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Game Design Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

The College of Arts and Architecture's Integrative Arts program is seeking part-time instructors to teach online courses in video game design. This role is ideal for an educator with a passion for ...

Troy University

Adjunct Faculty - Game Design

Troy, AL · On-site

Adjunct instructors hold the responsibility for the management of courses taught. They are expected ... Game Design or a related field (including possibly, but not limited to, art, design, English ...

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How much do game design instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for game design instructor in the United States is $51.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.84 and $54.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Game Design Instructor vs Game Developer?

AspectGame Design InstructorGame Developer
Required CredentialsDegree in game design, education certificationDegree in computer science, programming skills
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, training centersGame studios, tech companies
Industry UsageTeaching, curriculum developmentCreating, coding, and testing games

While both roles involve game-related skills, a Game Design Instructor focuses on teaching and curriculum development within educational settings, whereas a Game Developer actively creates and codes games in a professional studio environment. The roles share some credentials but differ significantly in daily tasks and work environment.

What does a Game Design Instructor do?

A Game Design Instructor teaches students the principles and techniques involved in creating video games, including game mechanics, storytelling, art, programming, and user experience. They develop lesson plans, provide hands-on guidance with software tools, and help students build their own game projects. Additionally, they stay updated with industry trends to ensure that their teaching remains relevant and practical for aspiring game designers.

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

To thrive as a Game Design Instructor, you need expertise in game development principles, programming, and interactive design, typically backed by a degree in game design or a related field and professional industry experience. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as knowledge of curriculum development, is essential. Strong communication, mentorship, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for engaging students and fostering a creative learning environment. These skills ensure effective teaching, prepare students for industry demands, and support their growth as future game designers.

What are some common challenges faced by Game Design Instructors when teaching students with varying experience levels?

Game Design Instructors often encounter classes with students who have diverse skill sets, from complete beginners to those with prior experience in programming or game development. Balancing the curriculum to ensure that all students are engaged and progressing can be challenging. Instructors typically address this by offering tiered assignments, providing additional resources for advanced learners, and encouraging collaborative projects where students can learn from each other. This approach helps create a supportive learning environment and allows all students to develop their skills effectively.
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Game Design Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Design Instructor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,310 per year, or $51.1 per hour.
Course Instructor Position - Online Master's Degree in Game Development

Course Instructor Position - Online Master's Degree in Game Development

DigiPen Institute of Technology

Redmond, WA • On-site

$6.0K/mo

Part-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Located in Redmond, Washington, DigiPen Institute of Technology is a private college that offers undergraduate degree programs in Computer Science, Game Design, Digital Audio and Music, and Digital Art and Animation, as well as Master's degree programs in Computer Science and Digital Art.
DigiPen Institute of Technology has been ranked one of the top 5 game design schools in the country by the Princeton Review for more than a decade. To learn more, visit: https://www.digipen.edu/ .
Position: Course Instructor Position - Online Master's Degree in Game Development
Reports to: Department Chair
Position Type
Adjunct Faculty as Course Instructor for the program.
Position Overview
DigiPen is seeking experienced and passionate practitioners in Game Development and Game-adjacent fields to teach courses for our online Master of Science in Game Development (MSGD) program. This is an exceptional opportunity to mentor aspiring game developers & current practitioners, share your industry expertise, and deliver a cutting-edge curriculum that combines creativity and technical excellence to produce the next generation of game development professionals.
About the Program
Our online MSGD program prepares students for leadership roles in the game industry by combining artistic creativity, technical proficiency, and team-based collaboration. Students work with industry-standard tools and engines while developing a comprehensive understanding of game design, programming, production management, and emerging technologies. The program welcomes both aspiring game developers and working professionals seeking to advance their careers. Graduates of this program will be ready to contribute to their industry with the appropriate technical skills and workplace practices, whether in a remote or onsite work environment.
Key Responsibilities
Course Instruction
  • Primary responsibilities include the day-to-day operation of one, or more, courses offered by our 100% online, asynchronous Master of Science in Game Development program
  • Facilitate meaningful discussions and interactive learning experiences in virtual classrooms
  • Provide timely, constructive feedback on student work and maintain regular office hours

Course Quality & Alignment
  • Provide content updates as necessary to keep the course material current
  • Ensure course content is technically accurate, industry-relevant, and appropriate for an online learning environment
  • Stay current with game industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices
  • Integrate real-world game development workflows and industry standards in the course delivery
  • Collaborate with faculty colleagues to maintain curriculum quality and coherence
  • Contribute to program assessment and continuous improvement efforts

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Game Development, Computer Science, Interactive Media, Digital Arts, or a closely related field
  • Minimum 4 years of professional game development experience in the industry
  • Deep expertise in at least one of the following areas: game design, game programming, technical art, game production, or game engines
  • Proficiency in the Unreal game engine
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to explain complex concepts to diverse learners
  • Portfolio demonstrating shipped games or significant game development projects

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science or related fields
  • Shipped titles on major platforms
  • Experience with a professional game engine (Unity, Unreal, or Godot)
  • Demonstrated teaching or mentoring experience (university-level preferred)
  • Experience with online learning platforms and virtual instruction
  • Credits on commercially successful or critically acclaimed games
  • Expertise in emerging game technologies (VR/AR, procedural generation, multiplayer systems, AI for games)
  • Experience with multiple programming languages (C++, C#, Python, etc.)
  • Knowledge of game art pipelines and tools (Maya, Blender, Substance, etc.)
  • Experience with agile development methodologies and production tools
  • Published work, talks, or tutorials on game development topics
  • Active participation in game development communities
  • Experience teaching in online or hybrid learning environments
  • Understanding of game monetization, live ops, and business models

Desired Areas of Course Development
  • Game Design Principles and Theory
  • Game Programming and Engine Architecture
  • 3D Game Development with Unity/Unreal
  • Advanced Graphics and Rendering
  • Game AI and Procedural Generation
  • Multiplayer and Network Programming
  • Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Development
  • Game Production and Project Management
  • Technical Art and Shader Development
  • Mobile Game Development
  • Narrative Design for Games
  • Game Audio and Sound Design Integration
  • Game Analytics and User Experience
  • Independent Game Development and Publishing

Salary
$6,048 for positions at the Assistant Professor level.
Exceptional experience may lead to additional title and compensation.
Application Procedure
Applications should include, or you will be asked to provide, the following:
  • A cover letter
  • Current curriculum vitae / résumé
  • Academic Transcripts of most recently attended educational institutions

Optional materials:
  • Statement of teaching philosophy
  • Statement of experience on maximizing quality and engagement across broad subjects and perspectives

Upon accepting an offer of employment with us, the candidate will receive an invitation for a required background check, employment verification, and 5-panel drug screen as a part of the hiring process.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Complete application files will be accepted on a continuous basis and remain active for 365 days. While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Additional Notes:
All Adjunct positions are part-time, temporary assignments (for no more than one semester at a time), dependent upon student enrollment and instructional needs, and subject to budget consideration and approval. DigiPen Institute of Technology reserves the right to extend application deadlines and/or not to offer advertised positions.
Equal opportunity is a priority of DigiPen Institute of Technology, as the institution is committed to fostering a positive learning environment for all. The Institute's intent is to hire the most qualified individuals for faculty and staff, attracting candidates from diverse backgrounds of race and ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, veteran status, nationality, culture, religion, and physical abilities. We are committed to broadening our candidate pool to include more diverse individuals and ensuring fairness in hiring by avoiding bias and determining criteria to judge all candidates prior to posting each new position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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