This role is hands‑on and impact‑driven, focused on translating game design and creative direction into performant, reliable, and engaging gameplay systems. Game Developers at Valicy are builders ...
This role is hands‑on and impact‑driven, focused on translating game design and creative direction into performant, reliable, and engaging gameplay systems. Game Developers at Valicy are builders ...
Slot Game Designer - Remote
Atlanta, GA · On-site +1
$152K/yr
Are you ready to roll the dice and design the next big thing in slot gaming? We're on the lookout for a passionate and experienced Game Designer to join our dynamic team based in the gaming capitals ...
Slot Game Designer - Remote
Atlanta, GA · On-site +1
$152K/yr
Are you ready to roll the dice and design the next big thing in slot gaming? We're on the lookout for a passionate and experienced Game Designer to join our dynamic team based in the gaming capitals ...
Game Designer
Kirkland, WA · On-site
$78K - $116K/yr
Design new gameplay experiences including time-limited events, alternative game modes, and mini-games that add variety and excitement to the core game loop. * Pitch and prototype creative concepts ...
Game Designer
Kirkland, WA · On-site
$78K - $116K/yr
Design new gameplay experiences including time-limited events, alternative game modes, and mini-games that add variety and excitement to the core game loop. * Pitch and prototype creative concepts ...
Principal Game Designer - Casino & Gambling Games
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$200K - $250K/yr
Own the Game Vision -- Define the design pillars that make our casino games distinct, addictive, and replayable. You know what creates a great session -- now build it. * Design Core Systems ...
Quick apply
Principal Game Designer - Casino & Gambling Games
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$200K - $250K/yr
Own the Game Vision -- Define the design pillars that make our casino games distinct, addictive, and replayable. You know what creates a great session -- now build it. * Design Core Systems ...
Game Developer
Wilmington, NC · On-site
This role is hands‑on and impact‑driven, focused on translating game design and creative direction into performant, reliable, and engaging gameplay systems. Game Developers at Valicy are builders ...
Game Developer
Wilmington, NC · On-site
This role is hands‑on and impact‑driven, focused on translating game design and creative direction into performant, reliable, and engaging gameplay systems. Game Developers at Valicy are builders ...
Game Designer III (Card Rules) - Riftbound
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$167K/yr
As a Game Designer, you will design, tweak, and optimize the player experience. Your analytical skills, player insight, and creativity help craft in- and out-of-game experiences that engage and ...
Game Designer III (Card Rules) - Riftbound
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$167K/yr
As a Game Designer, you will design, tweak, and optimize the player experience. Your analytical skills, player insight, and creativity help craft in- and out-of-game experiences that engage and ...
Game Designer III (Card Rules) - Riftbound
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$167K/yr
As a Game Designer, you will design, tweak, and optimize the player experience. Your analytical skills, player insight, and creativity help craft in- and out-of-game experiences that engage and ...
Game Designer III (Card Rules) - Riftbound
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$167K/yr
As a Game Designer, you will design, tweak, and optimize the player experience. Your analytical skills, player insight, and creativity help craft in- and out-of-game experiences that engage and ...
Game Designer
$78K - $116K/yr
Design new gameplay experiences including time-limited events, alternative game modes, and mini-games that add variety and excitement to the core game loop. * Pitch and prototype creative concepts ...
Game Designer
$78K - $116K/yr
Design new gameplay experiences including time-limited events, alternative game modes, and mini-games that add variety and excitement to the core game loop. * Pitch and prototype creative concepts ...
Game Designer
$77K - $176K/yr
Experience in Modeling and Simulation environments and with game design * Experience with scripting or automation using the C++ programming language * Experience developing predictive data models ...
Game Designer
$77K - $176K/yr
Experience in Modeling and Simulation environments and with game design * Experience with scripting or automation using the C++ programming language * Experience developing predictive data models ...
Game Designer III (Card Rules) - Riftbound
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$167K/yr
As a Game Designer, you will design, tweak, and optimize the player experience. Your analytical skills, player insight, and creativity help craft in- and out-of-game experiences that engage and ...
Game Designer III (Card Rules) - Riftbound
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$167K/yr
As a Game Designer, you will design, tweak, and optimize the player experience. Your analytical skills, player insight, and creativity help craft in- and out-of-game experiences that engage and ...
Game Designer
Washington, DC · On-site
$77K - $176K/yr
Experience in Modeling and Simulation environments and with game design * Experience with scripting or automation using the C++ programming language * Experience developing predictive data models ...
Game Designer
Washington, DC · On-site
$77K - $176K/yr
Experience in Modeling and Simulation environments and with game design * Experience with scripting or automation using the C++ programming language * Experience developing predictive data models ...
Principal Game Designer - Casino & Gambling Games
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$200K - $250K/yr
What You'll Do * Own the Game Vision - Define the design pillars that make our casino games ... Design Core Systems & Mechanics - Lead the creation of gambling loops, volatility models, bonus ...
Principal Game Designer - Casino & Gambling Games
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$200K - $250K/yr
What You'll Do * Own the Game Vision - Define the design pillars that make our casino games ... Design Core Systems & Mechanics - Lead the creation of gambling loops, volatility models, bonus ...
Principal Game Designer - Casino & Gambling Games
Redwood City, CA · On-site +1
$200K - $250K/yr
What You'll Do * Own the Game Vision - Define the design pillars that make our casino games ... Design Core Systems & Mechanics - Lead the creation of gambling loops, volatility models, bonus ...
Principal Game Designer - Casino & Gambling Games
Redwood City, CA · On-site +1
$200K - $250K/yr
What You'll Do * Own the Game Vision - Define the design pillars that make our casino games ... Design Core Systems & Mechanics - Lead the creation of gambling loops, volatility models, bonus ...
Game Designer
Kirkland, WA · On-site
$78K - $116K/yr
Design new gameplay experiences including time-limited events, alternative game modes, and mini-games that add variety and excitement to the core game loop. * Pitch and prototype creative concepts ...
Game Designer
Kirkland, WA · On-site
$78K - $116K/yr
Design new gameplay experiences including time-limited events, alternative game modes, and mini-games that add variety and excitement to the core game loop. * Pitch and prototype creative concepts ...
Game Designer (NPC)
Frisco, TX · Remote
$145K/yr
This role involves working in a team environment to design and implement new features and assets. This role will work closely with many departments to iterate and improve the game experience related ...
Game Designer (NPC)
Frisco, TX · Remote
$145K/yr
This role involves working in a team environment to design and implement new features and assets. This role will work closely with many departments to iterate and improve the game experience related ...
$162K/yr
Design and balance gameplay mechanics and progression systems that reinforce player flow, engagement, and retention * Lead continuous post-launch tuning efforts Analyze player data, win rates, and ...
$162K/yr
Design and balance gameplay mechanics and progression systems that reinforce player flow, engagement, and retention * Lead continuous post-launch tuning efforts Analyze player data, win rates, and ...
Game Designer
Washington, DC · On-site
$77K - $176K/yr
Experience in Modeling and Simulation environments and with game design * Experience with scripting or automation using the C++ programming language * Experience developing predictive data models ...
Game Designer
Washington, DC · On-site
$77K - $176K/yr
Experience in Modeling and Simulation environments and with game design * Experience with scripting or automation using the C++ programming language * Experience developing predictive data models ...
Designer, Combat
Chicago, IL · On-site
$159K/yr
The Combat Designer will contribute to game design focusing on combat and gameplay, collaborating with the team to implement and maintain combat systems. Responsibilities : • Establishes and ...
Designer, Combat
Chicago, IL · On-site
$159K/yr
The Combat Designer will contribute to game design focusing on combat and gameplay, collaborating with the team to implement and maintain combat systems. Responsibilities : • Establishes and ...
Contract Game Designer
$30 - $38/hr
Design and develop several projects, responding to feedback from key stakeholders to craft gameplay that is fun, marketable, and innovative * Pitch original game ideas, researching and developing ...
Quick apply
Contract Game Designer
$30 - $38/hr
Design and develop several projects, responding to feedback from key stakeholders to craft gameplay that is fun, marketable, and innovative * Pitch original game ideas, researching and developing ...
Game Designer (NPC)
Frisco, TX · Remote
$145K/yr
This role involves working in a team environment to design and implement new features and assets. This role will work closely with many departments to iterate and improve the game experience related ...
New
Game Designer (NPC)
Frisco, TX · Remote
$145K/yr
This role involves working in a team environment to design and implement new features and assets. This role will work closely with many departments to iterate and improve the game experience related ...
New
2024 Game Design information
See salary details
$79.5K - $90.1K
6% of jobs
$90.1K - $100.7K
9% of jobs
$104.9K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$100.7K - $111.3K
23% of jobs
The median wage is $119.8K / yr.
$111.3K - $121.9K
14% of jobs
$121.9K - $132.5K
8% of jobs
$132.5K - $143K
4% of jobs
$147.9K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$143K - $153.6K
21% of jobs
$153.6K - $164.2K
7% of jobs
$164.2K - $174.8K
4% of jobs
$174.8K - $185.4K
1% of jobs
$185.4K - $196K
1% of jobs
$79.5K
$130.8K
$196K
How much do 2024 game design jobs pay per year?
As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for 2024 game design in the United States is $130,762.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,000.00 and $150,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Game Designer in 2024, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Game Designer in 2024, you need a solid understanding of game mechanics, storytelling, user experience, and a relevant degree or portfolio showcasing your design work. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Unity, Unreal Engine, and prototyping software, as well as knowledge of scripting languages, is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, strong collaboration, and communication skills help designers innovate and coordinate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are essential to create engaging, market-ready games that meet both player expectations and production goals.
What are some common challenges game designers face when working on a new title in 2024, and how can they overcome them?
Game designers in 2024 often encounter challenges such as balancing player engagement with monetization strategies, adapting to rapidly evolving technologies like AI and VR, and collaborating across diverse, often remote, development teams. Staying agile and open to feedback, regularly playtesting, and maintaining clear communication channels with programmers, artists, and producers help address these issues. Additionally, keeping up with industry trends and player expectations ensures that the game's design remains innovative and competitive.
What is the difference between 2024 Game Design vs 2024 Game Programming?
| Aspect | 2024 Game Design | 2024 Game Programming |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Concept development, story, gameplay mechanics | Writing code, implementing game features |
| Required Skills | Creativity, storytelling, design tools | Programming languages, software development |
| Work Environment | Design studios, collaborative teams | Development teams, technical environments |
| Common Certifications | Game design degrees, portfolio | Computer science, programming certifications |
While both roles are essential in game development, 2024 Game Design focuses on creating engaging gameplay and story elements, whereas 2024 Game Programming involves coding and technical implementation. Understanding these differences helps aspiring professionals choose the right career path in the gaming industry.
What is game design in 2024?
Game design in 2024 refers to the process of creating the rules, content, mechanics, and overall structure of digital and tabletop games, using the latest technologies and trends. It involves conceptualizing the gameplay experience, designing levels, balancing mechanics, and collaborating with artists and programmers to bring a game to life. With advancements like AI-driven content, virtual reality, and user-generated content platforms, game design continues to evolve and adapt to new player expectations and technologies.
More about 2024 Game Design jobs
What job categories do people searching 2024 Game Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for 2024 Game Design jobs are:
Full-time
Re-posted 9 days ago
Job description
Job Title: Game Developer
Locations: Wilmington, NC or Greenville, NC
Department: NC Game Development
Reports To: Game Development Manager
Status: Exempt
WHO WE ARE:
Locations: Wilmington, NC or Greenville, NC
Department: NC Game Development
Reports To: Game Development Manager
Status: Exempt
WHO WE ARE:
We are Valicy.
We make games. We also make the machines they run on.
What we're building matters. How we treat people matters more.
OUR MISSION: We exist to create excellent gaming experiences, treat our customers the way we want to be treated, and positively impact people's lives through a culture of care.
Seven values guide how we work. We call it our FIGHTER mindset:
Fun: Enjoy the journey together
Innovative: Consistently pushing new boundaries through creativity
Growth: Committed to growing personally and professionally
Humble amp; Passionate: It’s important to be both
Teamwork: Built on trust, healthy conflict, commitment, accountability, and results
Excellence: Pursuing high standards in everything we do
Relational: Building trust and relationships with customers and teammates
If this is the kind of place you've been looking for, let's talk.
SUMMARY The Game Developer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining high‑quality games built on the Unity framework across multiple regulated gaming platforms. This role is hands‑on and impact‑driven, focused on translating game design and creative direction into performant, reliable, and engaging gameplay systems.
Game Developers at Valicy are builders who think holistically about game feel, technical architecture, tooling, and long‑term maintainability. You will work closely with designers, artists, QA, and leadership to ship games that scale across studios and platforms.
This role is based in either Wilmington or Greenville and collaborates daily across both locations.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
-Act as an ambassador of Valicy’s Mission, Vision, and Values through daily work and team interactions.
-Design, develop, and implement gameplay systems using Unity for multiple target platforms.
-Translate game design documents, concepts, and creative direction into clean, functional, and engaging gameplay.
-Actively participate in the full game development lifecycle, from concept through release and post‑launch support.
-Collaborate closely with designers, artists, audio, QA, and production to resolve issues and improve game quality.
-Build internal tools, tech‑art utilities, and workflows that accelerate development and reduce friction across teams.
-Empower content creators by creating flexible, data‑driven systems that minimize ongoing engineering intervention.
-Maintain and improve existing games through debugging, optimization, and feature enhancements
-Identify technical risks early and propose practical solutions that balance speed, quality, and scalability.
-Provide clear recommendations and technical insights to leadership to support strategic and operational goals.
REQUIREMENTS:
-3–5 years of professional experience or demonstratable equivalent personal experience developing interactive applications or games using Unity
-Strong C# programming skills with an emphasis on clean, maintainable, and performant code
-Solid understanding of game architecture, gameplay systems, and real‑time performance considerations
-Experience debugging complex systems and maintaining live or legacy products
-Ability to work collaboratively in a cross‑disciplinary team environment
-Strong ownership mentality and willingness to take responsibility for shipped features
Preferred Requirements:
-Experience building tools or frameworks to support designers and artists.
-Familiarity with data‑driven or configuration‑based game systems.
-Experience working on regulated, distributed, or hardware‑integrated gaming platforms.
-Exposure to optimization, profiling, and performance tuning in Unity.
-Interest or expertise in AI‑assisted workflows, automation, or tooling to improve developer productivity.
This role is based in either Wilmington or Greenville and collaborates daily across both locations.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
-Act as an ambassador of Valicy’s Mission, Vision, and Values through daily work and team interactions.
-Design, develop, and implement gameplay systems using Unity for multiple target platforms.
-Translate game design documents, concepts, and creative direction into clean, functional, and engaging gameplay.
-Actively participate in the full game development lifecycle, from concept through release and post‑launch support.
-Collaborate closely with designers, artists, audio, QA, and production to resolve issues and improve game quality.
-Build internal tools, tech‑art utilities, and workflows that accelerate development and reduce friction across teams.
-Empower content creators by creating flexible, data‑driven systems that minimize ongoing engineering intervention.
-Maintain and improve existing games through debugging, optimization, and feature enhancements
-Identify technical risks early and propose practical solutions that balance speed, quality, and scalability.
-Provide clear recommendations and technical insights to leadership to support strategic and operational goals.
REQUIREMENTS:
-3–5 years of professional experience or demonstratable equivalent personal experience developing interactive applications or games using Unity
-Strong C# programming skills with an emphasis on clean, maintainable, and performant code
-Solid understanding of game architecture, gameplay systems, and real‑time performance considerations
-Experience debugging complex systems and maintaining live or legacy products
-Ability to work collaboratively in a cross‑disciplinary team environment
-Strong ownership mentality and willingness to take responsibility for shipped features
Preferred Requirements:
-Experience building tools or frameworks to support designers and artists.
-Familiarity with data‑driven or configuration‑based game systems.
-Experience working on regulated, distributed, or hardware‑integrated gaming platforms.
-Exposure to optimization, profiling, and performance tuning in Unity.
-Interest or expertise in AI‑assisted workflows, automation, or tooling to improve developer productivity.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment is typical of a traditional office environment.
This Job Description is to be used as a guide for accomplishing Company objectives. The description incorporates the most typical duties performed and covers only the primary functions and responsibilities of the position. It is recognized that other related duties not specifically mentioned may also be performed.