Senior Game Systems Designer: Core Mechanics & Progression

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Performance bonuses

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Game Designer focused on Systems in Polokwane, Limpopo. You will conceptualize, define, and implement core mechanics, progression systems, and economic loops to shape engaging player experiences.

You will collaborate with engineers, artists, and producers to ensure balanced, well-designed systems and clear design docs. A passion for games and strong collaboration skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Game Design, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years in game design with a focus on systems design in shipped titles.
• Proven ability to design, balance, and implement complex game systems.
• Excellent understanding of player psychology and motivation.
• Strong documentation skills with Confluence/JIRA or similar tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, document, and iterate core game systems including combat, economy, progression, AI, and UI/UX flows.
• Balance systems to ensure fair, challenging, rewarding experiences.
• Collaborate with engineers to implement systems efficiently.
• Ensure systems align with game vision across art and narrative.
• Create clear design documents accessible to all team members.
• Analyze player data and feedback to drive iteration on systems.
• Prototype and test new system ideas to validate concepts.
• Mentor junior designers and share knowledge.

Skills

Systems design

Player psychology

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Game Design

Tools

Confluence

JIRA

Lua

Python

Unreal Blueprints

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Game Designer focused on Systems in Polokwane, Limpopo. You will conceptualize, define, and implement core mechanics, progression systems, and economic loops to shape engaging player experiences.

You will collaborate with engineers, artists, and producers to ensure balanced, well-designed systems and clear design docs. A passion for games and strong collaboration skills are essential.