Senior Game Designer (Systems & Mechanics)

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 520,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Competitive salary

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Klerksdorp, North West, South Africa, is seeking a Senior Game Designer specializing in systems and mechanics. You will define core gameplay, balance experiences, and prototype intricate game systems across combat, progression, economy, and AI behaviors.

You will document designs, collaborate with programmers and artists, analyze player data, mentor junior designers, and stay current with industry trends.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of professional game design experience focusing on systems and mechanics.
• Proven track record shipping titles on PC, console, or mobile.
• Strong understanding of player psychology and balance.
• Ability to produce clear design docs (GDDs, flowcharts).
• Experience with Unity or Unreal Engine and scripting.

Responsibilities

• Design, document, and iterate core game systems for balance and fun.
• Prototype and test gameplay ideas using scripting or engine tools.
• Create detailed design specs covering rules, parameters, and feedback loops.
• Collaborate with programmers and artists to implement systems.
• Analyze player data to inform design decisions and progression economy.

Skills

Systems & mechanics design

Gameplay balancing

Prototyping

Data-driven design

Design documentation

Unity

Unreal Engine

C# / Blueprint scripting

Mentoring / leadership

Communication

Tools

Unity

Unreal Engine

Blueprint

C#

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a vibrant and innovative game development studio in Klerksdorp, North West , is searching for a talented Senior Game Designer specializing in Systems and Mechanics. This role is critical in defining the core gameplay experience, ensuring engaging, balanced, and rewarding player interactions. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, prototyping, and implementing intricate game systems, from combat mechanics and progression systems to economy and AI behaviors. This is a unique opportunity to shape the gameplay of exciting new titles, collaborate with a diverse team of creatives, and contribute to a studio known for its player-centric design philosophy. We are dedicated to creating memorable gaming experiences and seek a designer with a deep understanding of player psychology and game balance. The ideal candidate will be passionate about pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment and possess a strong analytical mindset.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, document, and iterate on core game systems and mechanics, ensuring they are fun, engaging, and balanced.
• Prototype and test new gameplay ideas and mechanics using scripting or engine tools.
• Create detailed design specifications for systems, including rules, parameters, and player feedback loops.
• Collaborate closely with programmers, artists, and other designers to implement and refine game systems.
• Analyze player data and feedback to identify areas for improvement and make data-driven design decisions.
• Develop and maintain the game's progression, economy, and reward structures.
• Contribute to the overall game vision and ensure consistency across all gameplay elements.
• Mentor junior game designers, providing guidance and feedback on their work.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and player expectations.
• Conduct playtests and user research to validate design choices.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of professional game design experience, with a significant focus on systems and mechanics design.
• Proven experience designing and implementing complex gameplay systems in shipped titles (PC, console, or mobile).
• Excellent understanding of game design principles, player psychology, and common gameplay loops.
• Proficiency in creating clear and concise design documentation (e.g., GDDs, flowcharts).
• Experience with game engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) and scripting languages (e.g., C#, Blueprint).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to design.
• Ability to prototype mechanics and systems quickly.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills.
• Experience with balancing complex systems and economies.
• A passion for games and a deep understanding of what makes them fun and engaging.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and excellent opportunities for career advancement within a supportive and creative studio culture in Klerksdorp, North West . You'll have the chance to work on exciting projects, contribute to a passionate team, and make a tangible impact on the player experience. We value work-life balance and provide a dynamic environment where innovation is encouraged. Join us and help shape the future of interactive entertainment.