Remote Lead Game Designer

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced and visionary Remote Lead Game Designer to steer the design direction of upcoming projects from anywhere in South Africa. You will define core gameplay mechanics, player experience, and overall vision while mentoring a team of designers.

You should ship multiple titles across PC, console, or mobile, with strong leadership, documentation, and collaboration with artists, programmers, and producers to deliver cohesive experiences.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of professional game design experience, with at least 2 years in a Lead or Senior role.
• Proven experience designing and shipping multiple successful game titles across PC, console, or mobile platforms.
• Deep understanding of game design theory, mechanics, systems, and player psychology.
• Experience with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine.
• Strong proficiency in creating detailed design documentation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively mentor and inspire a design team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Must be based in South Africa with a reliable high-speed internet connection.
• Experience in narrative design or system design is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Define and champion the game design vision and core mechanics for new titles.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of game designers, providing direction and feedback.
• Design and document core gameplay systems, player progression, combat mechanics, and level designs.
• Collaborate closely with artists, programmers, and producers to ensure a cohesive game experience.
• Develop and maintain design documentation, including GDDs (Game Design Documents).
• Analyze player feedback and market trends to inform design decisions.
• Prototype and iterate on game mechanics to achieve desired player engagement and fun.
• Ensure the game design is well-balanced, accessible, and meets the project's target audience.
• Champion player experience and advocate for design integrity throughout the development process.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in game design.

Skills

Leadership

Mentorship

Game design theory

Player psychology

Documentation

Communication

Problem-solving

Tools

Unity

Unreal Engine

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an award-winning independent game studio, is seeking an experienced and visionary Remote Lead Game Designer to spearhead the design direction of their upcoming projects. This position is fully remote, allowing you to contribute from anywhere in South Africa, provided you have a stable internet connection and a dedicated workspace. You will be responsible for defining the core gameplay mechanics, player experience, and overall vision for new titles, while mentoring and guiding a talented team of game designers. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of game design principles across various genres, a proven track record of shipping successful titles, and exceptional leadership skills. Join our passionate, globally distributed team and help create unforgettable gaming experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and champion the game design vision and core mechanics for new titles.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of game designers, providing direction and feedback.
• Design and document core gameplay systems, player progression, combat mechanics, and level designs.
• Collaborate closely with artists, programmers, and producers to ensure a cohesive game experience.
• Develop and maintain design documentation, including GDDs (Game Design Documents).
• Analyze player feedback and market trends to inform design decisions.
• Prototype and iterate on game mechanics to achieve desired player engagement and fun.
• Ensure the game design is well-balanced, accessible, and meets the project's target audience.
• Champion player experience and advocate for design integrity throughout the development process.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in game design.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of professional game design experience, with at least 2 years in a Lead or Senior role.
• Proven experience designing and shipping multiple successful game titles across PC, console, or mobile platforms.
• Deep understanding of game design theory, mechanics, systems, and player psychology.
• Experience with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine.
• Strong proficiency in creating detailed design documentation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively mentor and inspire a design team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• A passion for games and a keen understanding of player motivations.
• Must be based in South Africa with a reliable high-speed internet connection.
• Experience in narrative design or system design is a plus.

Benefits

• Fully remote work flexibility, allowing you to work from home.
• Opportunity to shape innovative and exciting game projects from inception.
• Collaborative and creative international team environment.
• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Professional development opportunities and exposure to new technologies.
• Contribute to a company that values creativity and player satisfaction.