Senior Game Designer - System & Mechanics Specialist

Placements24; Gqeberha; Híbrido; ZAR 700.000 - 1.000.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Competitive salary

Medical and dental insurance

Paid annual leave & holidays

Professional growth opportunities

Access to cutting-edge tools

Team events

Descripción de la vacante

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Game Designer in Port Elizabeth to lead the design and implementation of core game systems and mechanics for PC and console titles. You will collaborate with engineers, artists, and other designers to prototype, iterate, and refine gameplay features that captivate players.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of experience in game design, a strong portfolio of shipped titles, and a deep understanding of player psychology to craft engaging loops and balanced

Formación

• 5+ years of game design focusing on systems and mechanics.
• Proven track record designing and implementing complex game systems (combat, economy, progression, AI).
• Strong understanding of player psychology and engaging gameplay loops.
• Proficiency in detailed design documents (GDDs, spreadsheets, flowcharts).
• Experience scripting with Lua or Python is a plus.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Portfolio of shipped titles.

Responsabilidades

• Design, document, and prototype core game systems and mechanics for PC and console titles.
• Collaborate closely with engineers to implement and refine mechanics.
• Iterate on game systems based on internal feedback, playtesting data, and market analysis.
• Create detailed design documents, flowcharts, and spreadsheets to communicate system logic and progression.
• Work with narrative and level designers to ensure mechanics support the overall game vision.
• Balance game economies, progression systems, and player abilities to ensure a compelling experience.
• Champion the player experience with intuitive controls and engaging gameplay loops.
• Mentor junior designers and share best practices in system design.
• Stay informed about industry trends and emerging design philosophies.

Conocimientos

Game design

Systems design

Analytical thinking

Communication

Collaboration

Scripting (Lua/Python)

Educación

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Herramientas

Lua

Python

Descripción del empleo

About the Role

Our client, a critically acclaimed studio known for crafting deeply engaging and innovative gameplay experiences, is seeking a talented Senior Game Designer to join their dynamic team. This role, based in **Port Elizabeth**, will focus specifically on the design and implementation of core game systems and mechanics. You will be instrumental in defining how players interact with the game world, ensuring that the systems are intuitive, challenging, and rewarding. The ideal candidate possesses a strong analytical mind, exceptional creativity, and a proven ability to translate complex ideas into elegant game mechanics. You will work closely with programmers, artists, and other designers to prototype, iterate, and refine gameplay features. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking titles within the growing game development scene in **Port Elizabeth**. We are passionate about creating memorable experiences and fostering a collaborative, iterative design process. Join us to shape the future of interactive entertainment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, document, and prototype core game systems and mechanics for PC and console titles.
• Collaborate closely with engineers to implement and refine mechanics, ensuring they are robust and performant.
• Iterate on game systems based on internal feedback, playtesting data, and market analysis.
• Create detailed design documents, flowcharts, and spreadsheets to clearly communicate system logic and player progression.
• Work with narrative and level designers to ensure mechanics support the overall game vision and player experience in **Port Elizabeth**.
• Balance game economies, progression systems, and player abilities to ensure a compelling and fair experience.
• Champion the player experience, advocating for intuitive controls and engaging gameplay loops.
• Contribute to the overall game design vision and provide creative input on new features and ideas.
• Mentor junior designers and share best practices in system design.
• Stay informed about industry trends and emerging design philosophies.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in game design, with a strong focus on systems and mechanics design for shipped titles.
• Proven track record of designing and implementing complex game systems (e.g., combat, economy, progression, AI behavior).
• Excellent understanding of player psychology and how to create engaging gameplay loops.
• Proficiency in creating detailed design documentation, including GDDs, spreadsheets, and flowcharts.
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Lua, Python) is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, essential for working with cross-functional teams in **Port Elizabeth**.
• Ability to prototype mechanics using in-engine tools or scripting.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating system design expertise and shipped titles.
• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance.
• Generous paid annual leave and public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
• Access to cutting-edge game development tools and technologies in **Port Elizabeth**.
• A creative, collaborative, and results-oriented work environment.
• Involvement in exciting and innovative game projects.
• Pension fund and life insurance.
• Regular team events and social activities.