Senior Game Systems Designer & Mechanics Lead

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and dental insurance

Paid annual leave & holidays

Professional growth opportunities

Access to cutting-edge tools

Team events

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Game Designer in Port Elizabeth to lead the design and implementation of core game systems and mechanics for PC and console titles. You will collaborate with engineers, artists, and other designers to prototype, iterate, and refine gameplay features that captivate players.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of experience in game design, a strong portfolio of shipped titles, and a deep understanding of player psychology to craft engaging loops and balanced

Qualifications

• 5+ years of game design focusing on systems and mechanics.
• Proven track record designing and implementing complex game systems (combat, economy, progression, AI).
• Strong understanding of player psychology and engaging gameplay loops.
• Proficiency in detailed design documents (GDDs, spreadsheets, flowcharts).
• Experience scripting with Lua or Python is a plus.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• Portfolio of shipped titles.

Responsibilities

• Design, document, and prototype core game systems and mechanics for PC and console titles.
• Collaborate closely with engineers to implement and refine mechanics.
• Iterate on game systems based on internal feedback, playtesting data, and market analysis.
• Create detailed design documents, flowcharts, and spreadsheets to communicate system logic and progression.
• Work with narrative and level designers to ensure mechanics support the overall game vision.
• Balance game economies, progression systems, and player abilities to ensure a compelling experience.
• Champion the player experience with intuitive controls and engaging gameplay loops.
• Mentor junior designers and share best practices in system design.
• Stay informed about industry trends and emerging design philosophies.

Skills

Game design

Systems design

Analytical thinking

Communication

Collaboration

Scripting (Lua/Python)

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Lua

Python

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Game Designer in Port Elizabeth to lead the design and implementation of core game systems and mechanics for PC and console titles. You will collaborate with engineers, artists, and other designers to prototype, iterate, and refine gameplay features that captivate players.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of experience in game design, a strong portfolio of shipped titles, and a deep understanding of player psychology to craft engaging loops and balanced