Lead Game Designer (System Design)

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybride; ZAR 900 000 - 1 300 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Fully remote work

Performance bonuses

Professional growth opportunities

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Game Designer (System Design) to steer core gameplay systems for upcoming titles in a fully remote setup. You will lead a team of system designers, translate creative visions into scalable game mechanics, and collaborate with cross-functional leads to deliver balanced experiences.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in system design, player psychology, and a track record of shipped titles, with proficiency in Unity or Unreal Engine and strong remote-work

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a Game Designer with a focus on systems design.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Strong understanding of game mechanics, progression, and balancing.
• Experience with Unity or Unreal Engine.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a remote setting.

Responsabilités

• Lead the design and implementation of core game systems (combat, progression, economy, AI).
• Mentor and manage a team of system designers.
• Collaborate with Art, Engineering, and Production leads for cohesive development.
• Create detailed design docs, specs, and flowcharts.
• Prototype and iterate on systems to test balance and player experience.
• Analyze player data to inform design decisions and improvements.
• Ensure technical feasibility and performance of systems.

Connaissances

System design

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Analytical thinking

Player psychology

Formation

Bachelor's degree in Game Design/CS

Outils

Unity

Unreal Engine

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a highly acclaimed independent game studio, is seeking a talented and experienced Lead Game Designer (System Design) to join their fully remote team. This is a pivotal role where you will be responsible for conceptualizing, defining, and refining the core gameplay systems that drive player engagement and progression in their upcoming titles. You will lead a team of dedicated system designers, fostering a collaborative environment to innovate and iterate on complex game mechanics. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of game design principles, player psychology, and the ability to translate creative visions into robust, scalable game systems. This remote-first opportunity allows you to work from anywhere while contributing to the development of cutting-edge interactive entertainment. Your passion for crafting compelling and balanced gameplay experiences will be key to the success of our projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of core game systems, including combat, progression, economy, and AI.
• Mentor and manage a team of system designers, providing clear direction and constructive feedback.
• Collaborate closely with other leads (Art, Engineering, Production) to ensure cohesive game development.
• Develop detailed design documentation, specifications, and flowcharts for game mechanics.
• Prototype and iterate on game systems to test balance, fun factor, and player experience.
• Champion innovative design solutions and advocate for player-centric design.
• Analyze player data and feedback to inform design decisions and improvements.
• Ensure the technical feasibility and performance of designed systems.
• Stay abreast of current trends and best practices in game design and the wider industry.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as a Game Designer, with a significant focus on system design in the video game industry.
• Proven experience leading and managing a team of designers.
• Deep understanding of game mechanics, player progression, and balancing principles.
• Proficiency with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, capable of working effectively in a remote setting.
• Experience with data analysis and using player feedback to drive design iteration.
• A portfolio showcasing shipped titles or detailed design documents for complex systems.
• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position, offering unparalleled flexibility. Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package. You'll have the opportunity to work on ambitious and critically acclaimed game titles with a talented and passionate team. We provide a supportive environment for professional growth and continuous learning, encouraging innovation and creative exploration. Join us and help redefine interactive entertainment.