Senior Game Designer - Narrative & Systems

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Comprehensive health coverage

Retirement savings plan

Generous paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Access to latest tools and tech

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Game Designer (Narrative & Systems) to join our Rustenburg studio in North West. You will shape the core player experience by crafting immersive stories, engaging mechanics, and intricate system interactions with a talented team.

Bring 6+ years of game design experience, a strong portfolio in narrative and systems work, and proficiency with Unity or Unreal Engine. This role offers a collaborative, creative environment in Rustenburg.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of game design experience focusing on narrative and systems.
• Portfolio demonstrating narrative and systems-driven game design.
• Experience with scripting languages (Lua, Python) is a significant plus.
• Proficiency with Unity or Unreal Engine is highly desirable.
• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, CS, Creative Writing, or related field, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement core game mechanics, systems, and progression linked to narrative goals.
• Develop narratives, including plot, character arcs, dialogue, and lore.
• Create design documentation with system specs, flowcharts, and outlines.
• Collaborate with level designers, artists, programmers, and writers.
• Prototype and iterate on game mechanics and narrative elements using feedback.
• Mentor junior designers and contribute to a collaborative culture.
• Champion the game's vision and align decisions with creative direction.
• Balance systems to ensure fair progression and rewarding experiences.
• Participate in playtests and provide narrative feedback.
• Stay current with industry trends and best practices.

Skills

Narrative design

Systems design

Lua

Python

Unity

Unreal Engine

Portfolio development

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Game Design

Equivalent experience

Tools

Unity

Unreal Engine

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier game development studio, is seeking a highly creative and experienced Senior Game Designer specializing in Narrative and Systems to join their team in Rustenburg, North West . This critical role will involve shaping the core player experience through the design of compelling narratives, engaging game mechanics, and intricate system interactions. You will be responsible for weaving captivating stories into the gameplay, ensuring that every element of the game world feels cohesive and immersive. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of game design principles, a flair for storytelling, and the ability to translate complex ideas into intuitive and fun gameplay. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to high-profile game projects and influence the direction of interactive entertainment from within a respected studio. We are looking for a visionary who can craft unforgettable player journeys.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement core game mechanics, systems, and progression frameworks that support narrative goals and player engagement.
• Develop compelling game narratives, including plot, character arcs, dialogue, and lore, ensuring seamless integration with gameplay.
• Create detailed design documentation, including system specifications, flowcharts, and narrative outlines.
• Collaborate closely with level designers, artists, programmers, and writers to ensure cohesive game development.
• Prototype and iterate on game mechanics and narrative elements, using player feedback and data to refine the experience.
• Mentor junior designers and contribute to a collaborative and innovative design culture.
• Champion the game's vision, ensuring that design decisions align with the overall creative direction.
• Balance game systems to ensure fair progression, satisfying challenges, and rewarding player experiences.
• Participate in playtesting sessions and provide constructive feedback on gameplay and narrative.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in game design and narrative development.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in game design, with a strong focus on narrative design and systems design for PC or console games.
• Proven ability to design and document complex game systems and engaging narratives.
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Lua, Python) is a significant plus.
• Proficiency in game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of player psychology, game theory, and narrative structures.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, fast-paced development environment.
• A portfolio showcasing successful game design projects, with a focus on narrative and systems, is required.
• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, Creative Writing, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Passion for video games and a deep appreciation for storytelling in interactive media.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, including comprehensive health coverage, a retirement savings plan, and generous paid time off.
• Opportunities for professional development, including attending industry conferences and training programs, are provided.
• This role is based in our modern studio in Rustenburg, North West , offering a creative and collaborative work environment.
• We encourage innovation and provide access to the latest tools and technologies.
• Employees enjoy a dynamic company culture that values creativity, teamwork, and individual contribution.
• Additional perks include team events and a supportive management structure.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.