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Game Design Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

A strong foundation in game design principles * Experience working cross-functionally with animation, engineering, and VFX pipelines, with an understanding of how technical constraints shape design ...

A strong foundation in game design principles * Experience working cross-functionally with animation, engineering, and VFX pipelines, with an understanding of how technical constraints shape design ...

Senior AI Engineer

Cary, NC · On-site

$96K - $132K/yr

Experiment with game design and iterate rapidly, making strong technical and algorithmic decisions * Drive, build, and maintain core AI systems shared in the Fortnite AI ecosystem * Optimize, debug ...

... design. As we continue to build our Engine technology and develop remarkable games, we strive to build teams of world-class talent. Like what you hear? Come be a part of something Epic! Epic Games ...

Collaborate deeply with design to implement, iterate, and polish core gameplay systems, especially around movement, feel, and player responsiveness. * Take ownership of character, camera, and control ...

Senior Game Security Engineer

Cary, NC · On-site

$106K - $145K/yr

Design and build new backend services or features that power Fortnite anti-cheat or related security capabilities, as well as implementing corresponding game code * Read, debug, and write code for ...

Gameplay Programmer

Cary, NC · On-site

$119K - $132K/yr

We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development. ENGINEERING - GAMES ... Work closely with art and design on a variety of gameplay features * Prototype and iterate, and be ...

Gaming Support Techs or Midway Techs are responsible for the repair and maintenance of our building including games, simulators, and technical equipment. They also assist our Guests and maintain ...

Gaming Support Techs or Midway Techs are responsible for the repair and maintenance of our building including games, simulators, and technical equipment. They also assist our Guests and maintain ...

Senior Gameplay Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

$94K - $101K/yr

We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development. DESIGN What We Do Put your design skills to work at a cutting-edge company that challenges the norm. From character and ...

Emphasizes logical thinking and systematic debugging skills and connects programming to web development, data science, game design, and automation applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive ...

Emphasizes logical thinking and systematic debugging skills and connects programming to web development, data science, game design, and automation applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive ...

Emphasizes logical thinking and systematic debugging skills and connects programming to web development, data science, game design, and automation applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive ...

Senior Level Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$99K - $106K/yr

You will design and build gameplay spaces, including test maps and sandbox environments, that support system iteration and player experience development. Working closely with Design, Art, and ...

Senior Level Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$99K - $106K/yr

You will design and build gameplay spaces, including test maps and sandbox environments, that support system iteration and player experience development. Working closely with Design, Art, and ...

Senior Level Designer

Raleigh, NC

$99K - $106K/yr

You will design and build gameplay spaces, including test maps and sandbox environments, that support system iteration and player experience development. Working closely with Design, Art, and ...

Responsibilities : • Collaborate deeply with design to implement, iterate, and polish core gameplay systems--especially around movement, feel, and player responsiveness. • Be the primary driver ...

We're constantly innovating to raise the bar of engine and game development. ENGINEERING - GAMES ... Work closely with art and design leads to ensure gameplay mechanics meet functional requirements ...

Gameplay Engineering Lead

Cary, NC · On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

... design to create and iterate on gameplay features, while maintaining strong architectural and algorithmic direction • Collaborate with Unreal Engine teams to contribute to ongoing feature ...

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Game Design information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$45.7K

$151.6K

How much do game design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for game design in Raleigh, NC is $144,946.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $150,700.00 and $150,700.00 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 jobs are in game design?

Jobs in game design include roles such as game designer, level designer, narrative designer, and systems designer. These positions involve creating game concepts, designing gameplay mechanics, developing storylines, and collaborating with artists and programmers. Skills in software tools like Unity or Unreal Engine and understanding of game development processes are often required.

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 80 20 rule in game design?

In game design, the 80/20 rule suggests that roughly 80% of player engagement or feedback comes from 20% of the game features or content. Game designers often focus on optimizing this core 20% to improve player experience and retention, using tools like playtesting and analytics to identify key elements. Prioritizing these aspects helps create more engaging and balanced games efficiently.

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.

Is game designer a good career?

A game designer creates the concepts, rules, and mechanics for video games, often working with teams using tools like Unity or Unreal Engine. The career can be rewarding for those with strong creativity, technical skills, and a passion for gaming, but it can also involve long hours and competitive entry. Job prospects depend on industry demand, experience, and portfolio quality.

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.

How do you get a job as a game designer?

To become a game designer, you typically need a strong portfolio demonstrating your design skills, knowledge of game development tools like Unity or Unreal Engine, and a background in game design, computer science, or related fields. Gaining experience through internships, personal projects, or entry-level roles can also improve your chances of securing a position in the industry.
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Design jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Game Design jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Game Design jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Game Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Game Design job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,946 per year, or $69.7 per hour.
Combat Designer

Combat Designer

AGBO

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

About the Company:
Founded in 2017 by Anthony and Joe Russo, AGBO is an artist-led independent studio shaping the future of film and television. The Russo Brothers and AGBO have generated more than $7 billion at the global box office, including Avengers: Endgame. The studio's projects include Academy Awardwinning Everything Everywhere All at Once, Netflix hits The Gray Man and Extraction, and Prime Video's visceral thriller The Bluff and the global Citadel franchise.

AGBO is currently in production with Netflix on Tygo and Mercenary, both part of the Extraction universe, as well as with Lionsgate on John Rambo, a prequel to the iconic franchise. The studio is in post-production on The Whisper Man, starring Robert De Niro, and Avengers: Doomsday, which will be released December 18, 2026. AGBO will begin shooting Avengers: Secret Wars later this year. Both upcoming Avengers films are directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and co-produced by AGBO and Marvel Studios.

In 2023, AGBO welcomed Donald Mustardformer Chief Creative Officer at Epic Games and co-creator of Fortniteas a partner. Mustard brings a bold creative vision to AGBO: to expand what storytelling can be through immersive, interconnected worlds that span across media. We're building the future of storytellingand we're looking for bold, creative minds to help shape it. If you're ready to help define what comes next, we'd love to meet you. Position Summary: AGBO is looking for a Combat Designer to be hands-on in designing and implementing the moment-to-moment gameplay that defines how our games feel in action. You're a system-savvy, feel-first designer who understands that great combat lives at the intersection of character, camera, and controls and you know how to bring those elements together in ways that deliver precision and fluidity while being rewarding to play. Working closely with programmers, animators, and other designers, you'll help shape and refine the core combat loop from prototyping new ideas to tuning the final experience. This is a hands-on, high-impact role on an ambitious team creating something special and exciting.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Contribute to the design, implementation, and iteration on combat systems including player abilities, hit reactions, and moment-to-moment flow, building a player experience that is intuitive to learn and deeply rewarding to master
  • Prototype combat scenarios and encounters in-engine using scripting and design tools to rapidly test and validate feel, balance, and readability before full production
  • Partner with Animation, VFX, and Audio teams to ensure combat actions feel responsive and impactful
  • Contribute to and maintain combat design documentation including system specs, encounter design guidelines, tuning spreadsheets, and balance frameworks that keep the team aligned
  • Playtest rigorously and advocate for the player, synthesizing feedback from internal sessions and external playtests into actionable design revisions with a clear rationale
  • Collaborate with leadership to ensure combat mechanics reinforce character identity and story context making sure the how' of fighting always serves the why'
  • Perform all other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Skills:

  • 3-6 years of professional game design experience, with at least one shipped title where combat or action systems were a significant part of your contribution
  • Hands-on proficiency in Unreal Engine 5, with the ability to prototype and implement combat scenarios directly in-engine without heavy engineering support
  • A strong foundation in game design principles
  • Experience working cross-functionally with animation, engineering, and VFX pipelines, with an understanding of how technical constraints shape design decisions and how to advocate for quality within them

Additional Information:

  • This role is based in Raleigh, NC, and we are primarily seeking candidates who are currently located in the area or are open to relocating. In-person collaboration with our technical and creative teams is essential to the success of this position.
  • Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

AGBO Labs LLC is committed to operating fair and unbiased recruitment procedures allowing all applicants an equal opportunity for employment, free from discrimination on the basis of religion, race, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, color, ethnic or national origin or any other classification as may be protected by applicable law. We aim to recruit the right people for the jobs we have to offer, and to assess applications on the basis of relevant skills, education and experience.
AGBO participates in E-Verify - English | Spanish

The job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent to this position.


AGBO logo

About AGBO

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Arts, entertainment, and recreation

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2020

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