Senior Game Designer - Systems & Mechanics Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and bonuses

Health, dental, vision insurance

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, a renowned game development studio, is seeking a Senior Game Designer specialised in Systems and Mechanics to join their team.

You will design, prototype, and balance core gameplay systems, collaborate with programmers and artists, and mentor junior designers to deliver engaging, balanced experiences on high-profile projects in Gauteng's vibrant tech hub.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in game design with focus on systems and mechanics.
• Proven track record of shipping at least one title as Systems Designer or equivalent.
• Deep understanding of game design principles, player psychology, and economic balancing.
• Experience with scripting languages (Lua, Python) and/or visual scripting tools within game engines.
• Proficiency in documenting game design specifications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, iterative development environment.
• Portfolio demonstrating system design capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Design, prototype, and iterate on core game mechanics, player abilities, combat systems, and progression systems.
• Balance game systems to ensure a fair, challenging, and rewarding player experience.
• Collaborate with programmers, artists, and designers to integrate game mechanics.
• Create detailed design documentation, flowcharts, and specifications for game systems.
• Playtest and analyze game mechanics, provide feedback and data-driven adjustments.
• Mentor junior designers and guide system design best practices.
• Stay current with industry trends and emergent gameplay approaches.
• Communicate design decisions clearly to the development team.

Skills

Systems & mechanics design

Balancing & analytics

Collaboration & teamwork

Portfolio demonstrated system design

Tools

Lua

Python

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an award-winning game development studio known for creating innovative and engaging interactive entertainment, is seeking a talented Senior Game Designer with a specialization in Systems and Mechanics to join their esteemed team in Randburg, Gauteng . This role is central to designing and implementing the core gameplay systems that define the player experience. You will work on exciting new projects, translating creative visions into robust, fun, and balanced game mechanics. This is a fantastic opportunity to leave your mark on critically acclaimed titles and collaborate with a passionate group of industry veterans in the heart of Randburg 's thriving tech and creative hub. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of game design theory, a proven ability to balance complex systems, and a keen eye for emergent gameplay possibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, prototype, and iterate on core game mechanics, player abilities, combat systems, and progression systems.
• Balance game systems to ensure a fair, challenging, and rewarding player experience.
• Collaborate closely with programmers, artists, and other designers to ensure seamless integration of game mechanics.
• Create detailed design documentation, flowcharts, and specifications for game systems.
• Playtest and analyze game mechanics, providing constructive feedback and making data-driven adjustments.
• Contribute to the overall game vision and ensure mechanics align with the intended player experience.
• Mentor junior designers and provide guidance on system design best practices.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging genres, and innovative game design approaches.
• Document and communicate design decisions clearly to the development team.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in game design, with a strong focus on systems and mechanics design.
• Proven track record of shipping at least one title as a Systems Designer or equivalent role.
• Deep understanding of game design principles, player psychology, and economic balancing.
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Lua, Python) and/or visual scripting tools within game engines.
• Proficiency in documenting game design specifications.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, iterative development environment.
• A passion for games and a strong portfolio demonstrating system design capabilities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including conferences and training.
• Access to cutting-edge game development tools and technologies.
• Be part of a creative and collaborative studio culture in Randburg .
• The chance to work on exciting, high-profile game projects.