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Game Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Part Time Unity 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 ...

Principal Game Designer

Austin, TX · On-site

$123K - $182K/yr

  • 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 ...

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 ...

Senior Game Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $150K/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Game Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $150K/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Game Designer, Level (Contingent)

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$58.03 - $65/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Experience using a game editor such as Unreal Editor and scripting/programming using a language such as C#, Lua, Python, Visual Scripting * Excitement for learning and growing as a designer. Keen to ...

Technical Game Designer

Los Angeles, CA · Remote

$80K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Technical Game Designer Remote - US and Canada only We are a small studio dedicated to crafting unique and high-quality interactive experiences, and we are looking for a talented designer-programmer ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Game Designer III (Card Rules) - Riftbound

Riot Games

Los Angeles, CA

$167K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

As a Game Designer, you will design, tweak, and optimize the player experience. Your analytical skills, player insight, and creativity help craft in- and out-of-game experiences that engage and surprise players. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and work with every tool at hand to create and iterate player-focused designs that will delight millions around the world.

As a Senior Game Designer on Riftbound, you'll report to a Game Design Manager and work directly with other designers. You will design and improve the gameplay experience through the lens of game rules and their interactions with content: cards. Primary among your responsibilities will be working with set designers to build, improve, and execute on new mechanics, templates, and rules, and you will also be expected to contribute to card design across many products, and support other efforts related to the Riftbound game experience.

Responsibilities:
  • Understand the relevant audiences for the game, and from this, calibrate your design expertise to reflect appropriate taste for these audiences
  • Use data and sense-making to identify opportunities to improve the health of the game through cards
  • Articulate and consider a scope and depth of possible solutions, including possible effects, and collaboratively reach the best solution
  • Evaluate and improve rules across the game's design and execution, especially understanding the multiple ways the game will be played by players
  • Improve existing design frameworks, our approaches to design, and create new ones
  • Openly share work and seek feedback from other developers, while combine co-worker and player feedback to calibrate design direction
  • Provide mentorship to more junior members of the design team
Required Qualifications:
  • 4+ years experience as a game designer and/or tabletop game rules manager
  • Demonstrated experience working on rules for tabletop games
  • Broad mechanics and content design ability
Desired Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of CCGs and their features
  • Experience playing or judging in CCGs
  • Experience working with or playing PvP strategy games
  • Experience developing a competitive or multiplayer game

For this role, you'll find success through craft expertise and a collaborative spirit that prioritizes the delight of players. We will look at your past studies and experience, but for this role, we also look for dedicated people with a personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about players' experiences, this is the role for you!

Our Perks:

Riot focuses on work/life balance, shown by our open paid time off policy and other perks such as flexible work schedules. We offer medical, dental, and life insurance, parental leave for you, your spouse/domestic partner, and children, and a 401k with company match. Check out our benefits pages for more information.

At Riot Games, we put players first. That mission drives every decision in our quest to create games and experiences that make it better to be a player. Whether you're working directly on a new player-facing experience or you're supporting the company as a whole, everyone at Riot is part of our mission. And just like in our games, we're better when we work together. Our goal is to create collaborative teams where you are empowered to bring your unique perspective everyday. If that sounds like the kind of place you want to work, we're looking forward to your application.

It's our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.

Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:

  • Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data
  • Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors
  • Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks
  • Ensuring a safe interactive environment for players and other Rioters

These duties are directly related to essential operations, safety, trust, and compliance obligations within our organization. Please note that job duties may evolve based on business needs and additional responsibilities may be assigned as necessary to maintain operational efficiency and security. 

(Los Angeles Only) Base salary range between $150,000.00 - $209,600.00 USD + incentive compensation + equity + 401K with company match + medical, dental, vision, and life insurance + short and long-term disability + open PTO.


Riot Games logo

About Riot Games

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Riot Games was founded in 2006 by Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill with the intent to change the way video games are made and supported for players. In 2009, Riot released its debut title League of Legends to worldwide acclaim. The game has since gone on to become the most played PC game in the world and a key driver of the explosive growth of esports. Players are the foundation of our community and it's for them we continue to evolve and improve the League of Legends experience.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2006

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