ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Computer Game Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsComputer Game Design JobsComputer Game Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

Computer Game Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$48.5K

$160.8K

How much do computer game design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer game design in Chicago, IL is $153,734.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $159,800.00 and $159,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computer Game Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Game Designer, you need strong creative problem-solving skills, a solid understanding of game mechanics, storytelling, and typically a degree in game design or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Unity, Unreal Engine, and graphic design software, as well as knowledge of scripting languages, is commonly required. Excellent collaboration, communication, and adaptability help designers work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and respond to player feedback. These skills ensure engaging, technically sound, and marketable games that resonate with target audiences.

What is the difference between Computer Game Design vs Computer Game Programming?

AspectComputer Game DesignComputer Game Programming
Primary FocusConcept development, story, gameplay mechanicsWriting code, implementing game features
Required SkillsCreativity, storytelling, user experienceProgramming languages, software development
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, collaborative teamsDevelopment teams, technical environments
Common CertificationsGame design degrees, portfoliosComputer science degrees, coding certifications

Computer Game Design focuses on creating the overall concept, story, and gameplay experience, while Computer Game Programming involves coding and implementing those ideas into a playable game. Both roles often collaborate closely but require different skill sets and educational backgrounds.

What jobs can you get as a game designer?

A game designer can pursue roles such as lead designer, level designer, systems designer, or narrative designer, each focusing on different aspects of game development. These roles typically require skills in game mechanics, storytelling, and proficiency with design tools like Unity or Unreal Engine. Additional positions include game producer, quality assurance tester, and user experience designer, depending on experience and specialization.

What is computer game design?

Computer game design is the process of creating the content and rules of a video game, including its story, characters, gameplay mechanics, and user experience. Game designers work collaboratively with artists, programmers, and sound engineers to bring interactive entertainment to life. They conceptualize ideas, develop prototypes, and refine gameplay to ensure the final product is engaging and fun for players. The field combines creativity, technical skills, and an understanding of player psychology to produce compelling gaming experiences.

What qualifications do you need to be a computer game designer?

Computer game designers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science, game design, or a related field. Strong skills in programming, graphic design, and familiarity with game development tools like Unity or Unreal Engine are also important, along with creativity and problem-solving abilities.

What are some common challenges faced by computer game designers when working in a collaborative development team?

Computer game designers often encounter challenges such as aligning creative vision with technical constraints, coordinating with programmers and artists, and balancing gameplay mechanics with storytelling. Effective communication is key, as designers must clearly convey ideas and adapt to feedback from different departments. Navigating tight deadlines and rapidly changing project scopes is also common, requiring flexibility and problem-solving skills to ensure the final product meets quality standards and player expectations.

Will AI replace game designers?

AI can assist game designers by automating repetitive tasks and generating content, but it is unlikely to fully replace the creative and strategic aspects of game design. Human designers are essential for storytelling, player experience, and innovative concepts that require intuition and artistic judgment. Therefore, game designers will continue to play a vital role alongside AI tools in the development process.

Is game design high paying?

Game design can offer competitive salaries, especially for experienced professionals working on popular titles or in larger studios. Entry-level positions tend to pay less, but salaries increase with experience, skills, and specialization in areas like programming or art. Overall, it can be a well-paying career for those with strong technical and creative skills.
What are popular job titles related to Computer Game Design jobs in Chicago, IL? For Computer Game Design jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Computer Game Design jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Computer Game Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Computer Game Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Game Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,734 per year, or $73.9 per hour.
Adjunct Faculty in User Experience Design

Adjunct Faculty in User Experience Design

DePaul University

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

DePaul University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 555 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Description
DePaul's Jarvis College of Computing & Digital Media (CDM) is located in the heart of Chicago's Loop, the central business district of Chicago. Our students represent many different experiences, perspectives, and cultures, and the university strives to recruit and sustain a faculty community where all backgrounds are valued and supported. Part-time teaching positions are available throughout the academic year, including summer sessions. Academic course schedules fluctuate from quarter to quarter, and the college will work with selected individuals to determine a quarterly schedule. Courses are not guaranteed, however the college does its best to give ample notice about available courses. Applicants with expertise that matches course scheduling needs will be contacted for an interview.
The School of Design (SoD) offers a learning environment that nurtures the development of innovative designers, who embrace interdisciplinary methods to solve challenging problems. SoD offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs including Digital Communication and Media Arts, Game Design, Graphic Design, Human Centered Design, Industrial Design, and User Experience Design.
Qualifications
Minimum requirements include a master's degree in the discipline, or 18 semester/27 quarter hours of graduate work in the discipline, or an undergraduate degree with a minimum of five years demonstrated relevant professional experience. Exceptions may be considered with approval of the dean.
Application Instructions
The BS in User Experience Design (UxD) degree is an interdisciplinary, hands-on program that integrates creative and technical disciplines including visual design, human-computer interaction, and information technology. Students in the UxD program prepare to work in the expanding fields of design research, user experience design, and interaction design by developing their skills as researchers, designers, and coders. The UxD program currently provides concentrations in design, and development and will be launching a research concentration soon.
In addition to the required documents listed below, you may also submit a portfolio as an optional document.
Considerations:
Exceptions to standard rates may apply to courses with unique credit hours, supervision, labs, clinical/practicum courses, coaching, administrative tasks, and courses that are either over-enrolled or under-enrolled.
General Compensation/Benefits Statement:
DePaul University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the qualifications, education, experience, and training of the selected candidate, the scope and responsibilities of the position, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.
DePaul University offers a variety of benefit options for qualified part-time employees. Further information regarding benefits can be found here: https://offices.depaul.edu/human-resources/benefits/part-time/Pages/default.aspx
About DePaul University's Academic Calendar:
Except for the College of Law, DePaul University operates on a quarter system. Classes in Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters are 11 weeks in length (including finals week) and Summer courses, in two sessions, are typically 5 weeks in length. The College of Law operates on the semester system. Classes in the Fall and Spring semesters are 16 weeks in length (including finals week) and it offers a Summer Session of 7 weeks (including final exams).

What DePaul University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply