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Game Designer Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Wisconsin

Field Day Studio Director

Madison, WI · Hybrid

$110K/yr

Direct experience leading a game design studio, including supervising a team of developers and designers, production, creative direction, and game design experience. * Experience in creative game ...

Varsity Tutors

Video Game Design Tutor

Madison, WI · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through designing game mechanics documents, building levels in game engines, programming player interactions, creating or integrating art assets, and conducting playtesting sessions.

Babki

Game Tester Gig - Fast Payout

Madison, WI · Remote

$500/wk

Become a Professional Game Tester We're looking for passionate gamers to join our elite team of mobile game testers. Get paid to play and test the latest games before they launch. $500+ Avg Monthly ...

Babki

Game Tester Gig - Fast Payout

Madison, WI · Remote

$500/wk

Become a Professional Game Tester We're looking for passionate gamers to join our elite team of mobile game testers. Get paid to play and test the latest games before they launch. $500+ Avg Monthly ...

Durr Megtec

Designer

Stoughton, WI

The Designer provides direct engineering input for the development of original designs or adaptions. Investigates and procures all data required to develop a design and confers with engineering to ...

IMEG

Technology Designer

Madison, WI · On-site +1

Utilize engineering software and tools to create detailed designs, specifications, and calculations according to code requirements and IMEG standards. * Interact with clients to understand their ...

Atwell, LLC

Gas Distribution Designer

Madison, WI · On-site +1

Ensure designs adhere to applicable codes, standards, client requirements, project-specific procedures, and safety expectations. * Coordinate with project managers, engineers, utility representatives ...

Epic

User Experience Designer

Madison, WI

As a UX Designer, you'll act as the lead experience and visual designer for several development teams, setting the direction for joyful design. You'll meet with end-users to establish an ...

Epic

User Experience Designer

Madison, WI

As a UX Designer, you'll act as the lead experience and visual designer for several development teams, setting the direction for joyful design. You'll meet with end-users to establish an ...

Epic

User Experience Designer

Madison, WI

As a UX Designer, you'll act as the lead experience and visual designer for several development teams, setting the direction for joyful design. You'll meet with end-users to establish an ...

Epic

User Experience Designer

Verona, WI

As a UX Designer, you'll act as the lead experience and visual designer for several development teams, setting the direction for joyful design. You'll meet with end-users to establish an ...

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All JobsGame Designer JobsGame Designer Jobs in Madison, WI

Game Designer information

See Madison, WI salary details

$47.4K

$157.2K

How much do game designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for game designer in Madison, WI is $150,255.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $156,200.00 and $156,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Game Designers work closely with a variety of teams, including artists, programmers, sound designers, and producers, to bring a game concept to life. They are responsible for clearly communicating gameplay mechanics, story elements, and level design through detailed documentation and regular meetings. Collaboration often involves iterative feedback cycles, where designers must adapt their ideas based on technical constraints and creative input from colleagues. This teamwork ensures that the final product is cohesive and engaging, making strong communication and flexibility essential skills for success in this role.

Is there a high demand for game designers?

The demand for game designers is strong due to the growth of the gaming industry and increasing investment in new projects. Skills in programming, storytelling, and familiarity with design tools like Unity or Unreal Engine are highly valued, and opportunities are available across various platforms including mobile, PC, and consoles.

What does a game designer do?

A Game Designer is responsible for creating the concepts, mechanics, storylines, and rules of video games. They work closely with other team members like artists, programmers, and writers to shape the gameplay experience and ensure it is engaging and balanced. Game Designers often create detailed documentation, prototypes, and playtests to refine their ideas throughout the development process. Their goal is to craft enjoyable, immersive, and interactive experiences that appeal to players.

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, mechanics, storylines, and user experiences, often requiring skills in programming, art, or storytelling. Other related roles include game artist, animator, sound designer, and quality assurance tester.

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, and user experience, often supported by a degree in game design or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as prototyping and scripting languages, is typically required. Creativity, collaboration, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for iterating ideas and working across multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the creation of engaging, playable games that resonate with players and meet project goals.

What is the difference between Game Designer vs Level Designer?

AspectGame DesignerLevel Designer
Primary FocusOverall game concept, mechanics, story, and player experienceDesign and layout of specific game levels or environments
Required SkillsCreative thinking, game mechanics, storytelling, scriptingLevel layout, environment design, spatial awareness, scripting
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with artists, programmers, writers across entire game developmentWorks closely with artists and programmers to craft individual levels
Common UsageUsed in game development teams across all genresPrimarily in level-based or environment-rich games

Game Designers focus on the overall game concept, mechanics, and player experience, while Level Designers specialize in creating specific game environments and levels. Both roles require collaboration and creative skills, but their scope and focus differ significantly.

What is a game designer?

A Video Game Designer works closely with a video game design team to create computer and video games for specific gaming consoles. The Game Designer is the creative driving force behind the game and conceives the mechanics and layout. This can include the story, characters, levels, and scenarios of the game. Depending on the size of the project, the Game Designer may work on their own or with a large team. Some Game Designers may have a niche or specialty within the industry such as the type of game they like to make or a certain creative style.

Is it hard to get a game designer job?

Getting a game designer job can be competitive, as it often requires a strong portfolio, proficiency in design tools like Unity or Unreal Engine, and relevant experience or education. Building a solid portfolio and networking within the industry can improve chances of employment, but entry-level positions may be accessible with the right skills and persistence.
More about Game Designer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Designer jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Game Designer jobs in Madison, WI are:
What are popular job titles related to Game Designer jobs in Madison, WI? For Game Designer jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Game Designer jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Game Designer jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Game Designer jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Game Designer job openings:
Game Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Designer job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 85% In-person, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $150,255 per year, or $72.2 per hour.

Senior Game Designer - AI & Encounters (Apex Legends)

Electronic Arts Inc.

Madison, WI • On-site

$127K - $190K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

General Information
Locations: Vancouver - Great Northern Way, British Columbia, Canada
  • Location: Los Angeles - Chatsworth
  • State: California
  • Country: United States of America

  • Location: Madison
  • State: Wisconsin
  • Country: United States of America

Role ID
214845
Worker Type
Regular Employee
Studio/Department
EA Studios - Respawn
Work Model
Hybrid
Description & Requirements
Electronic Arts creates next-level entertainment experiences that inspire players and fans around the world. Here, everyone is part of the story. Part of a community that connects across the globe. A place where creativity thrives, new perspectives are invited, and ideas matter. A team where everyone makes play happen.
We're hiring a Senior Game Designer - AI & Encounters to create engaging AI-driven combat encounters that elevate gameplay across Apex Legends. You will partner with multidisciplinary teams to design, implement, and refine encounters that deliver challenge, variety, and memorable player experiences while supporting the game's long-term vision.
Responsibilities
  • Design, prototype, tune, and iterate on AI encounters from initial concept through implementation and once live.
  • Create encounter scenarios that support gameplay, pacing, and player progression.
  • Collaborate with AI Engineering, Level Design, Art, and Production to deliver gameplay features.
  • Balance AI behaviors using playtest feedback, gameplay metrics, and player insights.
  • Document encounter systems, design intent, and implementation guidelines.
  • Review gameplay experiences and iterate to improve quality, readability, and player satisfaction.
  • Mentor designers through design reviews and collaborative feedback.
Required Qualifications
  • Experience designing AI systems, encounters, or combat gameplay for shipped AAA titles.
  • Experience owning gameplay features from concept through release.
  • Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary development teams.
  • Portfolio demonstrating encounter design, gameplay systems, or AI-focused work.
  • Experience balancing gameplay using qualitative and quantitative feedback.
Core Skills and Experience
  • Knowledge of AI enemy design, combatant archetypes, and encounter pacing.
  • Proficient in scripting and programming tools to implement systems within modern game editors.
  • Clear documentation and communication across design and development teams.
  • Experience evaluating gameplay through playtesting and data-informed iteration.
  • Familiarity with live service development and ongoing gameplay improvements.
  • Experience designing AI systems or encounters for PvP or PvE gameplay is an asset.

Pay Transparency - North America
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The ranges listed below are what EA in good faith expects to pay applicants for this role in these locations at the time of this posting. If you reside in a different location, a recruiter will advise on the applicable range and benefits. Pay offered will be determined based on a number of relevant business and candidate factors (e.g. education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, or business needs).
PAY RANGES
* British Columbia (depending on location e.g. Vancouver vs. Victoria) *$114,300 - $156,200 CAD
* California (depending on location e.g. Los Angeles vs. San Francisco) *$127,700 - $190,600 USD
Pay is just one part of the overall compensation at EA.
In the US, we offer a package of benefits including paid time off (3 weeks per year to start), 80 hours per year of sick time, 16 paid company holidays per year, 10 weeks paid time off to bond with baby, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and 401(k) to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and other incentive programs.
For Canada, we offer a package of benefits including vacation (3 weeks per year to start), 10 days per year of sick time, paid top-up to EI/QPIP benefits up to 100% of base salary when you welcome a new child (12 weeks for maternity, and 4 weeks for parental/adoption leave), extended health/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, disability insurance, retirement plan to regular full-time employees. Certain roles may also be eligible for bonus and other incentive programs.
About Electronic Arts
We're proud to have an extensive portfolio of games and experiences, locations around the world, and opportunities across EA. We value adaptability, resilience, creativity, and curiosity. From leadership that brings out your potential, to creating space for learning and experimenting, we empower you to do great work and pursue opportunities for growth.
We adopt a holistic approach to our benefits programs, emphasizing physical, emotional, financial, career, and community wellness to support a balanced life. Our packages are tailored to meet local needs and may include healthcare coverage, mental well-being support, retirement savings, paid time off, family leaves, complimentary games, and more. We nurture environments where our teams can always bring their best to what they do.
Electronic Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We will also consider employment qualified applicants with criminal records in accordance with applicable law. EA also makes workplace accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities as required by applicable law.

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