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Contract Game Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Exploding Kittens

Contract Game Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

This is a contract position for the role of Game Designer, anticipated to run for approximately ... Design and develop several projects, responding to feedback from key stakeholders to craft gameplay ...

Exploding Kittens

Contract Game Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

This is a contract position for the role of Game Designer, anticipated to run for approximately ... Design and develop several projects, responding to feedback from key stakeholders to craft gameplay ...

MGA Entertainment

VP, Trading Card Games

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

This leader will architect game design, rarity economics, organized play, manufacturing strategy ... Experience negotiating print and distribution contracts Key Competencies * Strategic thinker with ...

Chipton Ross

Software Engineer2

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$136.80/hr

Job #218760 Chipton-Ross is seeking a Software Engineer 2 for a contract opportunity in El Segundo ... Knowledge of game design principles and gameplay mechanics. * Familiarity with game asset creation ...

SF Compute

Staff Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$300K - $350K/yr

If you mess up a purchase, it's game over: a minor shift in your revenue growth rate might mean the ... But what if companies could exit their contract by selling it back to the market? Otherwise, as AI ...

The Consensus

Staff Design Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$150 - $230/hr

If you mess up a purchase, it's game over: a minor shift in your revenue growth rate might mean the ... But what if companies could exit their contract by selling it back to the market? Otherwise, as AI ...

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Contract Game Design information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract game designer?

To excel in Contract Game Design, you need a solid grasp of game mechanics, prototyping, and level design, often supported by a portfolio showcasing prior experience and a related degree. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and graphic editing software, as well as version control systems, is usually required. Strong communication, adaptability, and time management skills help you stand out in project-based, collaborative environments. These skills are essential for effectively creating engaging games, meeting project deadlines, and working seamlessly with diverse teams and clients.

What are the typical responsibilities and challenges faced by contract game designers?

Contract game designers are often responsible for developing game concepts, creating prototypes, balancing mechanics, and collaborating with artists and programmers throughout the production cycle. They frequently work on multiple projects with varied teams, which can make quick adaptation to different game genres and workflows a common challenge. Meeting deadlines and integrating client feedback efficiently are key aspects of contract work. However, contract roles also offer valuable opportunities to expand your professional portfolio and network within the gaming industry.

What is a contract game designer?

A Contract Game Design job is a temporary or project-based role where a designer is hired to develop game mechanics, level designs, narratives, or other gameplay elements. Unlike full-time positions, contract designers work for a fixed duration or specific project milestones. They may collaborate remotely or onsite and are often responsible for prototyping, balancing gameplay, and refining features based on feedback. This role is common in freelance work, indie development, and outsourced studio collaborations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Design jobs in California? The most popular types of Game Design jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Game Design jobs in California? For Contract Game Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Game Design jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Game Design jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Contract Game Design jobs? Cities in California with the most Contract Game Design job openings:
Contract Game Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Game Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, and 46% Contract. Highlights an 68% In-person, and 32% Remote job distribution.

Contract Game Designer

Exploding Kittens

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

This is a contract position for the role of Game Designer, anticipated to run for approximately three months with the possibility of extension based on business needs. The Game Designer plays a key role in the game and product development process from start to finish. In this role you'll be responsible for pitching original concepts, developing pitches from team members and external inventors, and researching ongoing industry trends.

The ideal candidate will have a deep love for mass market party games, both as a designer and a player. We want team members with strong perspectives, collaborative mindsets, and clear communication skills. You'll be expected to support multiple projects simultaneously, with opportunities to learn from experienced designers and support up-and-coming talent.

If you're someone who thinks about games constantly (in a good way), obsesses over what makes people laugh, connect, and come back for more, and loves turning great ideas into unforgettable experiences, you'll fit right in.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

  • 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 concepts on your own and with other designers

  • Provide feedback for and develop pitches from external inventors

  • Facilitate or participate in in-person and remote playtesting sessions

  • Write instructions & "How to Play" video scripts with accessibility and clarity in mind

  • Partner with internal stakeholders to support development/publication, collaborating cross-functionally with Creative Operations, Production & Sourcing

WHAT WE NEED

  • 3+ years of tabletop game design/development experience

  • A love for, and strong knowledge of, successful mass market retail party games

  • An understanding of fundamental game design principles and player motivations

  • Experience writing and editing game rules and "how to play" video scripts

  • A basic understanding of graphic design, UX principles, and tools including Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop

  • A basic understanding of organization/presentation tools, including Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides

  • Based in Los Angeles, CA, with the ability to work a hybrid schedule in our office Tuesday through Thursday
This salary represents a range for the position and will ultimately depend on the individual's qualifications and years of experience, location, and is subject to change.
As an Equal Employment Opportunity employer we are committed to complying with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunity to applicants and employees regardless of sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), race (including protected hairstyles such as dreadlocks, braids and twists), religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, gender (including gender identity and gender expression and/or the fact that an individual is transgender, transitioning or transitioned), color, ancestry, national origin, possession of a driver’s license, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information/trait/condition, marital or familial status, family care or medical leave status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, membership in military reserves, political affiliation, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance or regulation  We consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable local, state and federal “ban the box” and “fair chance” laws. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.