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Game Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Warnerbros

Senior Designer, Combat

Chicago, IL · On-site

$89K - $166K/yr

Establishes and maintains design documentation for combat gameplay and systems. * Designs and builds game experiences, including implementation of characters and their navigation, combat move sets ...

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 ...

Progressive Gaming

Game Mathematician

Chicago, IL

$70K - $80K/yr

What You Will Do As a Game Mathematician , you will play a key role in shaping the player experience by designing and analyzing the mathematical models behind our games. You will contribute across ...

Progressive Gaming

Game Mathematician I

Chicago, IL · On-site

Overview As a Game Mathematician , you will play a key role in shaping the player experience by ... Implements mathematical logic for prize determination to match specifications of math design, as ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsGame Design JobsGame Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

Game Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$48.4K

$160.7K

How much do game design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for game design in Chicago, IL is $153,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $159,700.00 and $159,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is game design?

Game design is the process of creating the content and rules of a game, including its mechanics, story, characters, and overall player experience. Game designers develop the structure and features of a game, decide how it will be played, and work closely with artists, programmers, and other team members to bring the game to life. Their goal is to make engaging, balanced, and enjoyable experiences for players. Game design can apply to video games, board games, and other interactive entertainment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Designer, you need a strong grasp of game mechanics, storytelling, user experience, and typically a degree in game design or a related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, scripting languages, and prototyping tools is crucial. Creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are essential for developing engaging, innovative games that resonate with players and meet project goals.

How do game designers typically collaborate with other departments during the development process?

Game designers work closely with artists, programmers, writers, and audio engineers to ensure that the gameplay experience aligns with the creative vision and technical constraints of the project. Regular meetings, feedback sessions, and iterative prototyping are common, allowing designers to communicate their ideas and adjust designs based on input from other team members. This collaborative environment helps address challenges such as balancing gameplay mechanics and ensuring that all elements integrate smoothly. Strong communication and flexibility are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Game Design vs Game Development?

AspectGame DesignGame Development
Primary FocusCreating game concepts, mechanics, and user experienceImplementing, coding, and building the game based on design
Skills RequiredCreativity, storytelling, understanding of gameplay mechanicsProgramming, software engineering, technical problem-solving
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, creative teams, collaborative settingsDevelopment teams, technical environments, coding labs
Common CertificationsGame design degrees, UX/UI certificationsComputer science, software engineering degrees

Game Design focuses on conceptualizing and designing gameplay experiences, while Game Development involves the technical implementation and coding of those designs. Both roles are essential in the game creation process and often collaborate closely to produce engaging games.

How do I get a job as a game designer?

To become a game designer, develop a strong portfolio showcasing your design skills, gain experience through internships or entry-level positions, and learn industry-standard tools like Unity or Unreal Engine. A background in computer science, art, or creative writing can also be beneficial, along with understanding game mechanics and user experience principles.

Is game designing a good career?

Game designing is a viable career for those with creativity, strong problem-solving skills, and proficiency in tools like Unity or Unreal Engine. It often requires collaboration, a portfolio of work, and knowledge of industry trends; job stability can vary based on the industry’s demand and individual skill level.

Is there a high demand for game design?

The demand for game designers is strong due to the growth of the gaming industry, with opportunities increasing in mobile, console, and PC game development. Skills in programming, storytelling, and familiarity with design tools like Unity or Unreal Engine are highly valued, and employment prospects are expected to grow steadily over the next several years.

What careers are in game design?

Careers in game design include roles such as game designer, level designer, character designer, and narrative designer. These positions involve creating game concepts, mechanics, storylines, and visual elements, often requiring skills in programming, art, or storytelling, and proficiency with design tools like Unity or Unreal Engine.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Game Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,613 per year, or $73.9 per hour.

Graphic Design Adjunct Faculty Pool, School of Design

Columbia College Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$5.6K/mo

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description
In addition to its regular, full-time faculty, Columbia College Chicago hires scholars, creative professionals, and other industry-experienced Adjunct Faculty to teach courses on a part-time basis. These positions are not available every semester and are contingent upon student enrollment and the availability of funding.
Qualifications
To be qualified to teach at the college, candidates must possess a degree at least one level above the level at which they teach, with a terminal degree in the relevant discipline as the preferred credential. In terminal degree programs, faculty members will possess the same level of degree. In occasional cases, demonstrated currency in a specialized discipline and a sustained history of distinguished professional work, compelling creative achievements, or other significant experience in the relevant field may be considered as an alternative to the required degree.
REQUIRED:
  • Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, or related discipline
  • Professional experience and expertise in graphic design, in areas like typography, layout, branding, and digital design, typically 5 years.
  • Robust portfolio showcasing a range of design skills and projects, as well as possibly client testimonials or awards. This could include work in design firms, freelance projects, or significant involvement in the industry.
  • Knowledge of current design software, technologies, standards, industry best practices, and sustainable practices. Proficiency in design software relevant to the field, such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), and familiarity with other tools pertinent to design
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to engage students and effectively convey concepts and critique student work, as well as the ability to guide students in developing their portfolios
  • Ability to translate complex design concepts into clear, accessible lessons
  • Passion for design education and a commitment to student learning and development

PREFERRED:
  • Master's degree in Graphic Design, or related discipline
  • Demonstrated success in teaching, lecturing, or mentoring students, either in an academic or professional setting, preferably in higher education in a studio art or design program
  • A passion for teaching and a commitment to fostering a learning environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and professional growth among students
  • Experience working in various design contexts, such as print, digital, branding, or advertising, is valuable
  • A deep understanding of current trends in graphic design, technology, and visual communication, enabling the instructor to provide insights into the evolving nature of the field
  • The ideal candidate would be able to bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice, inspiring students to hone their visual communication abilities. Practical experience, pedagogical skills, and a passion for the field are key qualifications

In addition to graphic design, the School of Design offers courses in disciplines including animation (traditional and computer), interior architecture, UX/UI, game design and art, cinema visual effects, game programming, and software development, as well as general education courses in math and science.
Please include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and three references. Further materials, such as official transcripts sent from the degree-granting institution, may be requested at a later date.
Entry level compensation rate for teaching one 3-credit course as of Fall 2026 is $5,635.00. Compensation for courses that carry fewer or more than three credits will be prorated down or up accordingly.
At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life, and accidental, death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and financial planning benefits. Click here for more information.
Columbia College Chicago actively promotes, access to an expansive array of social and cultural theories, practices and perspectives that are vitally important to the successful delivery of a contemporary creative curriculum and the college's mission to educate students who will author the culture of their times. These principles are essential to the educational experiences of our students, staff, and faculty.
We seek individuals with a demonstrated ability to work with students from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds, and whose creative, scholarly and/or professional work contributes to a rich educational experience consistent with our mission. For more information, please visit: colum.edu/academic-access-and-excellence.
Additional Information:
  • Position subject to a background screening.
  • This is a union position.
  • This is position is overtime ineligible.

Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law.

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