Remote Lead Game Designer - Narrative Focus

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health insurance

Performance bonuses

Generous paid time off

Remote-friendly environment

Laptop + software licenses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Lead Game Designer with a strong narrative focus to define core storytelling and gameplay systems for an upcoming title. You will lead a team of designers, mentor their growth, and ensure seamless integration of story and mechanics within a remote-first environment.

You will collaborate with writers, artists, and engineers to communicate ideas through design docs and prototypes, iterating on systems based on feedback and strategic goals.

Qualifications

• Experience leading design teams and mentoring designers.
• Strong background in narrative-driven game design and systems integration.
• Proficiency with game design tools and engines (Unity/Unreal) and writing/design docs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of core gameplay systems and narrative elements for an upcoming title.
• Develop and maintain the overall game design vision, ensuring narrative coherence and player engagement.
• Mentor and manage a team of game designers, providing constructive feedback and fostering growth.
• Collaborate with writers, artists, and engineers to ensure cohesive narrative and gameplay integration.
• Create design documents, flowcharts, and prototypes to communicate ideas.
• Iterate on mechanics based on playtesting and team input.

Skills

Leadership

Narrative design

Communication

Remote team management

Education

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

Equivalent industry experience

Tools

Unity

Unreal Engine

Documentation tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a critically acclaimed studio celebrated for its immersive storytelling and innovative gameplay mechanics, is seeking a passionate and experienced Remote Lead Game Designer with a strong narrative focus. This fully remote position allows you to contribute your creative vision and leadership from anywhere, joining a team dedicated to crafting deeply engaging player experiences. You will be responsible for defining the core narrative and gameplay systems, guiding a talented team of designers, and ensuring the cohesive integration of story and mechanics. This is an exceptional opportunity to leave your mark on a highly anticipated project and shape the future of interactive narrative in the gaming industry, working within a dynamic and collaborative remote-first environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design of core gameplay systems and narrative elements for an upcoming title.
• Develop and maintain the overall game design vision, ensuring narrative coherence and player engagement.
• Mentor and manage a team of game designers, providing constructive feedback and fostering their professional growth.
• Collaborate closely with writers, artists, and engineers to ensure seamless integration of narrative and gameplay.
• Create detailed game design documents, flowcharts, and prototypes to communicate design ideas.
• Iterate on game mechanics and systems based on playtesting feedback, team input, and strategic goals.
• Champion player-centric design principles and ensure a high-quality user experience.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies in game design and narrative storytelling.
• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration within the remote development team.
• Contribute to high-level strategic decisions regarding game direction and scope.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, English, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in game design, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior design role.
• Proven track record of designing and shipping successful narrative-driven games.
• Demonstrable experience designing complex game systems (e.g., combat, progression, economy) and integrating them with compelling narratives.
• Excellent understanding of storytelling principles, narrative structures, and character development in interactive media.
• Proficiency with game design tools and engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) and documentation software.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and guide a remote team.
• Ability to think critically and creatively, solve complex design problems, and adapt to evolving project needs.
• Passion for creating memorable player experiences and pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling.
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively independently in a remote setting.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, performance bonuses, and generous paid time off.
• As a fully remote position, you will enjoy the flexibility to work from home and a healthy work-life balance.
• The company provides a collaborative and supportive virtual work environment, opportunities for professional development, and regular team-building activities.
• A company laptop and necessary software licenses are provided.
• This role offers the exciting prospect of working on a flagship title with a talented international team, making a significant impact on the final product.