Senior Game Designer

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid work model

State-of-the-art studio facilities

Professional development

Collaborative studio culture

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane is seeking a Senior Game Designer to drive design for mobile titles. You will conceptualize core mechanics, craft GDDs, and collaborate with programmers, artists, and producers to iterate gameplay.'

The role blends on-site collaboration with remote work, requiring passion for mobile gaming, strong analysis, and a deep understanding of player psychology and market trends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or related field.
• Proven experience as a Game Designer with mobile titles.
• Ability to design and document compelling gameplay mechanics and systems.
• Experience creating detailed game design documentation (GDDs).
• Experience with Unity or Unreal Engine.
• Knowledge of player psychology and engagement strategies in mobile gaming.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and ability to mentor junior designers.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and document core gameplay mechanics, systems, and features.
• Create detailed game design documents (GDDs), wireframes, and flowcharts.
• Collaborate with programmers to implement and iterate on game mechanics.
• Work with artists and UI/UX designers to ensure a cohesive player experience.
• Balance game economy, progression systems, and difficulty curves.
• Conduct playtesting sessions, gather feedback, and iterate on designs.
• Analyze player data and metrics to identify areas for improvement and optimization.
• Stay current with mobile gaming trends, competitor analysis, and emerging technologies.
• Mentor junior game designers and contribute to a culture of creative excellence.

Skills

Game design

GDD documentation

Player psychology

Analytical thinking

Collaboration

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Game Design/CS/related

Tools

Unity

Unreal Engine

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading mobile game development studio located in Polokwane , is seeking a talented and innovative Senior Game Designer. This role is instrumental in conceptualizing, developing, and refining engaging gameplay mechanics and experiences for our diverse portfolio of mobile titles. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including programmers, artists, and producers, to bring innovative game concepts to life. This hybrid role allows for significant on-site collaboration at our Polokwane studios while offering the flexibility of remote work. We are passionate about creating immersive and addictive gaming experiences, and we are looking for a designer who shares this drive. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of game design principles, player psychology, and the nuances of the mobile gaming market. Your creativity, analytical skills, and ability to translate complex ideas into intuitive gameplay will be essential. Join us to shape the future of mobile gaming and create titles that captivate millions.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and document core gameplay mechanics, systems, and features.
• Create detailed game design documents (GDDs), wireframes, and flowcharts.
• Collaborate with programmers to implement and iterate on game mechanics.
• Work with artists and UI/UX designers to ensure a cohesive and appealing player experience.
• Balance game economy, progression systems, and difficulty curves.
• Conduct playtesting sessions, gather feedback, and iterate on designs.
• Analyze player data and metrics to identify areas for improvement and optimization.
• Stay current with mobile gaming trends, competitor analysis, and emerging technologies.
• Mentor junior game designers and contribute to a culture of creative excellence.
• Communicate design vision effectively to the wider team.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Game Designer with a strong portfolio of released mobile games.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement compelling gameplay mechanics and systems.
• Proficiency in creating detailed game design documentation (GDDs).
• Understanding of game development tools and engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine).
• Knowledge of player psychology and engagement strategies in mobile gaming.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities, with experience working in cross-functional teams.
• Ability to adapt designs based on player feedback and data analysis.
• Passion for games and a deep understanding of the mobile gaming market.
• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to work on successful and innovative mobile games.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• State-of-the-art development facilities in Polokwane .
• A fun, creative, and collaborative studio environment.
• Professional development and training opportunities.