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Game Design Director Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

MANTECH

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA · On-site

Collaborate effectively with other wargame designers, developers as a part of a wargame design team to include the game director and lead analyst to create an environment that is conducive in ...

MANTECH

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA · On-site

Collaborate effectively with other wargame designers, developers as a part of a wargame design team to include the game director and lead analyst to create an environment that is conducive in ...

MANTECH

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA · On-site

Collaborate effectively with other wargame designers, developers as a part of a wargame design team to include the game director and lead analyst to create an environment that is conducive in ...

MANTECH

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA · On-site

Collaborate effectively with other wargame designers, developers as a part of a wargame design team to include the game director and lead analyst to create an environment that is conducive in ...

ManTech International

Wargame Designer

Quantico, VA · On-site

$107K - $179K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborate effectively with other wargame designers, developers as a part of a wargame design team to include the game director and lead analyst to create an environment that is conducive in ...

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All JobsGame Design JobsGame Design Director JobsGame Design Director Jobs in Washington

Game Design Director information

See Washington salary details

$41.9K

$153.8K

$275.2K

How much do game design director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for game design director in Washington is $153,765.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,000.00 and $184,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Game Design Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Design Director, you need deep expertise in game mechanics, storytelling, project management, and a strong portfolio of shipped titles, often supported by a degree in game design or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard engines like Unity or Unreal, as well as proficiency in prototyping tools and knowledge of development pipelines, is essential. Exceptional leadership, creative vision, and communication skills help guide teams and inspire innovative gameplay experiences. These abilities ensure that complex projects are delivered on time and meet both creative and commercial goals.

What does a Game Design Director do?

A Game Design Director is responsible for overseeing the creative vision and design strategy of a video game project. They lead the design team, ensure cohesion between gameplay, narrative, and visual elements, and make high-level decisions about game mechanics and player experience. The Game Design Director collaborates closely with producers, artists, and engineers to ensure the final product meets both creative and commercial goals. Their role is pivotal in shaping the direction of the game from concept to release.

How does a Game Design Director typically collaborate with other departments during the development process?

A Game Design Director works closely with departments such as art, programming, audio, and production to ensure the game vision is clearly communicated and executed. They often facilitate alignment meetings, provide feedback on design elements, and resolve cross-functional challenges to maintain consistency in gameplay and storytelling. Effective collaboration is key, as the director must balance creative ideas with technical constraints and business goals. This role also involves mentoring designers and representing the design team in high-level discussions with studio leadership.

What is the difference between Game Design Director vs Game Producer?

AspectGame Design DirectorGame Producer
Primary FocusOversees game design vision, mechanics, and creative directionManages project timelines, budgets, and overall production process
Required SkillsGame design, creative leadership, storytellingProject management, communication, resource allocation
Work EnvironmentCreative teams, design departmentsProduction teams, cross-department coordination
Industry UsageUsed in game development studios to define design visionUsed to ensure project delivery and operational success

The Game Design Director focuses on the creative and design aspects of a game, shaping its vision and mechanics. In contrast, the Game Producer manages the project's logistics, schedules, and resources to ensure timely delivery. Both roles are essential but serve different functions within game development teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Design jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Game Design jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Game Design Director jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Game Design Director job openings:

Game Design Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Design Director job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,765 per year, or $73.9 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Game Design - Production

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago

George Mason University rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

126th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Assistant Professor of Game Design - Production
  • 10003049
  • Fairfax, VA
  • Instructional Faculty
  • Opening on: Aug 18 2025
  • Closing at: Aug 18 2026 - 23:55 EDT
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Department: Col of Visual and Performing Arts

Classification: 9-month Instructional Faculty

Job Category: Instructional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: N/A - I/R Faculty

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

1. Offer undergraduate game design courses leading to a BFA in Computer Game Design,
2. Provide mentorship and guidance in game production to students pursuing majors and minors in Computer Game Design, and
3. Support a cohesive faculty and staff to carry out objectives 1 and 2.

About the Position:

The role of the Assistant Professor of Game Design is to teach the undergraduate game design and production courses, and help develop this future track in the Computer Game Design Program. The Assistant Professor is expected to pursue research (traditional or applied) and/or creative endeavors to make a significant contribution to the field.

Responsibilities:

  • Teaches a 4-4 load each academic year from an approved curriculum and develops future courses in game design/production;
  • Participates in school recruitment and retention initiatives, and activities determined by the Program Director;
  • Motivates students to actively participate in all aspects of the educational process;
  • Completes professional development and in-service activities in accordance with university standards;
  • Maintains expertise in subject area and recommends improvements in curriculum design;
  • When possible, participates in core course academic support programs, student mentoring and student professional associations;
  • Serves on program, college and university committees in consultation with the Program Director;
  • Actively seeks external grants and contracts to support research and creative endeavors; and
  • Participates in professional game design and game production-related organizations and conferences.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in related field;
  • 5+ years experience in the Game or related industry, or Master's degree in related field;
  • Experienced in all facets of Production for game design and development, including technical, managerial and artistic advances; current research (traditional and applied); and industry developments;
  • Extensive experience working with all primary game design, production, and management software applications, engines, and tools, as well as related hardware;
  • Applicable experience (minimum of five years is desired) in the industry; and expertise using current professional game engines, editors and project management software;
  • Knowledgeable about all facets of the game design and production field, including technical, managerial and artistic advances; current research (traditional and applied); and industry developments;
  • Extensive knowledge working with and teaching all primary game design, production, and management software applications, engines, and tools, as well as related hardware;
  • Knowledge of multi-platform game production and publication;
  • Knowledge of C# and C++;
  • Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills;
  • Proven critical thinking, problem-solving and judgment skills;
  • Ability to successfully interact with the industry business and governmental communities;
  • Possesses an approach that fosters a respectful, nonthreatening workplace environment; and
  • Has a demonstrated commitment and ability to work collaboratively within a complex work environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master's degree in related field;
  • 5+ years experience in the Game Design industry and publication of major entertainment or serious games or Terminal degree in Game related discipline;
  • Two years of higher education teaching in the subject matter area; and
  • Demonstrated ability working with a diverse population of artists, students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Assistant Professor of Game Design - Production at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.

Posting Open Date: August 18, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by: September 12, 2025

Open Until Filled: Yes

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