Senior Game Designer - Systems Design

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and retirement plans

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Game Designer specializing in systems design for a Vereeniging studio. You will conceptualize, develop, and iterate core gameplay systems, collaborating with engineering, art, and production to ensure depth, balance, and feasibility.

The ideal candidate has a strong analytical mindset, a track record in complex mechanics, and a deep understanding of player psychology. Join a creative hub shaping a major title.

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a Game Designer with a focus on systems design.
• Strong portfolio showing complex game mechanics and systems.
• Proficiency in documenting design specs clearly and comprehensively.
• Deep understanding of game balance, player psychology, and emergent gameplay.
• Experience with scripting languages (Lua, Python) for prototyping is a plus.
• Familiarity with Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Bachelor’s degree in Game Design, CS, or related field, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, document, and iterate on core game systems (combat, progression, economy, AI).
• Collaborate with engineers and disciplines to implement and refine systems.
• Conduct extensive playtesting to ensure balanced gameplay.
• Create detailed design docs with flowcharts and narratives.
• Work with level design to showcase systems in game world.
• Champion player experience and accessibility in design decisions.
• Mentor junior designers and provide feedback.
• Stay current with trends in game design and engagement.
• Contribute to overall game vision and direction.
• Prototype and experiment with new gameplay ideas.

Skills

Systems design

Gameplay balance

Design documentation

Scripting (Lua/Python)

Unreal Engine

Unity

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Game Design or CS

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Lua

Python

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading studio renowned for its innovative gameplay mechanics, is seeking a passionate Senior Game Designer with a specialization in systems design to join their creative hub in Vereeniging . This critical role involves conceptualizing, developing, and iterating on the core gameplay systems that define the player experience. You will work closely with programming, art, and production teams to ensure that game systems are deep, engaging, balanced, and technically feasible. The ideal candidate possesses a strong analytical mindset, a proven track record in designing complex game mechanics, and a deep understanding of player psychology and game balance. This is an opportunity to shape the fundamental rules and interactions of our next major title.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, document, and iterate on core game systems, including combat, progression, economy, and AI behaviors.
• Collaborate with engineers and other disciplines to implement and refine gameplay systems, ensuring technical feasibility and artistic vision alignment.
• Conduct extensive playtesting and analysis to identify areas for improvement and ensure balanced gameplay.
• Create detailed design documentation, including flowcharts, spreadsheets, and narrative integrations.
• Work with the level design team to ensure systems are effectively showcased and supported within the game world.
• Champion the player experience, advocating for design decisions that enhance fun, engagement, and accessibility.
• Mentor junior designers, providing guidance and constructive feedback.
• Stay informed about current trends and innovations in game design and player engagement.
• Contribute to the overall vision and direction of the game project.
• Prototype and experiment with new gameplay ideas and mechanics.

Requirements

• Significant experience as a Game Designer, with a substantial focus on systems design for shipped titles.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating successful implementation of complex game mechanics and systems.
• Proficiency in documenting game design specifications clearly and comprehensively.
• Deep understanding of game balance, player psychology, and emergent gameplay.
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Lua, Python) for design prototyping is a plus.
• Familiarity with game engines like Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

Join a vibrant and creative studio located in Vereeniging , offering a dynamic work environment and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects.

• Our client provides a competitive salary, excellent benefits package including health and retirement plans, and ample opportunities for career advancement.

You will be part of a passionate team dedicated to creating unforgettable gaming experiences.

We value work-life balance and offer a supportive culture.