Senior Game Designer (Mobile Strategy)

Placements24; Randburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunities

Medical insurance

Paid time off

Hybrid schedule

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng, is seeking a Senior Game Designer for mobile strategy experiences. You will shape core mechanics, progression, and monetization within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team.

The role emphasizes detailed GDDs, prototyping, and market analysis to drive engaging, commercially successful titles. A strong background in mobile games and live-ops is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in game design, focusing on mobile strategy.
• Proven track record shipping mobile titles.
• Expertise in F2P monetization and retention mechanics.
• Ability to create detailed GDDs and wireframes.
• Experience with Unity or Unreal and associated design tools.
• Strong data interpretation and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork.
• Experience with meta-game systems and live-ops is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design core gameplay mechanics, systems, and progression for mobile strategy games.
• Develop GDDs, wireframes, prototypes.
• Collaborate with artists, engineers, producers, and other designers to ensure cohesive development.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify trends.
• Analyze player data to improve balance, engagement, and monetization.
• Champion player experience with intuitive controls and clear feedback.
• Contribute to live-ops and economy design for retention.
• Mentor junior designers and communicate vision to stakeholders.
• Stay current with mobile gaming trends.

Skills

Mobile strategy design

Game balancing

Player analytics

Team collaboration

Design documentation

UX principles

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Game Design

Bachelor's in Computer Science

Tools

Unity

Unreal Engine

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading mobile game development studio, is looking for a highly creative and experienced Senior Game Designer specializing in mobile strategy games. This pivotal role, based in our vibrant Randburg, Gauteng office, will be instrumental in shaping the core gameplay mechanics, systems, and player progression for our upcoming titles. You will work within a talented multidisciplinary team, translating innovative ideas into engaging and commercially successful mobile gaming experiences. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of the mobile gaming market, player psychology, and the intricacies of designing compelling strategy game loops. This is an outstanding opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of mobile gaming within a dynamic and forward-thinking studio in Randburg, Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Design and iterate on core gameplay mechanics, game systems, and player progression for mobile strategy games.
• Develop detailed game design documents (GDDs), wireframes, and prototypes to clearly articulate design concepts.
• Collaborate closely with artists, engineers, producers, and other designers to ensure cohesive game development.
• Conduct market research and competitor analysis to identify trends and opportunities in the mobile strategy genre.
• Analyze player data and feedback to continuously improve game balance, engagement, and monetization strategies.
• Champion player experience, ensuring intuitive controls, clear feedback, and satisfying gameplay loops.
• Contribute to game balancing, economy design, and live-ops strategies for long-term player retention.
• Mentor junior game designers and provide constructive feedback to the wider development team.
• Effectively communicate design vision and rationale to stakeholders across the company.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and design methodologies in the mobile gaming industry.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in game design, with a strong focus on mobile strategy games.
• Proven track record of designing and shipping successful mobile titles.
• In-depth understanding of core mobile game design principles, including F2P monetization, retention mechanics, and user experience.
• Expertise in creating detailed game design documentation and communicating complex ideas clearly.
• Proficiency with game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) and associated design tools is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret player data.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and teamwork skills.
• A deep passion for mobile gaming and a comprehensive knowledge of the current market landscape.
• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience designing meta-game systems and live-ops content is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance is provided.
• Employees enjoy generous paid time off and a flexible hybrid work schedule, balancing on-site collaboration in Randburg, Gauteng with remote flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development, including attending industry events, are supported.
• Join a passionate and creative team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of mobile gaming.