Remote Lead Game Designer: Systems & Balance Master

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

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