Senior Game Systems Designer

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Bonuses

Flexible working hours

Professional development

Team events

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Game Systems Designer to join a renowned developer of strategy and simulation games in Welkom, Free State. You will define and refine core gameplay mechanics, progression systems, and player interactions to create engaging experiences.

You will work with artists, programmers, and producers to translate complex concepts into playable features, balance systems, and deliver documentation, playtests, and thoughtful design decisions that improve fun and accessibility

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in game design with a systems focus.
• A portfolio showing design and implementation of complex game systems in released titles.
• Proficiency with game design software and tools, including scripting/visual scripting.
• Strong understanding of game balancing, player progression, and economic modeling.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with a data‑driven approach.
• Superb documentation and communication skills for clear design specs.
• Experience with player psychology and UX principles.
• Able to collaborate in a cross‑functional team and adapt to iterative design.
• Passion for strategy, simulation, or other complex game genres.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and iterate on core game mechanics, progression, economy balancing, and player loops.
• Collaborate with programmers to translate concepts into functional systems and write specs.
• Work with artists and level designers to ensure cohesive integration with vision and UX.
• Analyze player data and feedback to identify areas for improvement and optimization.
• Develop and maintain detailed design documents outlining rules, parameters, and impact.
• Conduct playtesting and provide constructive feedback to improve balance and engagement.
• Champion player experience and advocate for fun, fairness, and accessibility.
• Mentor junior designers and share best practices in systems design.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and new technologies in game systems design.
• Contribute to overall design strategy and project vision with creative solutions.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Data-driven design

Documentation

Communication

Team collaboration

UX principles

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Game Design or Computer Science, or equivalent

Tools

Scripting languages

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned developer of engaging strategy and simulation games, is seeking a talented Senior Game Systems Designer to join their innovative team in Welkom, Free State . This role is central to defining and refining the core gameplay mechanics, progression systems, and player interactions that make our client's games so addictive and rewarding. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and iterating on complex game systems, ensuring they are balanced, intuitive, and fun. This position requires a deep understanding of player psychology, a passion for intricate mechanics, and the ability to translate abstract concepts into concrete, playable features. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of artists, programmers, and producers to bring these systems to life. We are looking for a creative thinker with a proven track record of designing successful game systems. Your expertise will be crucial in crafting the underlying framework that drives the player's journey and ensures long-term engagement in our client's unique gaming experiences. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys deep problem-solving and system thinking.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and iterate on core game mechanics, progression systems, economy balancing, and player interaction loops.
• Collaborate with programmers to translate design concepts into functional game systems, providing clear documentation and specifications.
• Work closely with artists and level designers to ensure systems are integrated cohesively with the game's overall vision and user experience.
• Analyze player data and feedback to identify areas for improvement and optimization within existing game systems.
• Develop and maintain detailed design documents for all assigned systems, outlining rules, parameters, and player impact.
• Conduct playtesting sessions and provide constructive feedback to ensure systems are intuitive, balanced, and engaging.
• Champion the player experience, advocating for design decisions that enhance fun, fairness, and accessibility.
• Mentor junior designers, sharing knowledge and best practices in systems design.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in game systems design.
• Contribute to the overall design strategy and vision of the project, offering creative solutions to complex design challenges.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in game design, with a strong focus on systems design.
• A portfolio demonstrating successful design and implementation of complex game systems in released titles.
• Proficiency in game design software and tools, including experience with scripting languages or visual scripting.
• Strong understanding of game balancing, player progression, and economic modeling.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to design.
• Superb documentation and communication skills, able to articulate complex ideas clearly.
• Experience with player psychology and user experience (UX) principles.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment and adapt to iterative design processes.
• Passion for strategy, simulation, or other complex genres of games.
• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, a comprehensive health insurance plan including dental and vision, and performance-based bonuses.
• Employees enjoy a dynamic and creative work environment, opportunities for professional development, and access to cutting-edge game development tools.
• We prioritize work-life balance with flexible working arrangements and a supportive team culture.
• Located in Welkom, Free State , the studio provides a unique opportunity to contribute to genre-defining titles and grow your career within a passionate and experienced team.
• Regular team events and social gatherings foster camaraderie.
• This role is ideal for a designer seeking to make a significant impact on the core experience of acclaimed games.