Senior Game Designer (Systems)

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plans

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Game Designer (Systems) to define and refine core mechanics, progression, and player engagement loops for upcoming titles in Welkom, Free State. You will design, document, and iterate on complex systems to ensure they are balanced, intuitive, and deeply engaging.

You will collaborate with engineers, artists, and producers to ensure feasibility and quality, balance systems for depth, and mentor junior designers in a fast-paced, iterative environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in game design with a strong focus on systems design.
• Proven experience designing and shipping at least two successful titles.
• Expertise in designing complex interconnected systems (combat, economy, AI behavior, progression).
• Strong analytical and balance skills with an understanding of player psychology.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and iterate on core game mechanics, combat systems, progression systems, and other key features.
• Create detailed design documentation (GDDs, flowcharts, spreadsheets) for clear communication of systems.
• Collaborate with engineers, artists, and producers to ensure feasibility and alignment across disciplines.
• Balance systems for fairness, depth, and player progression across skill levels.
• Playtest, gather feedback, and iterate to enhance player experience.
• Mentor junior designers and contribute to a positive design culture.
• Stay informed on industry trends and competitor analysis to identify opportunities.
• Contribute to the overall vision and direction of the game.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious game development studio recognized for its critically acclaimed titles, is seeking a talented Senior Game Designer (Systems) to join their innovative team in Welkom, Free State . This role is crucial in defining and refining the core mechanics, progression systems, and player engagement loops that form the backbone of our upcoming projects. You will be responsible for designing, documenting, and iterating on complex game systems, ensuring they are balanced, intuitive, and provide a deeply satisfying player experience. The ideal candidate possesses a strategic mindset, a passion for player psychology, and a proven track record of designing compelling and emergent gameplay systems. This is an opportunity to contribute significantly to the creative direction of exciting new games and work within a highly collaborative and experienced development environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and iterate on core game mechanics, combat systems, progression systems, and other key gameplay features.
• Create detailed design documentation, including GDDs, flowcharts, and spreadsheets, to communicate system designs clearly.
• Collaborate closely with engineers, artists, and producers to ensure the technical and artistic feasibility of designs.
• Balance game systems for fairness, depth, and player progression across different skill levels.
• Playtest extensively and gather feedback to iterate on designs and improve player experience.
• Champion the player's perspective, ensuring intuitive controls and engaging gameplay loops.
• Mentor junior designers and contribute to fostering a positive and productive design culture.
• Stay informed about industry trends and competitor analysis to identify innovative design opportunities.
• Contribute to the overall vision and direction of the game.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in game design, with a significant focus on systems design.
• Proven experience designing and shipping at least two successful titles.
• Expertise in designing complex interconnected systems (e.g., combat, economy, AI behavior, progression).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for balance and player psychology.
• Proficiency in using game development tools and engines (e.g., Unreal Engine, Unity).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for design documentation and team collaboration.
• Experience working in a hybrid environment in Welkom, Free State is beneficial.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, iterative development process.
• A passion for games and a deep understanding of what makes them fun and engaging.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement savings plans, and generous paid time off. You will have opportunities for professional development, attend industry conferences, and work on cutting-edge projects. The studio boasts a vibrant culture that values creativity, collaboration, and work-life balance. Join a team of passionate developers dedicated to creating unforgettable gaming experiences.