Senior Game Designer - Mobile & Console Platforms

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Performance bonuses

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Team events

Training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of a renowned game development studio in Centurion, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Game Designer to shape core mechanics, systems and player experiences for upcoming mobile and console titles.

The role centers on translating creative visions into engaging gameplay, shipping high-quality experiences, and collaborating with artists, programmers and producers to ensure design integrity and commercial viability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in game design, CS or related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 6 years in professional game design with at least 2 shipped titles in senior/lead capacity.
• Strong portfolio showing mechanics, systems and level design.
• Proficiency with Unity or Unreal Engine.
• Experience designing for mobile (iOS/Android) and console platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, problem-solving and team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design, document, and iterate core game mechanics, systems and features for mobile and console games.
• Create detailed GDDs, flowcharts and wireframes to communicate design intent.
• Collaborate with artists, programmers and producers to ensure design integrity.
• Prototype and playtest game mechanics to validate and refine decisions.
• Analyze player feedback and telemetry to identify improvements and iterate.
• Mentor junior designers and contribute to a positive team culture.

Skills

Game design

Team collaboration

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

Unity

Unreal Engine

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned game development studio located in Centurion, Gauteng, is looking for an exceptionally talented Senior Game Designer. This role is central to conceptualizing and refining game mechanics, systems, and player experiences for our upcoming projects across mobile and console platforms. You will play a critical role in translating creative visions into engaging and fun gameplay. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of game design principles, a passion for creating compelling player journeys, and a proven history of shipping successful titles. You'll be working within a collaborative environment in our Centurion studio, contributing to innovative titles that captivate players worldwide. This position requires a blend of creative flair and analytical rigor, ensuring that our games are not only enjoyable but also commercially viable.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, document, and iterate on core game mechanics, systems, and features for mobile and console games.
• Create detailed game design documents (GDDs), flowcharts, and wireframes to communicate design intent.
• Collaborate closely with artists, programmers, producers, and other designers to ensure design integrity and execution.
• Prototyping and playtesting game mechanics to validate and refine design decisions.
• Analyze player feedback and telemetry data to identify areas for improvement and implement iterative design changes.
• Mentor junior designers and contribute to a positive and productive team culture within the Centurion studio.
• Stay current with industry trends, player expectations, and emerging technologies in game design.
• Champion the player experience, ensuring that all design decisions contribute to fun and engaging gameplay.
• Contribute to the overall vision and strategic direction of game projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 6 years of professional game design experience, with at least 2 shipped titles in a senior or lead capacity.
• Strong portfolio showcasing exceptional game design skills, including mechanics, systems, and level design.
• Proficiency with game engines such as Unity or Unreal Engine.
• Excellent understanding of player psychology, game balancing, and progression systems.
• Experience designing for both mobile (iOS/Android) and console platforms.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design concepts in Centurion.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, and performance bonuses. Join a talented team in our state-of-the-art Centurion studio, working on exciting and innovative game titles. We provide ample opportunities for professional development, including access to industry conferences and specialized training. Enjoy generous paid time off, retirement savings plans, and regular team social events. The Centurion location provides a vibrant working atmosphere, and we are committed to fostering a culture of creativity and mutual respect.