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Game Design Director Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Warner Bros. Discovery

Designer, Combat

Chicago, IL · On-site

$47K - $88K/yr

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 ...

Warner Bros. Discovery

Senior Designer, Combat

Chicago, IL · On-site

$89K - $166K/yr

The Essentials * 6+ years game design experience required. * Shipped at least 2 titles with a strong emphasis in combat design and implementation. * Direct experience in implementing combat mechanics ...

Warnerbros

Senior Designer, Combat

Chicago, IL

$89K - $166K/yr

The Essentials * 6+ years game design experience required. * Shipped at least 2 titles with a strong emphasis in combat design and implementation. * Direct experience in implementing combat mechanics ...

Warnerbros

Designer, Combat

Chicago, IL

$47K - $88K/yr

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 ...

1000heads

Associate Motion Director

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

Overview We are looking for an Associate Motion Director with a strong foundation in motion design ... games and happy hours DEI Council and Employee Resource Groups Commute and parking benefits ...

1000heads

Associate Motion Director

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

Overview We are looking for an Associate Motion Director with a strong foundation in motion design ... games and happy hours DEI Council and Employee Resource Groups Commute and parking benefits ...

Chicago Run

Director of Development

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $90/hr

Striders (pre‑K to 2nd grade) : high‑quality physical activity breaks using games that develop ... Design and execute multi‑year strategies for donor acquisition, retention, and stewardship across ...

Zynga

Principal Experience Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

... Director to make games that meet product goals, look amazing, and feel approachable to our players. You will lead all phases of the UX / UI design process including conceptual design/development ...

iCode Glen Ellyn

Assistant Campus Director

Glen Ellyn, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Assistant Center Director will work closely with the Center Director/Owner to ensure smooth day ... game development, 3D design, and engineering through structured, project-based programs. Our ...

iCode Glen Ellyn

Assistant Campus Director

Glen Ellyn, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

The Assistant Center Director will work closely with the Center Director/Owner to ensure smooth day ... game development, 3D design, and engineering through structured, project-based programs. Our ...

Wand

Head of Product

Chicago, IL · Remote

$250K - $300K/yr

... gaming, entertainment, consumer software, or digital platforms. * Track record of leading complex, cross-functional product and design teams. * Experience building from the ground up in a founder-led ...

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Game Design Director information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$36.6K

$134.2K

$240.2K

How much do game design director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for game design director in Elgin, IL is $134,203.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,200.00 and $161,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 Elgin, IL?

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

What are popular job titles related to Game Design Director jobs in Elgin, IL?

For Game Design Director jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game Design Director jobs in Elgin, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Design Director jobs in Elgin, IL are:

What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Game Design Director jobs?

Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Game Design Director job openings:

Game Design Director jobs near you

Designer, Combat

Chicago, IL • On-site

Warner Bros. Discovery
Media and Telecom • 10K+ employees

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 78 rated media

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about Warner Bros. Discoveryexternal

$47K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 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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