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Game Design Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Fanatics Collectibles

Game Designer - TCG

Seattle, WA

$176K/yr

You'll work within the game design group on systems, mechanics, and set development alongside the greatest minds in the industry. Responsibilities * Contribute to the design of core game systems ...

Cat Daddy

Game Designer

Kirkland, WA

$78K - $116K/yr

Design new gameplay experiences including time-limited events, alternative game modes, and mini-games that add variety and excitement to the core game loop. * Pitch and prototype creative concepts ...

Cat Daddy

Game Designer

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$78K - $116K/yr

Design new gameplay experiences including time-limited events, alternative game modes, and mini-games that add variety and excitement to the core game loop. * Pitch and prototype creative concepts ...

2K

Game Designer

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$78K - $116K/yr

Design new gameplay experiences including time-limited events, alternative game modes, and mini-games that add variety and excitement to the core game loop. Pitch and prototype creative concepts that ...

2K

Game Designer

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$78K - $116K/yr

Design new gameplay experiences including time-limited events, alternative game modes, and mini-games that add variety and excitement to the core game loop. Pitch and prototype creative concepts that ...

2K

Game Designer

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$78K - $116K/yr

Design new gameplay experiences including time-limited events, alternative game modes, and mini-games that add variety and excitement to the core game loop. * Pitch and prototype creative concepts ...

2K

Game Designer

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$78K - $116K/yr

Design new gameplay experiences including time-limited events, alternative game modes, and mini-games that add variety and excitement to the core game loop. * Pitch and prototype creative concepts ...

Fanatics Collectibles

Game Designer - TCG

Seattle, WA · On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

You'll work within the game design group on systems, mechanics, and set development alongside the greatest minds in the industry. Responsibilities * Contribute to the design of core game systems ...

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All JobsGame Design JobsGame Design Jobs in Seattle, WA

Game Design information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$53.5K

$177.5K

How much do game design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for game design in Seattle, WA is $169,700.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $176,400.00 and $176,400.00 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 Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Game Design jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Game Design jobs in Seattle, WA? For Game Design jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Game Design jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Game Design jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Game Design jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Game Design job openings:
Game Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Design job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 77% In-person, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $169,700 per year, or $81.6 per hour.

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 24 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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