detailed design specs.
• Experience across genres and platforms.
• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, CS, Creative Writing, or related field, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of narrative systems, quest design, and world-building.
• Collaborate with writers, artists, and programmers for cohesive player experience.
• Define and document core mechanics, progression, and balancing.
• Mentor and guide a team of designers, promoting innovation and quality.
• Develop player personas, narrative arcs, and branching story paths.
• Prototype and iterate features focusing on narrative integration.
• Conduct playtests and analyze feedback to refine design.
• Maintain clear and up-to-date design documentation.
• Champion the game's vision and communicate decisions to the team.

Skills

Narrative design

Leadership

Gameplay systems

Storytelling

Team collaboration

C# scripting

Blueprint

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

C#

Blueprint

Proprietary engine

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an acclaimed independent game studio in **Pretoria**, is seeking a talented and visionary Lead Game Designer with a strong focus on narrative. This role is instrumental in shaping the player experience by crafting compelling storylines, immersive worlds, and engaging gameplay mechanics that drive the narrative forward. You will lead a dedicated team of designers, guiding the creative vision and ensuring the seamless integration of narrative elements with core gameplay. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative storyteller and experienced designer to make a significant impact on a highly anticipated title in **Pretoria**, contributing to a game that resonates deeply with players through its rich lore and character development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of narrative systems, quest design, and world-building.
• Collaborate with writers, artists, and programmers to ensure a cohesive and compelling player experience.
• Define and document core game mechanics, player progression, and balancing systems.
• Mentor and guide a team of game designers, fostering a culture of innovation and quality.
• Develop player personas, narrative arcs, and branching story paths.
• Prototype and iterate on gameplay features, focusing on narrative integration and player engagement.
• Conduct playtests and analyze feedback to refine game design and narrative elements.
• Ensure all design documentation is clear, comprehensive, and up-to-date.
• Champion the game's vision and communicate design decisions effectively to the wider team.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in game design, with at least 2 years in a Lead or Senior role.
• Demonstrated experience in designing compelling narratives and systems for games.
• Strong portfolio showcasing shipped titles with significant narrative components.
• Proficiency with game design tools and scripting languages (e.g., C#, Blueprint, proprietary engines).
• Excellent understanding of player psychology, pacing, and engagement loops.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team collaboration skills.
• Ability to translate high-level concepts into detailed design specifications.
• Experience with various game genres and platforms.
• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, Creative Writing, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Benefits

• competitive salary
• comprehensive health benefits
• opportunities for professional development and growth.

The role in **Pretoria** provides an inspiring work environment within a talented team, with the chance to work on unique and impactful projects. We value creativity, collaboration, and a healthy work-life balance, offering a supportive ecosystem for passionate game developers.