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

Walgreens

Senior Designer, Conversational AI

Deerfield, IL · On-site

$79K - $127K/yr

Expertise in human computer interaction * Experience with Agile/Scrum * Background in script writing, creative writing, or game design is a plus * Relentless desire for innovation, balanced with ...

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

Computer Game Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$48.4K

$160.7K

How much do computer game design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer game design in Chicago, IL is $153,584.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $159,600.00 and $159,600.00 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 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 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.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 67% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 10% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,584 per year, or $73.8 per hour.
Interior Architecture Adjunct Faculty Pool, School of Design

Interior Architecture Adjunct Faculty Pool, School of Design

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$5K/mo

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Description
In addition to its regular, full-time faculty, Columbia College Chicago hires scholars, creative professionals, and other industry-experienced Adjunct Faculty to teach courses on a part-time basis. These positions are not available every semester and are contingent upon student enrollment and the availability of funding.
Qualifications
To be qualified to teach at the college, candidates must possess a degree at least one level above the level at which they teach, with a terminal degree in the relevant discipline as the preferred credential. In terminal degree programs, faculty members will possess the same level of degree. In occasional cases, demonstrated currency in a specialized discipline and a sustained history of distinguished professional work, compelling creative achievements, or other significant experience in the relevant field may be considered as an alternative to the required degree.
REQUIRED:
  • Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture, or a related discipline
  • Professional experience and expertise in interior design, architecture, or a related field, typically 5 years
  • Strong portfolio showcasing professional design work and projects that reflect current industry standards and innovations. This could include work in design firms, freelance projects, or significant involvement in the industry.
  • Knowledge of current design software, technologies, standards, industry best practices, and sustainable practices. Proficiency in design software relevant to the field, such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, Enscape, various 3D modeling tools, and similar
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to engage students and effectively convey concepts and critique student work
  • Ability to translate complex design concepts into clear, accessible lessons
  • Passion for design education and a commitment to student learning and development

PREFERRED:
  • Master's degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, Architecture, or a related field
  • Demonstrated success in teaching, lecturing, or mentoring students, either in an academic or professional setting, preferably in higher education
  • A passion for teaching and a commitment to fostering a learning environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and professional growth among students
  • Experience in project-based learning or hands-on teaching methodologies
  • An understanding of how interior architecture intersects with other disciplines, such as architecture, art history, and environmental psychology
  • Current NCIDQ certification

In addition to graphic design, the School of Design offers courses in disciplines including animation (traditional and computer), interior architecture, UX/UI, game design and art, cinema visual effects, game programming, and software development, as well as general education courses in math and science.
Please include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and three references. Further materials, such as official transcripts sent from the degree-granting institution, may be requested at a later date.
Entry level compensation rate for teaching one 3-credit course as of Fall 2026 is $5,635.00. Compensation for courses that carry fewer or more than three credits will be prorated down or up accordingly.
At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life, and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits. Click here for more information.
Columbia College Chicago actively promotes, access to an expansive array of social and cultural theories, practices and perspectives that are vitally important to the successful delivery of a contemporary creative curriculum and the college's mission to educate students who will author the culture of their times. These principles are essential to the educational experiences of our students, staff, and faculty.
We seek individuals with a demonstrated ability to work with students from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds, and whose creative, scholarly and/or professional work contributes to a rich educational experience consistent with our mission. For more information, please visit: colum.edu/academic-access-and-excellence.
Additional Information:
  • Position subject to a background screening.
  • This is a union position.
  • This is position is overtime ineligible.

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.

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