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Game Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Slot Game Designer - Remote

Las Vegas, NV · On-site +1

$148K/yr

Slot Game Designer Location: Las Vegas, NV, or Chicago, IL ( or fully-remote ) Your Mission in the Reel World: As a Slot Game Designer, you'll be the captain of your own gaming ship, navigating ...

Contract Game Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$30 - $38/hr

The Game Designer plays a key role in the game and product development process from start to finish. In this role you'll be responsible for pitching original concepts, developing pitches from team ...

Slot Game Designer - Remote

Reno, NV · On-site +1

$154K/yr

Slot Game Designer Location: Las Vegas, NV, or Chicago, IL ( or fully-remote ) Your Mission in the Reel World: As a Slot Game Designer, you'll be the captain of your own gaming ship, navigating ...

Slot Game Designer - Remote

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$151K/yr

Slot Game Designer Location: Las Vegas, NV, or Chicago, IL ( or fully-remote ) Your Mission in the Reel World: As a Slot Game Designer, you'll be the captain of your own gaming ship, navigating ...

Slot Game Designer - Remote

Atlanta, GA · On-site +1

$152K/yr

Slot Game Designer Location: Las Vegas, NV, or Chicago, IL ( or fully-remote ) Your Mission in the Reel World: As a Slot Game Designer, you'll be the captain of your own gaming ship, navigating ...

AR Game Designer -- Mobile & WebAR

Miami, FL · Remote

$158K/yr

We are looking for an AR Game Designer to own the gameplay design and help turn the creative concept into simple, compelling, highly repeatable interactions. What You'll Do * Define the core gameplay ...

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 ...

The Lead Designer should have excellent game design ability in both single and multiplayer and be a proven leader. Finally, the perfect candidate will be a designer that doesn't accept the status quo ...

$162K/yr

Game Designer (Puzzle) About us: Deep expertise. Personal and Industry evolution. Impeccable craft. These are Limit Break's founding principles. Limit Break is founded by global industry leaders in ...

Game Designer, Amazon Game Studios

Culver City, CA · On-site

$169K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Amazon Game Studios is looking for a Game Designer - we build exciting new casual and innovative games using Amazon's GameNight phone controller experience as well as traditional controllers. Working ...

We're looking for a Senior Game Designer to play a leadership role on the project. We are a remote-first studio headquartered in San Francisco, California. Core Responsibilities: * Creative direction:

Principal Game Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

$123 - $182/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Zynga is looking for an experienced Principal Systems Designer to work on one of our new mobile games. This role leads and participates in direct design and creative input on content and system ...

Part Time Unreal Game Designer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$152K/yr

  • Retirement

Pinnacle Solutions is looking for a passionate and motivated Game Designer to join our virtual development team on a part-time basis. The ideal candidate has a foundational understanding of game ...

Game Designer - TCG

Seattle, WA · 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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Game Designer information

See salary details

$47K

$156K

How much do game designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for game designer in the United States is $149,118.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $155,000.00 and $155,000.00 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, 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.

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 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 cities are hiring for Game Designer jobs?

Cities with the most Game Designer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Game Designer jobs?

The most popular types of Game Designer jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Game Designer jobs?

The top employers for Game Designer jobs are:

What states have the most Game Designer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Game Designer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Game Designer jobs?

For Game Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Game Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,118 per year, or $71.7 per hour.

Contract Game Designer

Exploding Kittens

Los Angeles, CA

$30 - $38/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

This is a contract position for the role of Game Designer, anticipated to run for approximately three months with the possibility of extension based on business needs. The Game Designer plays a key role in the game and product development process from start to finish. In this role you'll be responsible for pitching original concepts, developing pitches from team members and external inventors, and researching ongoing industry trends.

The ideal candidate will have a deep love for mass market party games, both as a designer and a player. We want team members with strong perspectives, collaborative mindsets, and clear communication skills. You'll be expected to support multiple projects simultaneously, with opportunities to learn from experienced designers and support up-and-coming talent.

If you're someone who thinks about games constantly (in a good way), obsesses over what makes people laugh, connect, and come back for more, and loves turning great ideas into unforgettable experiences, you'll fit right in.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Design and develop several projects, responding to feedback from key stakeholders to craft gameplay that is fun, marketable, and innovative

  • Pitch original game ideas, researching and developing concepts on your own and with other designers

  • Provide feedback for and develop pitches from external inventors

  • Facilitate or participate in in-person and remote playtesting sessions

  • Write instructions & "How to Play" video scripts with accessibility and clarity in mind

  • Partner with internal stakeholders to support development/publication, collaborating cross-functionally with Creative Operations, Production & Sourcing

WHAT WE NEED
  • 3+ years of tabletop game design/development experience

  • A love for, and strong knowledge of, successful mass market retail party games

  • An understanding of fundamental game design principles and player motivations

  • Experience writing and editing game rules and "how to play" video scripts

  • A basic understanding of graphic design, UX principles, and tools including Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop

  • A basic understanding of organization/presentation tools, including Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides

  • Based in Los Angeles, CA, with the ability to work a hybrid schedule in our office Tuesday through Thursday
This salary represents a range for the position and will ultimately depend on the individual's qualifications and years of experience, location, and is subject to change.
As an Equal Employment Opportunity employer we are committed to complying with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunity to applicants and employees regardless of sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), race (including protected hairstyles such as dreadlocks, braids and twists), religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, gender (including gender identity and gender expression and/or the fact that an individual is transgender, transitioning or transitioned), color, ancestry, national origin, possession of a driver’s license, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information/trait/condition, marital or familial status, family care or medical leave status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, membership in military reserves, political affiliation, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance or regulation  We consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable local, state and federal “ban the box” and “fair chance” laws. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.