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Contract Game Designer 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 three months with the possibility of extension based on business needs. The Game Designer plays a key ...

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 three months with the possibility of extension based on business needs. The Game Designer plays a key ...

Atome

Mobile Game QA Analyst (contract)

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$58 - $80/hr

Contractor (1-Year Contract) Schedule: Flexible 20-40 hours/week (20 hrs/week minimum, 3 days/week ... You will work closely with Game Designers, Engineers, and Producers in an agile environment. Rather ...

New

Bolt Graphics, Inc.

Screenwriter (Contract)

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$68.19 - $97.12/hr

... and Gaming. Our technology enables creatives to render photo realistically in real-time ... designers to simulate state of the art products and buildings before they're built. We pride ...

SEGA OF AMERICA INC

Senior Graphic Designer

Burbank, CA

$68K - $94K/yr

... Games, Marketing, Film, Television, and Animated Content. This role works closely with the ... Provide constructive feedback to in-house creative team members, external contract media experts ...

Bolt Graphics

Screenwriter (Contract)

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$60/hr

... and Gaming. Our technology enables creatives to render photo realistically in real-time ... designers to simulate state of the art products and buildings before they're built. We pride ...

Sega of America

Senior Graphic Designer

Burbank, CA · On-site

$86K - $107K/yr

... Games, Marketing, Film, Television, and Animated Content. This role works closely with the ... Provide constructive feedback to in-house creative team members, external contract media experts ...

TrueShort

Reference Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

Contract Role * Potential for long-term employment or full-time role * $300 - $800 per series * Los ... Optional: links to any animation, film, game, or visual development projects * A brief overview of ...

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All JobsContract Game Designer JobsContract Game Designer Jobs in California

Contract Game Designer information

See California salary details

$46.4K

$154K

How much do contract game designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract game designer in California is $147,165.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $153,000.00 and $153,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract game designer?

A Contract Game Designer is a professional who is hired on a temporary or project basis to create and develop aspects of a video game, such as gameplay mechanics, storylines, levels, and user experiences. Unlike full-time employees, contract game designers typically work for a set period or until a specific part of a project is completed. They may collaborate remotely or on-site with development teams and are often brought in for their specialized skills or experience in certain game genres or platforms.

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

To thrive as a Contract Game Designer, you need strong proficiency in game design principles, experience with prototyping, and typically a background in game development or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and tools like Photoshop or Blender is often required, along with knowledge of version control systems. Creativity, collaborative communication, and time management are essential soft skills that help you excel in a project-based, client-driven environment. These skills are crucial for delivering high-quality, engaging game experiences within tight deadlines while working effectively with diverse teams.

What are the common challenges faced by contract game designers when integrating their work with a studio's existing team?

Contract game designers often face the challenge of quickly adapting to a studio's workflows, tools, and design philosophies. Since contract roles are typically project-based and short-term, building effective communication with full-time staff and understanding ongoing projects can require extra effort. Clear documentation, regular check-ins, and proactive collaboration are key to ensuring that design contributions align with the team's vision and integrate smoothly. Successfully navigating these dynamics helps contract designers deliver impactful work and build strong professional relationships for future opportunities.

What is the difference between Contract Game Designer vs Contract Level Designer?

AspectContract Game DesignerContract Level Designer
Required SkillsGame mechanics, storytelling, gameplay systemsLevel layout, environment design, spatial planning
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with designers, artists, programmersFocuses on level creation within game development teams
Industry UsageCommon in game studios for overall game designSpecialized in designing game levels and environments

Contract Game Designers and Contract Level Designers both work within the game development industry, often collaborating but focusing on different aspects. The former handles overall game mechanics and storytelling, while the latter specializes in designing specific game levels and environments. Both roles require strong creative and technical skills, making them closely related but distinct positions within game development teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Game Designer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Game Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Game Designer job openings:

Contract Game Designer jobs near you

Contract Game Designer

Exploding Kittens

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$30 - $38/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 8 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

$30 - $38 an hour
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.

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