Remote Senior Game Designer (Systems & Mechanics)

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and dental insurance

Performance-based bonuses

Generous paid time off

Fully remote position

Access to latest development tools

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Senior Game Designer (Systems & Mechanics) to join our distributed team and shape the core gameplay experience for ambitious new titles.

You will conceptualize, design, and iterate on complex game systems, balancing economy, progression loops, and player engagement in a remote-first environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in game design, with a significant focus on systems and mechanics design.
• Proficiency in documenting game design using Confluence, Google Docs, or similar.
• Experience with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, and understanding of their scripting or visual scripting capabilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to break down complex challenges.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills, essential for remote teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Design, document, and prototype core game systems, mechanics, and player progression loops.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (programming, art, narrative) to ensure seamless integration of systems and mechanics.
• Balance game difficulty, economy, and player progression to create engaging and rewarding experiences.
• Write clear, concise, and comprehensive design documentation (GDDs, specifications).
• Conduct playtesting sessions and analyze player feedback to iterate and improve game mechanics.
• Champion the player experience, advocating for design decisions that enhance fun and immersion.
• Mentor junior designers and contribute to a positive and productive remote team culture.
• Stay informed about current trends and innovations in game design, particularly in systems and mechanics.
• Contribute to the overall vision and strategic direction of the game projects.

Skills

Systems & mechanics design

Game design

Data analysis

Communication

Remote collaboration

Mentoring

Tools

Unity

Unreal Engine

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an innovative and rapidly growing independent game studio, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Remote Senior Game Designer (Systems & Mechanics) to join their distributed team. This role is crucial for shaping the core gameplay experience of our ambitious new titles.

You will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and iterating on complex game systems, mechanics, and progression loops that are engaging, balanced, and fun. The ideal candidate possesses a profound understanding of game design principles, a proven track record of delivering compelling gameplay mechanics, and the ability to thrive in a remote-first collaborative environment. You will work closely with programmers, artists, and other designers to translate high-level concepts into detailed specifications and functional game elements. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on games that reach a global audience, offering creative freedom and the chance to define the future of interactive entertainment from the comfort of your own workspace. We are looking for a visionary designer who can architect deeply satisfying and emergent gameplay.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, document, and prototype core game systems, mechanics, and player progression loops.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (programming, art, narrative) to ensure seamless integration of systems and mechanics.
• Balance game difficulty, economy, and player progression to create engaging and rewarding experiences.
• Write clear, concise, and comprehensive design documentation (GDDs, specifications).
• Conduct playtesting sessions and analyze player feedback to iterate and improve game mechanics.
• Champion the player experience, advocating for design decisions that enhance fun and immersion.
• Mentor junior designers and contribute to a positive and productive remote team culture.
• Stay informed about current trends and innovations in game design, particularly in systems and mechanics.
• Contribute to the overall vision and strategic direction of the game projects.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in game design, with a significant focus on systems and mechanics design, demonstrated through a strong portfolio of shipped titles.
• Expertise in designing and balancing complex game systems (e.g., combat, economy, RPG progression, AI behavior).
• Proficiency in documenting game design using tools like Confluence, Google Docs, or similar.
• Experience with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine, and understanding of their scripting or visual scripting capabilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to break down complex challenges.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills, essential for remote teamwork.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, remote setting.
• Experience with data analysis and using player metrics to inform design decisions.
• A passion for creating deep, engaging, and innovative gameplay experiences.
• Experience working in a fully remote capacity is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary.
• Comprehensive health and dental insurance.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Generous paid time off.
• This is a fully remote position, allowing you to work from anywhere.
• You’ll have access to the latest development tools and technologies.
• Professional development opportunities, including conferences and training.
• Flexible working hours to accommodate different time zones.
• Collaborative and inclusive remote work culture.
• Opportunity to shape the direction of multiple exciting game titles.