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Game Designer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Tabletop Game Designer

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$176K/yr

The Game Designer will turn early-stage ideas into engaging, intuitive, and commercially viable games. This person will own concepts through iterative development-creating prototypes, testing ...

New

Tabletop Game Designer

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$176K/yr

The Game Designer will turn early-stage ideas into engaging, intuitive, and commercially viable games. This person will own concepts through iterative development--creating prototypes, testing ...

New

Game Designer - TCG

Seattle, WA

$176K/yr

Who We're Looking For We're seeking a Game Designer to contribute meaningfully to the design of Fanatics trading card game franchises. You'll work within the game design group on systems, mechanics ...

Game Designer - TCG

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$98K - $123K/yr

Who We're Looking For We're seeking a Game Designer to contribute meaningfully to the design of Fanatics trading card game franchises. You'll work within the game design group on systems, mechanics ...

We are seeking a Senior Game Designer to work with our design team to conceptualize and build Dungeons & Dragons products. In this role, you'll help craft the future of D&D by designing and writing ...

Sr Game Designer - D&D

Renton, WA ยท On-site

$112K - $168K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Game Designer to work with our design team to conceptualize and build Dungeons & Dragons products. In this role, you'll help craft the future of D&D by designing and writing ...

Esports Streamer Games for Love is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that works to ease suffering, save lives, and create sustainable futures for children. We believe in the concept of ...

Company Description Games for Love is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that works to ease suffering, save lives, and create sustainable futures for children. We believe in the concept of ...

Work directly with game designers, animators, and other engineers to deliver state-of-the-art gameplay features. * Integrate with first and third party services to give our players a seamless ...

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Showing results 1-20

Game Designer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$53.5K

$177.5K

How much do game designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for game designer 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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Is it hard to get a game designer job?

Getting a game designer job can be competitive, as it often requires a strong portfolio, relevant skills in game development tools, and sometimes formal education in design or related fields. Building experience through internships, personal projects, or certifications can improve chances of employment in this field.

Is there a high demand for game designers?

The demand for game designers remains 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 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 most commonly searched types of Game Designer jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Game Designer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What job categories do people searching Game Designer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Game Designer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Game Designer jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Game Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Game Designer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $169,700 per year, or $81.6 per hour.

Tabletop Game Designer

Goliath

Seattle, WA โ€ข On-site

$176K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Goliath is an international manufacturer and distributor of toys and games, operating in 15 countries and reaching over 100 countries worldwide. At the heart of our business is a belief in great products and the magic of innovation. Our mission is to bring fun to every household, which we achieve through teamwork and clever collaboration.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly creative, resourceful, and organized Game Designer to invent and develop innovative tabletop games across a wide range of categories, including preschool, kids, family, party, crime and mystery, light strategy, and licensed games.

The Game Designer will turn early-stage ideas into engaging, intuitive, and commercially viable games. This person will own concepts through iterative development-creating prototypes, testing gameplay, refining mechanics, writing rules, and collaborating with internal teams and external creative partners.

The ideal candidate combines imaginative thinking with disciplined execution. They can take a loose idea and transform it into a compelling game experience with minimal supervision, while working quickly, managing multiple projects, and responding to changing priorities and stakeholder feedback.

Key Responsibilities

Invent and develop original games across multiple categories using ideas from internal teams, inventors, licensors, external partners, consumer insights, and emerging trends.

Turn early-stage ideas into engaging, accessible, and commercially viable prototypes.

Manage multiple projects from concept through weekly iteration, documentation, final development, and production handoff.

Plan and facilitate playtesting with internal teams and target consumers, translating feedback and observed behavior into actionable improvements.

Write clear, engaging, audience-appropriate instructions and develop instruction-manual layouts informed by consumer testing.

Present concepts, prototypes, playtest findings, and recommendations; incorporate stakeholder feedback while protecting the integrity of the game experience.

Develop gameplay talking points and confidently demonstrate games for internal teams, licensors, and other partners.

Plan and lead structured team brainstorms, providing creative direction and documentation to move the strongest ideas into development.

Research social, cultural, entertainment, toy, and gaming trends; evaluate current, historical, and competitive games to identify innovations and market opportunities.

Attend trade shows, conventions, inventor events, and industry gatherings to find inspiration, research products, and identify potential inventors and partners.

Maintain a strong working knowledge of current and historical board games, gameplay mechanics, formats, materials, components, and construction innovations.

Requirements

Professional experience in board game development, game design, product development, toy development, or a closely related creative field.

Demonstrated ability to develop a game from an early-stage idea through prototyping, playtesting, iteration, and final documentation.

Strong understanding of gameplay mechanics, player psychology, pacing, balance, accessibility, and age-appropriate design.

Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to explain gameplay clearly and concisely.

Experience planning, conducting, and documenting structured playtests.

Ability to turn qualitative consumer observations into specific, actionable improvements.

Excellent organizational and project-management abilities, including the capacity to manage several projects with shifting timelines and priorities.

Ability to work autonomously, exercise sound judgment, and move projects forward with minimal supervision.

Comfortable giving, receiving, evaluating, and incorporating constructive feedback.

A portfolio of published games, prototypes, instructions, or other relevant game-development work.

Benefits

  • 401(k) with company matching
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance to keep you covered
  • Life insurance
  • Flexible spending and health savings accounts to manage your healthcare costs
  • Paid time off to recharge when you need it
  • Join a fun, dynamic and creative industry-working with toys and games brings its own rewards