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:
Quick apply
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:
Game Designer, Amazon Game Studios
Culver City, CA · On-site
$169K/yr
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 ...
Game Designer, Amazon Game Studios
Culver City, CA · On-site
$169K/yr
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 ...
Tabletop Game Designer
Dallas, TX · On-site
$60 - $90/hr
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 ...
Tabletop Game Designer
Dallas, TX · On-site
$60 - $90/hr
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 ...
Part Time Unreal Game Designer
Huntsville, AL · On-site
$152K/yr
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 ...
Part Time Unreal Game Designer
Huntsville, AL · On-site
$152K/yr
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 ...
$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 ...
$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 - 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 ...
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 ...
Part Time Unity Game Designer
Huntsville, AL · On-site
$152K/yr
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 ...
Part Time Unity Game Designer
Huntsville, AL · On-site
$152K/yr
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, Amazon Game Studios
Culver City, CA · On-site
$169K/yr
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 ...
Game Designer, Amazon Game Studios
Culver City, CA · On-site
$169K/yr
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 ...
Senior Game Designer
$80 - $150K/hr
Position Summary We are looking for an enthusiastic Game Designer based at our Chicago studio. You will create compelling prize-first 'slot-like' concepts working with all game-design disciplines to ...
Senior Game Designer
$80 - $150K/hr
Position Summary We are looking for an enthusiastic Game Designer based at our Chicago studio. You will create compelling prize-first 'slot-like' concepts working with all game-design disciplines to ...
$120 - $180/hr
ARB Gaming is hiring its first Senior Mobile Games Designer to own the design of individual games and features across our Modo.us portfolio, casino-style games, bingo, and beyond. You'll drive ...
$120 - $180/hr
ARB Gaming is hiring its first Senior Mobile Games Designer to own the design of individual games and features across our Modo.us portfolio, casino-style games, bingo, and beyond. You'll drive ...
Principal Game Designer, Competitive Systems - VALORANT
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$167K/yr
As a Principal Game Designer, you will design, tweak, and optimize the player experience. Your analytical skills, player insight, and creativity aid in crafting in- and out-of-game experiences that ...
Principal Game Designer, Competitive Systems - VALORANT
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$167K/yr
As a Principal Game Designer, you will design, tweak, and optimize the player experience. Your analytical skills, player insight, and creativity aid in crafting in- and out-of-game experiences that ...
Senior Game Designer
Chicago, IL · On-site
$80 - $150K/hr
Position Summary We are looking for an enthusiastic Game Designer based at our Chicago studio. You will create compelling prize-first 'slot-like' concepts working with all game-design disciplines to ...
Quick apply
Senior Game Designer
Chicago, IL · On-site
$80 - $150K/hr
Position Summary We are looking for an enthusiastic Game Designer based at our Chicago studio. You will create compelling prize-first 'slot-like' concepts working with all game-design disciplines to ...
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 ...
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 ...
Game Designer, Casual F2P
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$167K/yr
We need a game designer who actually plays casual F2P mobile games, not someone who tolerates them, but someone who genuinely loves them. You'll design new mechanics and improve existing ones for ...
Quick apply
Game Designer, Casual F2P
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$167K/yr
We need a game designer who actually plays casual F2P mobile games, not someone who tolerates them, but someone who genuinely loves them. You'll design new mechanics and improve existing ones for ...
Game Designer, Casual F2P
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$65 - $95/hr
We need a game designer who actually plays casual F2P mobile games, not someone who tolerates them, but someone who genuinely loves them. You'll design new mechanics and improve existing ones for ...
Game Designer, Casual F2P
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$65 - $95/hr
We need a game designer who actually plays casual F2P mobile games, not someone who tolerates them, but someone who genuinely loves them. You'll design new mechanics and improve existing ones for ...
Senior Game Designer
Chicago, IL · On-site
$90 - $150K/hr
Position Summary We are looking for an enthusiastic Game Designer based at our Chicago studio. You will create compelling prize-first 'slot-like' concepts working with all game-design disciplines to ...
Senior Game Designer
Chicago, IL · On-site
$90 - $150K/hr
Position Summary We are looking for an enthusiastic Game Designer based at our Chicago studio. You will create compelling prize-first 'slot-like' concepts working with all game-design disciplines to ...
Principal Game Designer, Competitive Systems - VALORANT
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$167K/yr
As a Principal Game Designer, you will design, tweak, and optimize the player experience. Your analytical skills, player insight, and creativity aid in crafting in- and out-of-game experiences that ...
Principal Game Designer, Competitive Systems - VALORANT
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$167K/yr
As a Principal Game Designer, you will design, tweak, and optimize the player experience. Your analytical skills, player insight, and creativity aid in crafting in- and out-of-game experiences that ...
Game Designer, Casual F2P
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$167K/yr
We need a game designer who actually plays casual F2P mobile games, not someone who tolerates them, but someone who genuinely loves them. You'll design new mechanics and improve existing ones for ...
Game Designer, Casual F2P
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$167K/yr
We need a game designer who actually plays casual F2P mobile games, not someone who tolerates them, but someone who genuinely loves them. You'll design new mechanics and improve existing ones for ...
Principal Game Designer, Competitive Systems - VALORANT
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$167K/yr
As a Principal Game Designer, you will design, tweak, and optimize the player experience. Your analytical skills, player insight, and creativity aid in crafting in- and out-of-game experiences that ...
Principal Game Designer, Competitive Systems - VALORANT
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$167K/yr
As a Principal Game Designer, you will design, tweak, and optimize the player experience. Your analytical skills, player insight, and creativity aid in crafting in- and out-of-game experiences that ...
Game Designer, Casual F2P
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$65 - $95/hr
Who You Are * 2+ years of experience designing casual F2P mobile games. * At least one shipped casual mobile game currently live on the App Store or Google Play, preferably with significant design ...
Game Designer, Casual F2P
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$65 - $95/hr
Who You Are * 2+ years of experience designing casual F2P mobile games. * At least one shipped casual mobile game currently live on the App Store or Google Play, preferably with significant design ...
Game Designer information
See salary details
$47K - $56.9K
1% of jobs
$56.9K - $66.8K
0% of jobs
$66.8K - $76.7K
0% of jobs
$76.7K - $86.6K
0% of jobs
$86.6K - $96.5K
1% of jobs
$96.5K - $106.5K
1% of jobs
$106.5K - $116.4K
0% of jobs
$116.4K - $126.3K
0% of jobs
$126.3K - $136.2K
3% of jobs
$136.2K - $146.1K
0% of jobs
$148.1K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$146.1K - $156K
94% of jobs
$47K
$156K
How much do game designer jobs pay per year?
As of Sep 6, 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?
| Aspect | Game Designer | Level Designer |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Overall game concept, mechanics, story, and player experience | Design and layout of specific game levels or environments |
| Required Skills | Creative thinking, game mechanics, storytelling, scripting | Level layout, environment design, spatial awareness, scripting |
| Work Environment | Collaborates with artists, programmers, writers across entire game development | Works closely with artists and programmers to craft individual levels |
| Common Usage | Used in game development teams across all genres | Primarily 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.
More about Game Designer jobs
- How do I become a lead game designer?
- What are the qualifications for a game designer?
- Where do game designers work?
- The 8 Best Types of Game Designer in 2026
- The 10 Top Types Of Game Designer Jobs
- The 6 Highest Paying Game Designer Jobs in 2026
- What Is a Game Designer and How to Become One
- Game Designer Job Description Sample Template
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 job categories do people searching Game Designer jobs look for?
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Job description
About Proxima
Proxima is an independent game studio founded by veterans of Electronic Arts (EA). We pride ourselves on executing with very small teams, high autonomy, and agility. Our inaugural title, Suck Up!, became a viral sensation, championed by content creators and amassing over 300 million views to date.
We are currently developing our second project, which will be a PC title set in the simulation genre. 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: You will play a key role in setting the creative direction for the game, including game pillars, key design elements, progression, and more.
- Systems design: You will develop systems that simulate play, blending expertise in player psychology with strong mathematical logic to build interlocking mechanics that stimulate emergent gameplay.
- End-to-end implementation: You will work independently and with team members to implement design solutions: from paper prototyping and technical implementation to balancing and testing.
Who you are:
- Game systems architect: You design through dynamic rules, not linear scripts. You deeply understand how variables collide and cascade across the game to create emergent gameplay.
- Intuitive understanding of psychology: You have a deep understanding of player psychology and what motivates people to play.
- Systems design expert: You can build the math behind the game. You are an expert at creating complex, automated spreadsheets to simulate, balance, and prove out progression curves and resource economies.
- Hands-on builder: You are comfortable building directly in-engine (Unity). You have a strong working knowledge of game engine systems. You can partner with engineers to build custom tools that accelerate your workflow.
- 5+ years game design experience: You have over five years of design experience, including taking a game from early prototype to launch.
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