Senior Systems Game Designer - Core Gameplay & Balance

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and retirement plans

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Game Designer specializing in systems design for a Vereeniging studio. You will conceptualize, develop, and iterate core gameplay systems, collaborating with engineering, art, and production to ensure depth, balance, and feasibility.

The ideal candidate has a strong analytical mindset, a track record in complex mechanics, and a deep understanding of player psychology. Join a creative hub shaping a major title.

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a Game Designer with a focus on systems design.
• Strong portfolio showing complex game mechanics and systems.
• Proficiency in documenting design specs clearly and comprehensively.
• Deep understanding of game balance, player psychology, and emergent gameplay.
• Experience with scripting languages (Lua, Python) for prototyping is a plus.
• Familiarity with Unreal Engine or Unity.
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.
• Bachelor’s degree in Game Design, CS, or related field, or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

• Design, document, and iterate on core game systems (combat, progression, economy, AI).
• Collaborate with engineers and disciplines to implement and refine systems.
• Conduct extensive playtesting to ensure balanced gameplay.
• Create detailed design docs with flowcharts and narratives.
• Work with level design to showcase systems in game world.
• Champion player experience and accessibility in design decisions.
• Mentor junior designers and provide feedback.
• Stay current with trends in game design and engagement.
• Contribute to overall game vision and direction.
• Prototype and experiment with new gameplay ideas.

Skills

Systems design

Gameplay balance

Design documentation

Scripting (Lua/Python)

Unreal Engine

Unity

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Game Design or CS

Tools

Unreal Engine

Unity

Lua

Python

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Senior Game Designer specializing in systems design for a Vereeniging studio. You will conceptualize, develop, and iterate core gameplay systems, collaborating with engineering, art, and production to ensure depth, balance, and feasibility.

The ideal candidate has a strong analytical mindset, a track record in complex mechanics, and a deep understanding of player psychology. Join a creative hub shaping a major title.