Lead Game Designer - Narrative & Systems

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Development opportunities

Industry conferences

High-profile projects

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, is seeking an experienced Lead Game Designer to oversee narrative and systems design for upcoming projects. You will shape core gameplay mechanics, craft engaging narratives, and lead a team of designers to deliver immersive game worlds.

The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of shipping titles, deep understanding of game systems and storytelling, and excellent leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in game design in lead or senior role.
• Experience shipping multiple titles.
• Strong portfolio showcasing design contributions to released games.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in game design documentation, prototyping tools, and development pipelines.
• Deep understanding of player psychology and engagement strategies.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively, solving complex design challenges.
• Experience in the Arts & Entertainment or interactive media development field is essential.
• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, CS, Creative Writing, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of core game mechanics, systems, and features.
• Develop and own the overall game narrative, including story, characters, and world-building.
• Mentor and manage a team of game designers, providing art direction and feedback.
• Collaborate with artists, programmers, and producers to ensure a unified vision and high-quality execution.
• Create detailed design documents, prototypes, and specifications for game systems and narrative elements.
• Conduct playtesting sessions and iterate on designs based on feedback and data analysis.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and player expectations within the Arts & Entertainment sector.
• Champion innovative design solutions and push creative boundaries.
• Ensure game design aligns with the project's target audience and commercial goals.
• Effectively communicate design concepts and decisions to all stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Player psychology

Storytelling

Strategic thinking

Creative thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Game Design, CS, Creative Writing, or related field

Tools

Prototyping tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected studio within the Arts & Entertainment industry, is looking for an experienced and creative Lead Game Designer to oversee the narrative and systems design for their upcoming projects in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This critical role involves shaping the core gameplay mechanics, crafting compelling narratives, and ensuring a cohesive and engaging player experience. The ideal candidate is a visionary game designer with a proven track record of shipping successful titles, possessing a deep understanding of game systems, player psychology, and storytelling. You will lead a talented team of designers, guiding the development of innovative and immersive game worlds.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of core game mechanics, systems, and features.
• Develop and own the overall game narrative, including story, characters, and world-building.
• Mentor and manage a team of game designers, providing art direction and feedback.
• Collaborate with artists, programmers, and producers to ensure a unified vision and high-quality execution.
• Create detailed design documents, prototypes, and specifications for game systems and narrative elements.
• Conduct playtesting sessions and iterate on designs based on feedback and data analysis.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and player expectations within the Arts & Entertainment sector.
• Champion innovative design solutions and push creative boundaries.
• Ensure game design aligns with the project's target audience and commercial goals.
• Effectively communicate design concepts and decisions to all stakeholders.

Requirements

• Significant experience (8+ years) in game design, with a substantial portion in a lead or senior role, and experience shipping multiple titles.
• Proven expertise in designing complex game systems, mechanics, and engaging narratives.
• Strong portfolio showcasing design contributions to released games.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in game design documentation, prototyping tools, and common game development pipelines.
• Deep understanding of player psychology and engagement strategies.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively, solving complex design challenges.
• Experience in the Arts & Entertainment or interactive media development field is essential.
• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, Creative Writing, or a related field.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with your experience and leadership impact. Employees receive comprehensive benefits, including medical aid and retirement fund contributions. Join a passionate and talented team in the beautiful setting of Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role offers a chance to significantly influence the direction of innovative game development within the Arts & Entertainment sphere.

• medical aid
• retirement fund contributions
• opportunities for professional development
• attending industry conferences
• working on exciting, high-profile projects