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Computer Games Developer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

... programming for games, art asset creation, and playtesting methodology. Ability to explain game ... Emphasizes the iterative design process and connects game design to computer science, visual arts ...

... gaming industry, we encourage you to apply! Position: Senior Networking Programmer Location: Dallas, TX. Duration: Permanent/Full Time Salary: DOE Qualifications Bachelor's degree related to Computer ...

If you are a Networking Programmer with gaming experience and the desire to lay your imprint on the ... DOE Qualifications โ€ข Bachelor's degree related to Computer Science or equivalent experience โ€ข ...

Showing results 21-40

Computer Games Developer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$33.5K

$111.8K

$185.6K

How much do computer games developer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer games developer in Chicago, IL is $111,825.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $127,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a computer games developer do?

A Computer Games Developer is responsible for designing, creating, and programming video games for computers, consoles, and mobile devices. They work as part of a team that may include artists, designers, and sound engineers to bring a game concept to life. Their tasks often involve writing code, testing game features, fixing bugs, and optimizing performance to ensure a smooth gaming experience. Computer Games Developers may specialize in areas like gameplay, graphics, or artificial intelligence, depending on the project and their expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a computer games developer?

To thrive as a Computer Games Developer, you need strong programming skills (commonly in C++, C#, or Java), a good understanding of game design principles, and often a relevant degree in computer science or game development. Proficiency with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, knowledge of version control systems (e.g., Git), and sometimes certifications in specific platforms are typically required. Creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills that help developers collaborate and innovate. These skills and qualities are crucial for building engaging, technically sound games that succeed in a competitive industry.

What are some common challenges faced by computer games developers during the game development cycle?

Computer games developers often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, adapting to rapidly changing project requirements, and ensuring smooth collaboration across multidisciplinary teams like artists, designers, and programmers. Balancing creativity with technical constraints, optimizing game performance, and fixing bugs under time pressure are also typical hurdles. Additionally, keeping up with evolving technologies and industry trends can be demanding, but overcoming these challenges can lead to significant professional growth and rewarding project outcomes.

What is the difference between Computer Games Developer vs Software Developer?

AspectComputer Games DeveloperSoftware Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science, Game Design, or related fields; knowledge of game enginesBachelor's in Computer Science or related fields; programming skills
Work EnvironmentGame studios, entertainment companies, independent projectsTech companies, startups, corporate software teams
Industry UsageVideo game industry, entertainment sectorVarious industries including finance, healthcare, tech
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for programming and development skillsBroader software development roles

Computer Games Developers focus on creating interactive entertainment using specialized game engines and design principles, often working in entertainment or gaming studios. Software Developers have a broader scope, working on various applications across industries. While both roles require programming skills and similar educational backgrounds, their work environments and end products differ significantly.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Computer Games Developer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Computer Games Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Computer Games Developer job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $111,825 per year, or $53.8 per hour.

Software Engineer - Game of Thrones Slots

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Zynga
PC Gamesย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$77K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Architect and develop features and slot game functionality in Unity with C#, and on the server backend (PHP preferred)

  • Dive into the internals of slot engine systems to extend them as-needed

  • Develop tools for engineering and content creators


Job description

Position Overview:

Zynga's Game of Thrones Slots team is looking for a Full Stack Engineer in the Austin, Chicago, San Mateo, or Toronto areas to join our team as Software Engineer.

We have a well-rounded, passionate and tight-knit, distributed team with a healthy mix of engineering skill levels and are looking to strengthen our team in addressing the diverse and complex technical challenges at the core of our products. We need a self-driven and motivated engineer who is a strong communicator, works well as a team player, and performs well under tight deadlines.

The candidate would have an opportunity to work on core slot machine gameplay and features (including UI / UX), engine-level systems, and have a focus on solving challenging problems towards the development of slot machines. The ideal candidate will have strong working knowledge of Unity and C#, plus experience building features on the server backend (PHP preferred).

Our mission is to "Connect the World through Games" by building a truly social experience that makes the world a better place. To be successful in this role you will have a passion for games, a high level of integrity, great technical depth and skills, and a strong desire to grow in skill and experience building and deploying successful software features for live Games that delight our players.

What You'll Do:
  • Architect and develop features and slot game functionality in Unity with C#, and on the server backend (PHP preferred)

  • Dive into the internals of slot engine systems to extend them as-needed

  • Develop tools for engineering and content creators

  • Define and scope out tasks & systems

  • Triage and address bugs quickly

What You Bring:
  • B.Sc. in Computer Science, or equivalent

  • 1-2 years of industry experience as a Software Developer. Candidates from other fields should have 3+ years of relevant software engineering experience

  • Experience with git

  • Strong working knowledge of Unity and C#

  • Experience building features on a server backend (PHP preferred)

  • Solid foundation in data structures, algorithms and software methodologies

  • Excellent communication skills and comfort working in a collaborative environment

Bonus Points:
  • Mobile game development experienceย 

  • Performance profiling and optimization experience

  • Experience developing Slot Machines

What we offer:

Zynga offers a world-class benefits package that helps support and balance the needs of our teams. To find out more about our benefits, visit theย Zynga Benefits site

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $85,700 to $126,860 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.ย 

The pay range for this position in Toronto at the start of employment is expected to be between $71,400 to $105,660 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.ย 

The pay range for this position in Illinois at the start of employment is expected to be between $77,100 to $114,120 per Year.ย However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations.ย 

Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program.

Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company's discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses.ย ย The use of Artificial Intelligence is not being used to screen candidates. The position is for an existing vacancy.