Remote Lead Game Designer (System & Balance Focus)

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 2,030,000 - 3,215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote position

Performance-based bonus

Professional development budget

Technology stipend

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Lead Game Designer to guide the design direction of strategy and simulation titles. You will define, develop, and refine core gameplay systems to be deep, engaging, and balanced for maximum player enjoyment.

Lead a team of designers, collaborate with programmers and artists, and champion the player experience in a remote-first environment. You will mentor designers, drive data-driven decisions, and stay ahead of industry trends while delivering on a strategic

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional game design experience with 3+ years in lead/senior roles focusing on systems and balance.
• Portfolio showing leadership in designing and balancing complex game systems, preferably strategy/simulation.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and iterate core gameplay systems: mechanics, progression, economy, player loops.
• Develop and refine balance strategy for long-term engagement and fairness.
• Collaborate with programming, art, and narrative leads to integrate systems holistically.

Skills

Systems design

Balance tuning

Player psychology

Remote leadership

Data-driven design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Game Design/CS/Math

Tools

Unity/Unreal

Scripting languages

Productivity tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly acclaimed independent game studio known for its critically successful strategy and simulation titles, is seeking a visionary Remote Lead Game Designer with a strong focus on systems and balance. This fully remote position offers the unparalleled opportunity to guide the design direction of exciting new projects from anywhere in the world. You will be responsible for defining, developing, and refining the core gameplay systems, ensuring they are deep, engaging, and perfectly balanced for maximum player enjoyment. This role demands a strategic mindset, exceptional problem-solving skills, and a profound understanding of player psychology and game mechanics. You will lead a talented team of designers, collaborate closely with programmers and artists, and champion the player experience. If you are passionate about crafting intricate, well-tuned game systems and thrive in a collaborative, remote-first environment, this is the ideal opportunity to leave your mark on the future of gaming. Your leadership will be crucial in establishing the strategic depth and satisfying progression of our client's innovative titles. You will be empowered to innovate and refine complex systems to create unforgettable player journeys.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and iteration of core gameplay systems, including mechanics, progression, economy, and player interaction loops.
• Champion and implement a robust game balance strategy, ensuring fairness, depth, and long-term engagement.
• Collaborate with other leads (programming, art, narrative) to ensure systems are integrated seamlessly and holistically.
• Mentor and guide junior game designers, fostering their growth and development in systems design and balance.
• Develop comprehensive design documentation, including system specifications, flowcharts, and balance tuning guides.
• Conduct rigorous playtesting and analysis of game systems, using data and feedback to drive iterative improvements.
• Clearly articulate design vision and decisions to the development team and stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in game design, particularly in systems and balance.
• Proactively identify and resolve complex design challenges and player experience issues.
• Contribute to the overall strategic vision and creative direction of the project.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in game design, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior role focusing on systems and balance.
• A strong portfolio showcasing leadership in designing and balancing complex game systems for multiple released titles, preferably in strategy or simulation genres.
• Demonstrated expertise in analytical thinking, player psychology, and data-driven game design.
• Proficiency with game development tools, scripting languages, and productivity software.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, especially in managing and collaborating within a remote team.
• Proven ability to mentor and lead a design team effectively.
• Deep understanding of various game genres and player motivations.
• Ability to manage multiple complex tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers the ultimate flexibility and autonomy.
• Our client provides a highly competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package including premium health, dental, and vision insurance, and a significant performance-based bonus structure.
• Employees have access to a generous professional development budget for conferences, courses, and learning resources.
• We foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, with regular virtual team-building activities and a supportive online community.
• You will have the opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects and influence the direction of critically acclaimed franchises, all while enjoying the comfort and convenience of working from home.
• A technology stipend is also provided to ensure you have the optimal setup for your home office.

Our client is committed to diversity and inclusion, creating a truly equitable environment.