Senior Game Designer - Level Design Lead

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Career development

Health benefits

Job summary

Placements24 East London game development studio is seeking a Senior Game Designer to lead the level design team in a hybrid role that blends in-studio collaboration with remote work.

You will conceptualize, design, and implement engaging levels that fit the game vision, leveraging strong knowledge of gameplay mechanics, pacing, and environmental storytelling. You will collaborate with designers, artists, and programmers to create immersive experiences.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of professional game design experience, with 3+ years in level design
• Proven track record of shipping titles
• Expertise in level design tools and engines (Unreal/Unity)
• Strong understanding of gameplay mechanics, pacing, progression, and environmental storytelling
• Excellent spatial reasoning and architectural design skills
• Proficiency in 2D/3D design tools and level editing software
• Strong leadership and communication within a hybrid team
• Degree or equivalent experience in a related field

Responsibilities

• Lead the level design team with direction, feedback, and mentorship
• Design and implement compelling levels across genres
• Create detailed level layouts, flowcharts, and documentation
• Collaborate with narrative designers to integrate story elements
• Work with artists to ensure visual consistency and quality
• Partner with programmers to implement gameplay mechanics within levels
• Conduct playtesting and iterate based on feedback
• Optimize levels for performance and playability across target platforms
• Stay current with industry trends in game and level design
• Contribute to the overall game design vision and strategy

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Spatial reasoning

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Game Design

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an innovative game development studio located in East London, is seeking a creative and experienced Senior Game Designer to lead their level design team. This Hybrid role offers a flexible work arrangement, combining essential in-studio collaboration with the convenience of remote work. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and implementing engaging and memorable game levels that align with the overall game vision and player experience. This position requires a deep understanding of game mechanics, player psychology, and level design best practices. You will work closely with other designers, artists, and programmers to create immersive and challenging gameplay environments. Your leadership and creative input will be vital in shaping the player's journey through our games.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the level design team, providing direction, feedback, and mentorship.
• Design and implement compelling and balanced game levels for various genres.
• Create detailed level layouts, flowcharts, and documentation for implementation.
• Collaborate with narrative designers to integrate story elements into level design.
• Work with artists to ensure visual consistency and aesthetic quality of levels.
• Partner with programmers to implement gameplay mechanics and systems within levels.
• Conduct playtesting and gather feedback to iterate and improve level designs.
• Ensure levels are optimized for performance and playability across target platforms.
• Stay current with industry trends in game design and level design techniques.
• Contribute to the overall game design vision and strategy.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in game design, with at least 3 years focused on level design.
• Proven track record of designing and shipping successful game titles.
• Expertise in level design tools and game engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity, proprietary tools).
• Strong understanding of gameplay mechanics, pacing, player progression, and environmental storytelling.
• Excellent spatial reasoning and architectural design skills.
• Proficiency in 2D/3D design tools and level editing software.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid team environment, managing both in-studio and remote collaboration.
• Creative problem-solving abilities and a passion for creating engaging player experiences.
• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, and the opportunity to work on exciting and innovative game projects. Located in East London, our studio provides a stimulating and collaborative work environment. The hybrid work model offers flexibility and work-life balance. We are committed to employee growth, providing ample opportunities for professional development and career advancement. Join a talented and passionate team and leave your mark on the gaming industry.