Remote Lead Game Designer - Systems & Economy

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

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Competitive salary

Career growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Lead Game Designer to drive core systems, progression, and in-game economies for PC/console titles. You will craft detailed GDDs and collaborate with art, engineering, and production to deliver balanced and engaging experiences.

The role requires a strong portfolio, leadership abilities, and expertise in Unreal Engine or Unity. Join a globally distributed team and influence gameplay across multiple projects.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a Game Designer with a focus on systems and economy design.
• Portfolio demonstrating innovative and well-balanced game systems.
• Proven track record shipping multiple titles in lead or senior roles.
• Deep understanding of game design principles, player psychology, and economic theory.
• Experience creating detailed game design documentation and flowcharts.
• Experience with game engines (Unreal Engine, Unity) and scripting languages a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and mathematical skills.
• Strong leadership and remote team mentorship.

Responsibilities

• Lead design of core game systems, progression, character development, and player interaction.
• Design and balance in-game economies for fairness, engagement, and long-term retention.
• Develop detailed Game Design Documents (GDDs) outlining systems, mechanics, and economic models.
• Collaborate with art, engineering, and production for cohesive development.
• Prototype and iterate on game mechanics to refine gameplay loops.
• Provide direction and mentorship to junior designers focused on systems and economy.
• Conduct market research and player analysis to inform design decisions.
• Work with analytics teams to monitor system performance and player behavior, making data-driven adjustments.
• Champion the player experience and ensure systems are fun, fair, and intuitive.

Skills

Game design leadership

Systems & economy design

Portfolio showcases games

Unreal Engine

Unity

Analytical skills

Mentorship & remote leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a critically acclaimed game studio known for its innovative RPG titles, is seeking a visionary Remote Lead Game Designer to drive the design of game systems and economies. This is a fully remote position, offering the opportunity to shape player experiences from anywhere in the world. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and implementing complex game mechanics, progression systems, and in-game economies that are engaging, balanced, and sustainable. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of game design theory, player psychology, and economic principles, with a proven ability to lead design teams and translate creative visions into compelling gameplay. Join us to craft the core systems of our next generation of immersive games.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design of core game systems, including combat, progression, character development, and player interaction.
• Design and balance in-game economies, ensuring fairness, engagement, and long-term player retention.
• Develop detailed game design documents (GDDs) outlining systems, mechanics, and economic models.
• Collaborate closely with other design disciplines, art, engineering, and production teams to ensure cohesive game development.
• Prototype and iterate on game mechanics to test and refine gameplay loops.
• Provide clear direction and mentorship to junior game designers focused on systems and economy.
• Conduct market research and player analysis to inform design decisions.
• Work with analytics teams to monitor system performance and player behavior, making data-driven adjustments.
• Champion the player experience and ensure all designed systems are fun, fair, and intuitive.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as a Game Designer, with a significant focus on systems and economy design for PC or console games.
• A portfolio showcasing innovative and well-balanced game systems is essential.
• Proven track record of successfully shipping multiple titles in a lead or senior role.
• Deep understanding of game design principles, player psychology, and economic theory.
• Proficiency in creating detailed game design documentation and flowcharts.
• Experience with game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity) and scripting languages is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and mathematical skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to mentor and motivate a team remotely.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced, and iterative development environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Game Design, Computer Science, Economics, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

This fully remote role offers a highly competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the chance to work on ambitious and cutting-edge game projects. Enjoy the flexibility and autonomy of working from home, collaborate with a talented and passionate team of industry veterans, and contribute to titles that reach a global audience. Our client is dedicated to fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and continuous improvement, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and skill development.