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

Warnerbros

Designer, Combat

Chicago, IL · On-site

$47K - $88K/yr

Design, implement and iterate on in-game character actions. This includes attacks, reactions and navigation. * Works closely with art teams to collaborate on and help define all associated visual ...

Arrow International, Inc

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $120K/hr

The Senior Artist will use their artistic expertise with color, composition, shape, typography, animation, visual FX and character design skills to help push our games to new heights. You'll play a ...

Arrow International Inc

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $120K/hr

The Senior Artist will use their artistic expertise with color, composition, shape, typography, animation, visual FX and character design skills to help push our games to new heights. You'll play a ...

Arrow International, Inc.

Senior Artist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $120K/hr

The Senior Artist will use their artistic expertise with color, composition, shape, typography, animation, visual FX and character design skills to help push our games to new heights. You'll play a ...

Warnerbros

Senior Designer, Combat

Chicago, IL

$89K - $166K/yr

The Job The Senior Combat Designer will be responsible for significant contributions to game design with a focus on combat, moment-to-moment gameplay, and character implementation. Alongside Lead and ...

tms

Senior Art Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

Exp. working within the CPG space or retail space (working in promotions, games, and character story design within the kids space a big plus) * Experience (and examples) of building out large-scale ...

tms

Senior Art Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

Exp. working within the CPG space or retail space (working in promotions, games, and character story design within the kids space a big plus) * Experience (and examples) of building out large-scale ...

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All JobsGame Character Design JobsGame Character Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

Game Character Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$81.9K

$134.7K

$201.9K

How much do game character design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for game character design in Chicago, IL is $134,703.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,200.00 and $154,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a game character design?

A Game Character Design job involves creating the visual appearance, personality, and style of characters in video games. Designers develop concept art, refine designs based on feedback, and collaborate with animators and 3D modelers to bring characters to life. They ensure that characters fit the game's world, story, and mechanics. Strong artistic skills, creativity, and knowledge of anatomy, color theory, and game engines are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in game character design?

To excel in Game Character Design, you need strong artistic skills in illustration and 3D modeling, typically supported by a degree in art, animation, or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, ZBrush, Maya, or Blender is essential, and a professional portfolio is often required. Creativity, collaboration, and effective communication are important soft skills, as you’ll regularly work with developers, animators, and other artists. These abilities ensure you can create visually compelling and technically sound characters that fit within the overall game vision and development pipeline.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a game character designer in a game development studio?

A Game Character Designer typically spends their day brainstorming and sketching new character concepts, collaborating closely with creative directors and narrative teams to ensure characters support the game's story and style. They create detailed character models, textures, and sometimes rigging, using both traditional art techniques and digital tools. Regular feedback sessions and revisions are a normal part of the process, requiring open communication with animators and programmers to address technical constraints. This collaborative environment helps ensure that character designs are both artistic and functional within the game's mechanics.

Are game character designers in demand?

Game character designers are in demand due to the growing gaming industry and the need for visually appealing, innovative characters. Skills in digital art, 3D modeling, and software like Adobe Photoshop or Blender are highly valued, and employment opportunities are available in both large studios and indie development teams.

How to become a game character designer?

To become a game character designer, develop strong skills in drawing, 3D modeling, and animation using tools like Photoshop, Blender, or Maya. Obtain a relevant degree in game design, art, or a related field, build a portfolio showcasing character concepts, and gain experience through internships or personal projects in the gaming industry.

How to get a job as a game character designer?

To become a game character designer, develop a strong portfolio showcasing your illustration and concept art skills, and gain proficiency in design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. A background in art, animation, or game design, along with understanding of character anatomy and storytelling, is essential; internships or entry-level positions can also provide valuable experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Character Design jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Game Character Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Game Character Design jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Game Character Design jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game Character Design jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Character Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Game Character Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Character Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,703 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

Designer, Combat

Warnerbros

Chicago, IL • On-site

$47K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery... the stuff dreams are made of.

Who We Are...

When we say, "the stuff dreams are made of," we're not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD's vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the creators bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what's next...

From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.

The creative team that brought Mortal Kombat and Injustice to life is now NetherRealm Studios, part of the Warner Bros. Games family. With over 20 years of creation under our belts, NetherRealm's mission remains the same: to create cutting edge entertainment and deliver industry leading tech, game art and overall gaming experiences. NetherRealm Studios is a collaborative and creative environment, constantly striving to up the ante on what is possible in interactive entertainment. Our team is comprised of dedicated professionals with years of experience who are at the forefront of the gaming industry. The passion and energy that made Mortal Kombat a reality is still on display every day in our offices, our hallways and most definitely the studio's arcade room.

The Job

The Combat Designer will be responsible for significant contributions to game design, with a focus on combat, moment-to-moment gameplay, and character implementation. Alongside Lead and fellow Designers, the Combat Designer is expected to implement and maintain combat-centric systems, game balance, and character tuning.

The Daily

  • Establishes and maintains design documentation for player character combat and enemies.
  • Design, implement and iterate on in-game character actions. This includes attacks, reactions and navigation.
  • Works closely with art teams to collaborate on and help define all associated visual elements.
  • Support combat efforts through building gameplay functions and scripted encounters.
  • Build AI logic and behaviors for enemies and NPCs.

The Essentials

  • 4+ years of game design experience required.
  • Shipped at least 1 title with a strong emphasis in combat design and implementation
  • Direct experience in implementing combat mechanics (with a preference on melee-based combat) on at least 1 shipped title
  • Strong programming or scripting knowledge and experience required
  • B.A. degree preferred or equivalent job experience.
  • Ability to work well under pressure and with deadlines.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  • Passion for action and fighting games with a focus on combat mechanics.
  • Positive attitude and collaborative approach to problem solving.

How We Get Things Done...

This last bit is probably the most important! Here at WBD, our guiding principles are the core values by which we operate and are central to how we get things done. You can find them at www.wbd.com/guiding-principles/ along with some insights from the team on what they mean and how they show up in their day to day. We hope they resonate with you and look forward to discussing them during your interview.

Championing Inclusion at WBD

Warner Bros. Discovery embraces the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, mental or physical disability, and genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or any other category protected by law.

If you're a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance. Base pay is just one component of Warner Bros. Discovery's total compensation package for employees. Pay Range: $47,600.00 - $88,400.00 salary per year. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and sick time and vacation.

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