Senior Game Systems Designer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental & vision

Paid time off

Relocation help

Career development

Modern tools

Collaborative team

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Game Systems Designer to define, implement, and iterate core gameplay systems in Welkom, Free State. Work closely with design, engineering, and production to deliver a cohesive player experience.

The role emphasizes prototyping, testing, and refining systems to maximize engagement and satisfaction, with a focus on balance and emergent gameplay. Hybrid work model and relocation support available.

Qualifications

• At least 6 years of professional experience in game design, with 3+ years focused on systems design.
• Proven track record shipping games with systems implementations.
• Strong understanding of game design principles and player psychology.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and refine core game systems including combat, progression, economy, AI, and abilities.
• Create detailed design docs, flowcharts, and prototypes to communicate system mechanics.
• Collaborate with engineers for technical feasibility and implementation of systems.
• Work with other designers to integrate systems with the overall game experience.
• Balance systems for fairness, challenge, and long-term engagement.
• Conduct playtests and analyze feedback to improve system design.
• Champion player experience and ensure accessibility and immersion.
• Stay updated with trends in game design and systems development.
• Mentor junior designers and contribute to design vision and standards.

Skills

Game systems design

Balancing techniques

Gameplay balancing

Collaboration

Tools

Lua

Python

Unreal Engine

Unity

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected developer known for creating intricate and engaging game mechanics, is seeking an experienced Senior Game Systems Designer to join their team in Welkom, Free State. This role is crucial for defining, implementing, and iterating on the core gameplay systems that form the foundation of our exciting new projects. You will work closely with other design disciplines, engineering, and production to ensure a cohesive, fun, and deeply rewarding player experience. If you have a passion for balancing complex mechanics, creating emergent gameplay opportunities, and a proven ability to translate abstract ideas into tangible game features, this is the perfect opportunity for you. We are looking for a creative thinker with a strong analytical mind, capable of prototyping, testing, and iterating on systems to achieve peak engagement and player satisfaction. Your contribution will directly shape how players interact with and perceive our games, making your role pivotal to our success in Welkom, Free State.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and refine core game systems, including combat, progression, economy, AI behaviors, and player abilities.
• Create detailed design documentation, flowcharts, and prototypes to clearly communicate system mechanics to the wider team.
• Collaborate with engineers to ensure technical feasibility and efficient implementation of game systems.
• Work with other designers (level, narrative, etc.) to ensure systems are integrated seamlessly with the overall game experience.
• Balance game systems to ensure fairness, challenge, and long-term player engagement.
• Conduct playtesting sessions and analyze feedback to iterate and improve system design.
• Champion the player experience, advocating for design choices that enhance fun, immersion, and accessibility.
• Stay up-to-date with current trends and innovations in game design and systems development.
• Mentor junior designers and contribute to the overall design vision and quality standards.

Requirements

• A minimum of 6 years of professional experience in game design, with at least 3 years focused on systems design.
• Demonstrated experience designing and shipping successful games, with a portfolio showcasing complex systems implementation.
• Strong understanding of game design principles, player psychology, and balancing techniques.
• Proficiency in scripting languages (e.g., Lua, Python) or visual scripting tools is highly desirable.
• Experience with game engines such as Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities, comfortable working in a hybrid environment.
• Ability to take ownership of systems from concept to completion.
• Experience working in or willingness to relocate to Welkom, Free State.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements.
• Opportunities for career growth and professional development.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and tools.
• A creative and collaborative team environment.
• Contribute to innovative and exciting game titles.
• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates moving to Welkom, Free State.