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Game Designer Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

First American

Instructional Designer

Santa Rosa, CA · Remote

$64K - $85K/yr

... designing training for adult audiences in a professional environment (commercial or corporate ... HTML, ActionSript or application/gaming design * Strong written and verbal communication skills

Three Point Solutions

Graphic Designer

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Title: Graphic Designer Client: Medical Device Manufacturing Company Duration: 12 Months (possible extension) Location: Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Shift: 1st Shift Top Requirements * Graphic design ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

... game, using both keyframe and augmented mocap techniques. * Work closely with programmers and designers to support a multitude of features. * Collaborate with Senior Animators on complicated sets of ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA · On-site

$124K - $142K/yr

... game, using both keyframe and augmented mocap techniques. * Work closely with programmers and designers to support a multitude of features. * Collaborate with Senior Animators on complicated sets of ...

2K

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

... game, using both keyframe and augmented mocap techniques. * Work closely with programmers and designers to support a multitude of features. * Collaborate with Senior Animators on complicated sets of ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Gameplay Animator

Novato, CA

$124K - $142K/yr

... game, using both keyframe and augmented mocap techniques. * Work closely with programmers and designers to support a multitude of features. * Collaborate with Senior Animators on complicated sets of ...

2K

Senior Engine Programmer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

As a Senior Engine Programmer at Cloud Chamber, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing game engine features and tools for the next BioShock. You have extensive Unreal ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Engine Programmer

Novato, CA · On-site

$108K - $161K/yr

As a Senior Engine Programmer at Cloud Chamber, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing game engine features and tools for the next BioShock. You have extensive Unreal ...

2K

Senior Engine Programmer

Novato, CA

$108K - $161K/yr

As a Senior Engine Programmer at Cloud Chamber, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing game engine features and tools for the next BioShock. You have extensive Unreal ...

Cloud Chamber

Senior Engine Programmer

Novato, CA

$108K - $161K/yr

As a Senior Engine Programmer at Cloud Chamber, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing game engine features and tools for the next BioShock. You have extensive Unreal ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsGame Designer JobsGame Designer Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Game Designer information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$51.4K

$170.6K

How much do game designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for game designer in Santa Rosa, CA is $163,035.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $169,500.00 and $169,500.00 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.

How can I become a game designer?

To become a game designer, you typically need a background in game design, computer science, or a related field, along with strong creative and technical skills. Gaining experience through internships, building a portfolio of game projects, and proficiency with design tools like Unity or Unreal Engine can improve your chances. Many designers also pursue relevant certifications or degrees to enhance their qualifications.

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.

Is game design a high paying job?

Game designers can earn competitive salaries, especially with experience, strong portfolios, and skills in industry-standard tools like Unity or Unreal Engine. Entry-level positions often pay less, but senior roles or those in large studios can offer high compensation, sometimes exceeding six figures annually.

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. Additional roles include game artist, animator, and quality assurance tester, all contributing to the development process.

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 do you do as a game designer?

A game designer creates the concepts, rules, and mechanics of a video game or tabletop game. They develop storylines, design levels, and collaborate with artists and programmers to bring the game to life, often using tools like Unity or Unreal Engine. Strong creativity, problem-solving skills, and understanding of player experience are essential in this role.

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.

More about Game Designer jobs
What job categories do people searching Game Designer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Game Designer jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Game Designer jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Game Designer job openings:
Game Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Designer job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 34% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $163,035 per year, or $78.4 per hour.
Instructional Designer

Instructional Designer

First American

Santa Rosa, CA • Remote

$64K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Who We AreJoin a team that puts its People First! As a member of First American's family of companies, First American Home Warranty offers a wide range of home warranty products and services to home sellers, buyers and agents. Since 1889, First American (NYSE: FAF) has held an unwavering belief in its people. They are passionate about what they do, and we are equally passionate about fostering an environment where all feel welcome, supported, and empowered to be innovative and reach their full potential. Our inclusive, people-first culture has earned our company numerous accolades, including being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list for eleven consecutive years. We have also earned awards as a best place to work for women, diversity and LGBTQ+ employees, and have been included on more than 50 regional best places to work lists. First American will always strive to be a great place to work, for all. For more information, please visit www.careers.firstam.com.What We DoDesign, develop and implement learning solutions and curriculum materials for instructor led, self-paced training, mobile learning, video and audio-based training as assigned.

What You'll Do:

  • Build commercial quality learning content using industry accepted instructional design processes (ADDIE, ARCS, Bloom's etc.).
  • Perform needs/job analysis and effectively communicate development requirements to all levels within the organization.
  • Gather information and compile/analyze data to determine the most appropriate and effective learning methods for diverse work groups.
  • Work with subject matter experts, stakeholder, business sponsors and students to ensure learning objectives are met.
  • Present complex information using instructionally effective methods.
  • Analyze/assess training effectiveness and recommend adjustments.
  • Track employee performance and measure training outcomes.
  • May recommend training methods.
  • May participate in system administration and course maintenance, such as Learning Management System (LMS)

What You'll Bring

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • 4-7 years of experience designing training for adult audiences in a professional environment (commercial or corporate)
  • Information Mapping/DocuTools Certification preferred.
  • Training project management skills with an emphasis on needs analysis, scope, time estimations and execution
  • Demonstrated critical thinking to review and analyze data
  • Proficient in graphic/user interface/interactive design
  • Experience with applications such as:
    • Adobe Creative Suite (PhotoShop, Illustrator, Bridge, Premiere, InDesign, AfterEffects, etc.)
    • Articulate 360 (Storyline 360, Rise, Studio 360, Replay, etc.)
    • Snagit 2018 or greater
    • Camtasia 2018 or greater
    • Microsoft Office Applications
    • Online graphic design applications, such as Venngage, Canva, etc.
    • HTML, ActionSript or application/gaming design
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Self-motivated; self-starter
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and respond quickly to emergent problems
  • Instructional design certificate from an industry recognized organization (ASTD, eLearning Guild, Langevin, etc.) preferred
Pay Range: $64,300.00 - $85,700.00 AnnuallyThis hiring range is a reasonable estimate of the base pay range for this position at the time of posting. Pay is based on a number of factors which may include job-related knowledge, skills, experience, business requirements and geographic location.

** Note that the following statements only apply to candidates who will be working from an unincorporated area within Los Angeles County. **

First American will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws (e.g., the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act).

First American intends to conduct a review of an applicant's criminal history in connection with a conditional offer. First American reasonably believes that a criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship with the following material job duties for this position potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment: handling of confidential, proprietary or trade secret information belonging to First American or its customers, administrating or facilitating financial transactions, and the ability to meet customer-imposed criminal history requirements.

What We OfferBy choice, we don't simply accept individuality - we embrace it, we support it, and we thrive on it! Our People First culture is inclusive for all employees - not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it's the key to our success. We are proud to foster an authentic and inclusive workplace For All. You are free and encouraged to bring your entire, unique self to work. First American is an equal opportunity employer in every sense of the term.Based on eligibility, First American offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, PTO/paid sick leave and other great benefits like an employee stock purchase plan.

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