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Game Design Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Warner Bros. Discovery

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

$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 ...

DePaul

Adjunct Faculty in Industrial Design

Chicago, IL · On-site

SoD offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs including Digital Communication and Media Arts, Game Design, Graphic Design, Human Centered Design, Industrial Design, and User Experience ...

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All JobsGame Design JobsGame Design Jobs in Elgin, IL

Game Design information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$46.5K

$154.2K

How much do game design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for game design in Elgin, IL is $147,404.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $153,200.00 and $153,200.00 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.

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 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 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 job categories do people searching Game Design jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Game Design jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Game Design jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Game Design job openings:
Game Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Design job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,404 per year, or $70.9 per hour.

Senior Designer, Combat

Warner Bros. Discovery

Chicago, IL • On-site

$89K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Warner Bros. Discovery rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 75 rated media

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 Senior 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 Senior Combat Designer is expected to implement and maintain combat-centric systems, game balance, and character tuning.
The Daily
  • 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, and moment to moment gameplay.
  • Works closely with art teams to collaborate on and help define all associated visual elements.
  • Iterate with gameplay teams to drive the implementation of character combat with the highest degree of polish.
  • Analyze and incorporate user feedback from usability tests.
  • Works with personnel on R&D efforts for new game systems and creates playable prototypes as required.

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 (with a preference on melee-based combat) on at least 2 shipped titles.
  • Strong programming or scripting knowledge and experience required.
  • B.A. degree preferred or equivalent job experiences.
  • Ability to work well under pressure and with deadlines.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  • Strong 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: $89,600.00 - $166,400.00 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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