Senior Game Designer - Systems

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Generous vacation and holidays

Hybrid Sandton office access

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton is seeking a Senior Game Designer specializing in Systems Design to shape core mechanics, progression, and player experiences. You will collaborate with engineers, artists, and producers to prototype and refine engaging game systems.

The role emphasizes balancing gameplay loops, documenting design specs (GDDs), and mentoring junior designers. Hybrid work with in‑office Sandton facilities and remote flexibility offered.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in game design with systems focus.
• Proven shipping experience in systems-heavy games (RPG/strategy).
• Proficient in GDDs, flowcharts, data spreadsheets.

Responsibilities

• Design, document, and prototype core game systems (combat, economy, progression, AI).
• Balance mechanics to create challenging yet rewarding experiences.
• Collaborate with engineers to implement and iterate on systems with clear specs.
• Work with artists and UI/UX to present systems intuitively.
• Conduct playtests and analyze feedback for improvements.
• Mentor junior designers and contribute to team design expertise.
• Stay current with industry trends and player expectations.
• Contribute to overall game vision and direction.

Skills

Systems design

Game design

Documentation

Analytical ability

Communication

Collaboration

Mentoring

Industry trends

Education

Bachelor’s in Game Design

Bachelor’s in Computer Science

Tools

Unity

Unreal Engine

Lua

C#

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly acclaimed video game studio located in the vibrant hub of Sandton , is seeking a talented Senior Game Designer specializing in Systems Design. This role is central to shaping the core mechanics, progression systems, and player experiences of our cutting-edge game titles. You will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, artists, and producers, to conceptualize, prototype, and refine engaging game systems that drive player retention and satisfaction. This is a hybrid position, offering a collaborative in-office environment complemented by remote flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, document, and prototype core game systems, including combat, economy, progression, and AI behaviors.
• Balance game mechanics and player progression to ensure a challenging yet rewarding experience.
• Collaborate with engineers to implement and iterate on game systems, providing clear technical specifications.
• Work with artists and UI/UX designers to ensure systems are presented effectively and intuitively to the player.
• Conduct playtests and analyze player feedback to identify areas for improvement.
• Champion design decisions and communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior game designers and contribute to the team's overall design expertise.
• Stay current with industry trends and player expectations for game systems.
• Contribute to the overall vision and innovative direction of game projects.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in game design, with a strong focus on systems design.
• Proven track record of designing and shipping successful game titles, particularly in systems-heavy genres (e.g., RPGs, strategy games).
• Expert proficiency in game design documentation, including GDDs, flowcharts, and data spreadsheets.
• Strong understanding of player psychology, game loops, and balancing principles.
• Experience with game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) and scripting languages (e.g., Lua, C#) is a significant advantage.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, iterative development environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Passion for video games and a deep understanding of what makes compelling gameplay.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Access to modern office facilities in Sandton with hybrid work options.
• Opportunities to work on highly anticipated game titles.
• Professional development budget and training opportunities.