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Game Design Director Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Asmodee

Associate Game Developer

Everett, WA · On-site +1

$60K/yr

... game design documents and developing game rule content for new and supplemental miniatures and board game products. The Associate Game Developer works closely with the Development Director and ...

Hasbro

Sr Game Designer - D&D

Renton, WA · Hybrid

We are seeking a Senior Game Designer to work with our design team to conceptualize and build ... Work with art directors to write art orders for D&D products * Break down large design projects and ...

Hasbro

Sr Game Designer - D&D

Renton, WA · On-site

$112K - $168K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Game Designer to work with our design team to conceptualize and build ... Work with art directors to write art orders for D&D products * Break down large design projects and ...

Fanatics Collectibles

Business Strategist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$123K - $154K/yr

Partner with game design, product, and commercial teams to ensure strategic analysis is grounded in ... Highly self-directed - comfortable owning a workstream independently without heavy oversight

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All JobsGame Design JobsGame Design Director JobsGame Design Director Jobs in Seattle, WA

Game Design Director information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$42.1K

$154.6K

$276.7K

How much do game design director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for game design director in Seattle, WA is $154,589.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $124,700.00 and $185,600.00 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 Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Game Design jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Game Design Director jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Game Design Director jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Game Design Director jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Design Director jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Game Design Director jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Game Design Director job openings:

Game Design Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Design Director job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,107 per year, or $74.6 per hour.

Sr Manager, Game Design - TCG

Fanatics Collectibles

Seattle, WA

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

About the Company

Fanatics Collectibles is a new company operating at the intersection of collectibles, culture, and technology. Backed by world-class investors, operators, and sports & entertainment partners, we are building the global leader in next-generation collectibles. As part of the broader Fanatics ecosystem, we leverage a digital sports platform that spans over 900 sports properties and engages more than 81 million fans. Together, we are reimagining every part of the collectibles experience for fans, partners, and creators.

About the Team

Fanatics TCG is a new Seattle-based trading card game studio within the Fanatics Collectibles family, founded by industry veterans with a long-term mandate: to build enduring franchises that live across tabletop, digital, community, and culture. We're looking for the most skilled and passionate talent in the games industry and beyond to help us create the best trading card games in the world.

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking a Sr Manager, Game Design who's passionate about growing and mentoring a multidisciplinary team of game and narrative designers across all stages of trading card game development. You have the emotional intelligence to know what each person on your team needs, the experience to give them real direction, and the conviction to hold a high bar without losing anyone along the way. Fanatics TCG is building franchises from the ground up, and this role helps ensure the people doing that work are set up to do the best of their careers.

Responsibilities

  • Engage and develop your team through regular 1:1s and daily contact - giving direct, meaningful guidance and feedback to help each person grow
  • Monitor the team's dynamic, workflow, and output; improve and implement sustainable processes that support balanced workloads, healthy collaboration, and lasting creative quality
  • Manage resourcing across projects and ensure projects have the talent they need at the right time
  • Serve as a bridge between Game Design and cross-functional partners in art, production, marketing, and product - translating between creative and operational contexts with clarity
  • Ensure your hiring pipeline sources diverse, dedicated people and maintain a fair, consistent interview and testing process; guide and mentor new hires to set them up for success from day one
  • Contribute to game design efforts directly when appropriate

Qualifications & Experience

  • 8+ years of experience managing creative teams in game development, with a track record of growing talent and maintaining a healthy, high-performing team culture
  • Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams - you understand the different needs, workflows, and pressures of employees across specializations
  • Deep knowledge of and genuine passion for trading card games
  • A dedicated drive for fostering game design and narrative worldbuilding talent
  • Experience working in an early-stage or fast-moving studio is highly valued

Skills & Abilities

  • Compassion, self-awareness, and a deep understanding of people - you can read the room, handle pressure with steadiness, and keep morale high through each phase of game development
  • Clear, direct communication - you can deliver feedback with care, align stakeholders across functions, and advocate for your team with confidence
  • Strong organizational instincts and the ability to manage competing priorities across multiple active projects without losing sight of quality or people
  • Proficiency with project management tools and asset management systems
  • Highly adaptable and calm under pressure, with the ability to re-prioritize quickly as needs evolve

Location

All employees of Fanatics TCG are expected to be onsite in our Seattle office five days per week.

Ensure your Fanatics job offer is legitimate and don't fall victim to fraud.  Fanatics never seeks payment from job applicants. Feel free to ask your recruiter for a phone call or other type of communication for interview, and ensure your communication is coming from a Fanatics email address (including @collectfanatics.com).  For added security, where possible, apply through our company website at www.fanaticsinc.com/careers

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